i.safe MOBILE, a leader for explosion-proof mobile devices and solutions, and its strategy partner Senseven, introduce the mobile inspection system Valve Sense.

Customers can now use the software and AI-based system in conjunction with i.safe MOBILE’s IS540.1 smartphone to monitor critical valves in international explosive hazardous areas. This solution uses advanced sensor technology based on the proven acoustic emission method that can be easily applied by maintenance personnel via software guidance – without special training and expert knowledge.

Companies can use the mobile inspection set consisting of a smartphone, measuring electronics, waveguide, sensors, and a software package to regularly check their plants themselves during ongoing production, saving time and money. Intact valves ensure smooth operation, guarantee product quality and also provide safety for employees. Valve Sense helps to detect valve leakage of water, gas, steam, or air at an early stage and to react promptly. With the combined expertise of both companies, Valve Sense meets the high demands of customers in the chemical, pharmaceutical, oil and gas sector, and other demanding industries in explosive areas. 

Valve Sense for Ex-zones applies digital capabilities to an inspection system for leak detection in valves. The user-friendly kit easily connects acoustic emission sensors to i.safe MOBILE’s 5-G smartphone IS540.1 and transforms it into a smart valve inspection system through Senseven software. The software guides the user through the inspection process in a self-explanatory way and algorithms and artificial intelligence help with data analysis and provide immediate results on site.  All data is automatically stored in a back office – a cloud-based platform for the structured management of all inspection data - to use it for further analysis and reporting.

Efficient Maintenance Process

In manufacturing plants, valve inspection is an important part of the maintenance program. Depending on the production process, there are often harsh operating environments with high temperatures, corrosive chemicals, and abrasive particles. This can lead to damage on the valve and associated unplanned machine downtime. An estimated 5-10% of all industrial valves leak. Undetected leaks caused by non-regular or improper maintenance can result in serious consequences such as injuries, raw material losses and thus produce costs or contamination/environmental pollution. By performing regular in-house valve maintenance with Valve Sense, companies have the option of only having to replace valves when they really have a defect. Functioning valves can continue to be used. And this can be done during the production process without having to test the valve functionality on an external test bench. This avoids a production standstill and at the same time ensures cost and time savings.

i.safe MOBILE GmbH, Lauda-Königshofen, Germany +49 9343 60148-0 www.isafe-mobile.com