GB2473177A

GB2473177A - Servicing flanged pipe connections

Info

Publication number: GB2473177A
Application number: GB0910997A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mark Drummond
Original assignee: MD INSPECTION Ltd
Current assignee: MD INSPECTION Ltd
Priority date: 2009-07-02
Filing date: 2009-07-02
Publication date: 2011-03-09
Also published as: GB0910997D0

Abstract

A method for recording the details of the servicing of a pipe run or items of equipment associated therewith comprising a first computing means, holding the unique reference number and the servicing information for a particular pipe run and/or items of equipment associated therewith at a particular time, and a second, hand-held computerised means, which can download the unique reference number and the servicing information for that particular pipe run or items of equipment at that particular time from the first computing means. The Service Engineer takes the second computer out onto site to the pipe run or items of equipment, confirms the identities via signals to and from a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag fast with a part of the pipe run or items of equipment associated therewith and undertakes the maintenance specified in the download and accessible on the second computer. Details of the servicing are input to the second computer immediately after the servicing is complete and subsequently uploaded on to the first computer for processing and storage. The stored data may be archived off site for additional security.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SAFETY TESTING OF PIPE RUNS INCLUDING

FLANGED PIPE CONNECTIONS AND RECORDING THE RESULTS THEREOF

S This specification relates to the means of servicing pipe runs and, in particular flanged connections in those pipe runs, and recording the results of the work.

In this context, servicing' means any I all or any combination of visual or hands-on (touching) inspection, maintenance, whether planned or breakdown, including replacement of parts, calibration or validation of any item of equipment, whole system or part of a system, including particularly any Level 1 item I system. Level 1' means any item I system where failure would have catastrophic results, e.g. lead to an explosion in the surrounding environment such as in a mine or at a petroleum installation, cause a ship to sink, a plane to crash or prevent a submarine from re-surfacing, etc. To many people, once a pipe run is installed, little or no further maintenance is required apart from cursory visual inspections for leaks and repainting, if appropriate. This is to ignore the considerable technical content in the design and installation both of the pipe runs themselves and, more so, of the flanged joints in those pipe runs. Many modern pipe runs utilise welded joints, often with inserts to ensure full penetration welds. Such joints, especially on Level 1 systems, require periodic inspection for corrosion due to electrochemjcal, galvanic or stress cracking processes. The pipe hangers have to be inspected to ensure freedom of movement to allow for thermal and pressure cycling.

Figs. 1 and 2 show a typical prior art flange connection and the gasket 3 between the flange faces 6A, 6B. Here, pipes IA and 1 B are welded 7 to flanges 2A, 2B respectively so that faces 6 are essentially normal to pipe axis 11. Gasket 3 is formed from a parallel-sided sheet of resilient material 5, Gasket faces 4 mate with flange faces 6 and the joint thus formed is held tightly together by bolts BA and nuts 8B through clearance holes 9 and 10. As shown (Fig. 2), six holes 10 are distributed symmetrically around pipe bore 12 on a pitch circle diameter (pcd) 13.

The number of holes 10 and pcd 13 are carefully chosen to ensure that the tightening of bolts 8 gives a uniform pressure across flange face 4 (shown hatched in Fig. 2). To ensure the correct pressure on gasket material 5, bolts 8 must be tightened to a specified torque; under-tightening will not compress the gasket material 5 adequately to give a proper seal and over-tightening is Jikely cause a set' in gasket material 5 and rob it of its resilience to maintain a seal under fluctuating conditions of thermal and pressure cycling.

I

A further factor in the maintenance of flanges is that the metal in the shanks 9 of bolts 8A may creep over time and may require re-tightening to the prescribed torque. The scantlings of flanges 2 are selected to maintain faces 6 normal to axis 11 under the bending forces due to bolts 8 under the design torque.

Thus, there is a great deal of technology in the design and installation of pipe runs and, in particular, of flanged joints and, on well-maintained installations, the installation technology should be regularly checked and the checking documented. On Level 1 systems, regular maintenance and documentation of that maintenance is mandatory. Often proof of maintenance / testing is by placing a sticker prominently on the item so that a user can see that it has been checked and is validated for use until the date shown on the sticker. While this is a perfectly acceptable for some applications, it is vulnerable to abuse, e.g. changing the validation date or applying a sticker when it has not been checked.

However, there are certain applications when auditable, proof-positive of validated checking is essential, e.g. for safety and operating systems in nuclear plants, or in potentially explosive environments, such as oil / gas production facilities, oil refineries, etc. and all relevant systems in such installations are documented and have strictly defined validation regimes. Here every piece of servicing and validation check is rigorously supervised and the work documented. Usually, paper documentation is backed up on a computer on the site and also on another one at a remote location so that, in the event of a catastrophe at the site, such as the explosions and fires on the North Sea Piper Alpha Oil Rig and at Buncefield, a full set of maintenance and validation data will be available for Accident Investigators to examine in their efforts to identify the cause of the mishap.

The normal procedure for servicing and / or validation of safety-related piping systems is for a skilled person to:- 1. Obtain the relevant documentation stipulating what inspection I maintenance / validation procedures are to be undertaken on a specific piping run at that particular time; 2. Identify where that piping run was located and gain access to it (often by using high level safety access); 3. Confirm the identity the piping run and components in it by verifying its(their) reference number(s) and checking what level of inspection / maintenance / validation was required; 4. Undertake visual inspection of pipe run (e.g. for leakage, impact damage or corrosion, etc); 5. Undertake hands-on inspection by touching (e.g. to feel for loose nuts / bolts, hangers, etc.); 6. Undertake a full inspection (e.g. checking bolt torques, gaskets, Non Destructive Testing (NDT) of welded joints (such as Dye Penetrant checking for cracking), etc.) This could include replacement of gaskets 3, whether defective or as required of planned maintenance.); and 7. Complete the documentation.

The completion of the documentation would usually involve completing a paper record on the job or immediately after it had been completed and subsequently copying this into the Site Computer's Database in the Site Office. In practice, a Service Engineer would probably plan to deal with a number of pipe runs in a particular (geographical) area or of a particular type in a shift and, when this was done, return, partway through the shift, to complete the documentation in the office. According to the strict Procedures for working on Level 1 0) systems, the documentation must be completed during that same shift and not left till a later date, when detailed memories of the actual operations might have faded.

Q In practice, completion of the documentation can take a very significant part of the total shift (\J and a quarter or a third of the time, for this purpose, is not uncommon. Clearly, to avoid Q overrunning on the shift, the Engineer must allow adequate time for the desk work and so will tend to minimise the number of pipe runs to be serviced in the shift. Thus, to comply fully with the Procedures (which is mandatory), will result in minimising the number of pipe runs, which can be serviced in a given time, thus increasing costs. Consequently, there is a need for a more efficient way of working, to use the time available more effectively and so reduce overall costs.

According to the invention, there is provided apparatus for use in recording the details of the servicing of an item of equipment in / associated with a pipe run comprising:-i) a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) means fast with the item of equipment or fast with another component immediately adjacent to and fast with said item of equipment, said RFID having a unique reference; a first computing means capable of storing the unique reference of the RFID and the supporting documentation relating to the item of equipment to which it is fast and of providing that information as and when interrogated by the inputting of said RFID reference or other input specifying the particular pipe run of which the item of equipment is a part; ii) the first computing means further being capable of processing and storing data and of providing a download of some I all of the stored data on demand and of having other data uploaded into it, processing that data and adding that processed, uploaded data to the already-stored data and so forming a new data store; iii) a second computing means, adapted to be hand-holdable and portable, and capable of accessing the first computing means, receiving data downloaded therefrom and having a means to display information and a means to input data, processing the input data, collating and storing it and uploading the stored data on demand and further having transmitting and receiving capabilities for two-way communication with said RFID means; 0) iv) a means to identify an item of equipment to be serviced at a specific time and using the second computing means to access the first computing means and downloading the relevant unique reference and servicing information on to the second computing means; C\J v) gaining access to the item of equipment and operating the transmitting and receiving means on the second computing means to communicate with the RFID means fast with the item of equipment I other component to confirm the identity of said item of equipment; vi) undertaking on said item of equipment the servicing operations prescribed in the servicing information downloaded from the first computing means and displayed on the second computing means; vii) inputting into the second computing means the details of the servicing operations performed on the item of equipment; and viii) uploading these input details of the servicing operations from the second computing means into the first computing means for appropriate processing collation and storage; charactensed in that the first computing means is essentially static at a central location and that the servicing engineer downloads the servicing information onto the second computing means, takes the second computing means to the item of equipment, gains access to the item of equipment, accesses the REID, fast with the item of equipment / other component, S to confirm its identity via the unique reference, undertakes the prescribed servicing operations, inputs details of the servicing operations performed and thereafter uploads the input details into the first computer for processing, collating and storing for future use.

According to a first variation of the apparatus of the invention, the item of equipment is a pipe flange forming one part of a flanged joint in the pipe run.

According to a second variation of the apparatus of the invention, the item of equipment is a welded joint in the pipe run.

According to a third variation of the apparatus of the invention, the item of equipment is a pipe hanger or other means for locating piping forming a part of the pipe run.

According to a fourth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the item of equipment is an instrument associated with the pipe run.

According to a fifth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the item of equipment is a measuring instrument, such as a pressure, temperature, pH or other type of gauge.

According to a sixth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the RFID is a small electronic item known as a REID tag.

According to a seventh variation of the apparatus of the invention, the RFID tag is fast with the item of equipment I said other component via adhesive bonding.

According to an eighth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the RFID tag is fast with the item of equipment / said other component via a mechanical connection.

According to a ninth variation of the apparatus of the invention, security means are provided to indicate if the RFID tag has been damaged, removed or otherwise tampered with.

According to a tenth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the security means is a covering of paint.

According to an eleventh variation of the apparatus of the invention, the security means is a heat-shrinkable plastic cover.

According to a twelfth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the item of equipment is a Level 1, or equivalent, in I associated with the pipe run, failure of which would have a catastrophic consequence.

According to a thirteenth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the item of equipment is a whole system, or part of a system, consisting of conventional or Level 1 items of equipment in I associated with the pipe run.

According to a fourteenth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the first computing means is a site computer, part of the processing capability of which is dedicated to handling and storing the servicing and validation records of all appropriate items of equipment on the site.

According to a fifteenth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the second computing means is a hand-holdable, stand alone computer, which may be freely carried around the site and operated as and when and where required.

According to a sixteenth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the second computing means is provided with a display screen and keys with facilities to input alphanumeric data and to control the operating functions of the computing means, including the two-way radio communication with the RFID tag.

According to a seventeenth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the first and second computers are provided with means to communicate with each other either by a direct hard wire or by a remote electronic transmission.

According to an eighteenth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the item of equipment to be serviced is identified by the unique reference, which is stored both in the first computer and in the RFID tag fast with said item / other component.

According to a nineteenth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the unique reference provides access via the first computing means to the servicing history and other relevant information relating to the item of equipment, some or all of which may be downloaded onto the second computing means.

According to a twentieth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the data downloaded from the first computing means into the second computing means is the unique reference and the relevant servicing information for that particular item of equipment at the particular time when the servicing is due, and any other information relevant to that item of equipment and I or that servicing time.

According to a twenty first variation of the apparatus of the invention, the second computing means is taken to the item of equipment and the unique reference of said item is accessed via radio signals between the second computing means and the RFID tag fast with the item of equipment / other component and confirmed against that downloaded from the first computing means.

According to a twenty second variation of the apparatus of the invention, the second computing means prominently displays a warning if the unique reference of said item of equipment accessed via radio signals between the second computing means and the RFID tag fast with said item of equipment I other component is not confirmed against that downloaded from the first computing means.

According to a twenty third variation of the apparatus of the invention, the servicing operations specified in the display on the second computing means are performed on the item of equipment and, immediately after servicing, details of the work completed are input by the Service Engineer into the second computing means, together with any other relevant observations.

According to a twenty fourth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the second computing means is connected, either directly by hard wire or remotely by an electronic signal, to the first computing means and the input details of the servicing operations are uploaded into the first computing means and appropriately processed.

According to a twenty fifth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the updated and processed servicing details are archived onto one I more third computing means at a location(s) remote from the site.

According to the invention, there is provided a method for using the apparatus of the invention for recording the details of the servicing of an item of equipment in I associated with a pipe run comprising the steps of:-i) attaching a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) means fast with the item of equipment or fast with another component immediately adjacent to and fast with said item of equipment, said RFID having a unique reference; ii) accessing a first computing means to input the unique reference of the RFID, and using said computing means to store this unique reference and the supporting documentation relating to the item of equipment to which it is fast and to provide that information as and when interrogated by the is inputting of said RFID reference or other input specifying the particular pipe run of which the item of equipment is a part; iii) further using the second computing means to process and store data and to provide a download of some / all of the stored data on demand and to accommodate other data uploaded into it, to process that data and to add that processed, uploaded data to the already-stored data and so form a new data store; iv) using a second computing means, to access the first computing means and to receive data downloaded therefrom and to display information and to input data, to process the input data, collate and store it and to upload the stored data on demand and further to have a two-way radio frequency communication with said RFID tag; v) identifying an item of equipment to be serviced at a specific time and using the second computing means to access the first computing means and downloading the relevant unique reference and servicing information on to the second computing means; vi) taking the second computing means to the item of equipment, gaining access to it and operating the transmitting and receiving means on the second computing means to communicate with the RFID tag fast with the item of equipment / other component to confirm the identity of said item of equipment; vii) undertaking on said item of equipment the servicing operations prescribed in the servicing information downloaded from the first computing means and displayed on the second computing means; viii) inputting into the second computing means the details of the servicing operations performed on the item of equipment; and ix) uploading these input details of the servicing operations from the second computing means into the first computing means for appropriate processing collation and storage; charactensed in that the second computing means is a hand-holdable, stand alone device, which may be carried by the Service Engineer to the item of equipment and used adjacent to said item before servicing operations are commenced, used during them (if required) and used after they are completed and subsequently taken to an appropriate location for the input servicing operation details on the second computing means to be uploaded into the first computing means for processing and storage.

According to a first variation of the method of the invention, the method of communication between the first and second computing means is via a hard wired connection.

According to a second variation of the method of the invention, the method of communication between the first and second computing means is via a remote electronic transmission.

According to a third variation of the method of the invention, special means are used to gain access to the item of equipment if said item is in an elevated or difficult-to-access location.

According to a fourth variation of the method of the invention, the unique references and servicing information for a plurality of items of equipment are downloaded together into the second computing means and each of the items of equipment are serviced in turn and the service details input into the second computing means and then the input data from the servicing of all the items of equipment are uploaded onto the first computing means.

According to a fifth variation of the method of the invention, the plurality of items of equipment to be serviced is all located in the same area of the site.

According to a sixth variation of the method of the invention, the plurality of items of equipment to be serviced is all of a similar type or classification.

According to a seventh variation of the method of the invention, the updated service record S in the first computer is archived to a third computer(s) remote from the site.

In a preferred application of the invention, the Service Engineer identifies a pipe run I number of pipe runs and items of equipment in I associated with those pipe runs requiring attention and downloads the unique reference numbers and servicing requirements for each onto his I her hand-holdable computer from the site computer. Then, he / she goes out onto the site to the first pipe run I item of equipment in that pipe run and interrogates the RFID tag fast therewith and, via the unique reference number, confirms that this is the correct item requiring attention. Using the hand-holdable computer, he I she reads from the screen what servicing is due and undertakes it. When this is finished, he I she enters details of the servicing performed into the computer, via the input keys, before moving on to the next item to be serviced and repeating the process.

When all identified items have been serviced, as prescribed, the Service Engineer returns to his / her office, connects the hand-holdable computer to the site computer and uploads the servicing input for processing and collating with the previous records. It is preferred that these updated records are archived to another, secure computer(s) off the site as some accidents have resulted in complete destruction of the whole site. In this eventuality, all the service records would then be available for subsequent inspection by Accident Investigators.

For a clearer understanding of the invention and to show how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:-Figure 1 is an exploded side elevation of a flange joint (Prior Art); Figure 2 is a plan view of the gasket forming the seal in the flange joint of Fig. 1 (Prior Art); Figure 31s a side elevation of a flanged pipe end with a RFID tag attached to the adjacent pipe; Figure 4 is a side elevation of the flanged pipe end of Fig. 3, showing a protective / security band covering the RFID tag; Figure 5 is a diagrammatic representation of a second computing means communicating with a first computing means; Figure 6 is a diagrammatic representation of the second computing means of Fig. 5 communicating with the RFID tag fast with a pipe end /flange of Fig. 4 prior to servicing; Figure 7 is a diagrammatic representation of the pipe end I flange of Fig. 4 being serviced and the details of the servicing being input into the second computing means of Fig. 5; and Figure 8 is a diagrammatic representation of the second computing means of Fig. 5 communicating with the first computing means of Fig. 5.

in the following description, the same reference numeral is used for the same component in different Figures or for different components, fulfilling an identical function.

Figs. 1 and 2 show a conventional flange and gasket joint but the principle of the invention applies equally to other forms of pipe connection, e.g. where 0' rings or compression inserts, etc. are used or where the pipes 1A and 1 B are welded together.

Referring to Fig. 3 a Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) tag 14, with a unique identification (ID) reference number, is permanently attached close to the flange 2 at the end of pipe 1. A resin adhesive is a suitable means of permanent attachment so that tag 14 cannot be removed without destroying it. Additionally, tag 14 is covered with a protective I security means 15 (Fig. 4), such as a layer of paint or a heat shrunk plastic band. The resin bonding and security protection 15 ensure that tag 14 cannot be tampered with or accidently damaged with out itbeing obvious at the next maintenance inspection.

The unique ID reference number is entered 30 (Fig. 5) into site computer 23 so that it is permanently associated with that particular flange 2 on that pipe run 1.

Preferably, tag 14 is attached to the to the actual item of equipment to be serviced but, on a flange, attachment to the circumferential rim of flange 2 would be to place tag 14 in an area vulnerable to accidental damage, e.g. impact from passers-by carrying tool bags, or contact with the ground before the pipe section was installed or if it had to be dismantled during a maintenance operation, etc. To place tag 14 on the face of flange 2 (remote from gasket 3) would risk damage from the spanners or torque wrenches (not shown) used on bolts 8.

Thus, the safest and securest place for tag 14 is on pipe 1, adjacent to, but slightly spaced away from, flange 2, i.e. pipe 1 would be the other component' defined in the claims.

Fig, 5 shows a second computing means 20 which is a hand-holdable computer, comprising a display screen 21 and an array of keys 22. Keys 22 include control keys for causing computer 20 to operate in particular ways and alphanumeric keys for entering data into computer 20. Computer 20 possesses appropriate memory and computing functions (not shown). A first computing means 23 may be any appropriate type of computer but typically would be the fixed site computer, accessible via a number of satellite terminals.

Computers 20 and 23 communicate via a removable connection 24, which allows computer to interrogate 24A computer 23 and to download 248 information, which is storable in the memory (not shown) of computer 20. In practice, the data 248 downloaded would be the unique reference numbers and service requirements for each of a specified 24A number of items on a particular pipe run(s), e.g. flanged joints, welded joints, pipe hangers and I or securing points, instrumentation (e.g. pressure, temperature, pH gauges, etc.), etc. Referring to Fig. 6, the Service Engineer has travelled to the location of one of the items, e.g. flange 2, and gained access to it. For simplicity, only one half 2B of a flanged joint (Fig. 1) is shown in Fig. 6 but the flange 2C at the other end of pipe 1 (past distance symbol 31) is shown, together with its RFID tag 14A. All of the items on the particular pipe run have to comply with appropriate regulations and require periodic servicing and / or inspection.

From short range, the Engineer uses computer 20 to send a radio signal 25 to RFID tag 14.

Part of the energy in signal 25 is absorbed by tag 14 causing it to respond 26 transmitting its unique ID reference number back to computer 1. This unique reference number is checked inside computer 20 against that downloaded 24B confirming that item 2B is the one required on the service schedule 24B. Though not shown, the Engineer would also check 25, 26 the ID code of the tag 14 of the mating flange 2A to confirm that the joint had not been accessed since the previous servicing period. (Radio signals 25 and 26 are shown as dashed lines to distinguish them from hard wired connections 24.) In the event that the unique ID reference number was not confirmed, computer 20 would prominently advise the Engineer.

Looking at display screen 21, the Engineer will see what level of servicing is required on flange joint 2A, 2B. This could be a simple visual inspection, e.g. for evidence of current or past leakage, perhaps followed by a hands-on check of the nuts BA and bolts 8B to ensure that nothing was lose or damaged. Alternatively, this could be a full maintenance service, e.g. checking the torque of the bolts 8 or even replacing gasket 3, if this was part of the planned maintenance. In the event that a fault was found, e.g. a leak or faulty nut I bolt 8, the gasket 3 and any faulty nuts I bolts would be replaced. The servicing process is indicated by arrow 27 in Fig. 7.

In the case of welded joints (not shown), the maintenance may be only a visual inspection 27 but, to comply with the regulations, this must be done and recorded 29. Where the joint experiences considerable thermal or pressure cycling, servicing could include NDT checks.

As soon as servicing 27 is complete, the documentation record is entered 29 into computer 20 via keys 22, i.e. this is done on site as soon as the servicing is complete so that no significant detail is forgotten. Because of the downloaded data 24B, the input of data 29 may be simplified by scrolling down to the appropriate step in the servicing procedure and inputting the requisite information, which may be just pressing a single key 22, e.g. to confirm that the check had been undertaken. Thus, the documentation for the particular maintenance on flange 2A, 2B may be concluded quickly if there has been no particular point to note. However, if a problem had been encountered, a full text explaining this would be input 29 via keys 22. This would include notes for future servicing or whatever the Engineer deemed to be appropriate.

After completing the servicing 27 on a number of flanges 2 and other items on that particular pipe run(s), the Engineer would return to the site office and connect computer 20 to computer 23 via removable lead 24 (Fig. 8). By pressing appropriate keys 22, the data 29 of all the servicing operations 27 on all the flanges 2 and other items serviced during that particular shift is uploaded 24C to the database (not shown) in computer 23. When this is complete an acknowledgement signal 24D is returned to computer 20 to indicate that connection 24 may be removed. This process of uploading 24C may take only a few seconds of computing time, compared to the hours previously, when the data was input by hand from paper records.

In some cases, Secretaries have been used for inputting 24C the Engineer's paper records but, where non-technical personnel are employed, misinterpretation of the paper records has been known, with potentially serious consequences for Level 1 systems. Even if the Secretary had technical knowledge, he I she would not have been present when the servicing was undertaken and could misinterpret part of the paper record. Thus, the principle of the invention ensures that a full, true and complete record is obtained in a timely fashion, without risk of inaccuracy, i.e. a record which can be relied on in the event of an accident.

Uploading of data 24C may not be undertaken immediately when connection 24 is plugged in but the Engineer may leave connection 24 in overnight. It is a feature of computers 23 that they can pnontise work and upload data 24C from a, plurality of computers 20 either when other activities have been completed or at specific times of the day, e.g. overnight. In this case, the following day, the Engineer would check for confirmation signal 24D before commencing that day's work. As the site computer 23 could be vulnerable to a catastrophic event, e.g. like that on Piper Alpha or at Buncefield, data 24C is regularly archived 28 to a third computer(s) (not shown). Because this third computer(s) would be off site, i.e. safe from any possible accident, a dashed, electronic transfer 28 is shown.

The apparatus and method of the invention will enable the Service Engineer to work more quickly, more efficiently and possibly more accurately, as the servicing details are input immediately the work is complete, i.e. without the risk of a few hours delay and possible confusion (in the Engineer's memory) between the several, different items which had been serviced that day.

The skilled person will appreciate the wide range of applications of the invention all falling within the scope of the principle taught herein.

Claims

Claims; 1 Apparatus for use in recording the details of the servicing of an item of equipment in I associated with a pipe run comprising:-S i) a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) means fast with the item of equipment or fast with another component immediately adjacent to and fast with said item of equipment, said RFID having a unique reference; ii) a first computing means capable of storing the unique reference of the RFID and the supporting documentation relating to the item of equipment to which it is fast and of providing that information as and when interrogated by the inputting of said RFID reference or other input specifying the particular pipe run of which the item of equipment is a part; iii) the first computing means further being capable of processing and storing data and of providing a download of some I all of the stored data on demand and of having other data uploaded into it, processing that data and adding that processed, uploaded data to the already-stored data and so forming a new data store; iv) a second computing means, adapted to be hand-holdable and portable, and capable of accessing the first computing means, receiving data downloaded therefrom and having a means to display information and a means to input data, processing the input data, collating and storing it and uploading the stored data on demand and further having transmitting and receiving capabilities for two-way communication with said RFID means; v) a means to identify an item of equipment to be serviced at a specific time and using the second computing means to access the first computing means and downloading the relevant unique reference and servicing information on to the second computing means; vi) gaining access to the item of equipment and operating the transmitting and receiving means on the second computing means to communicate with the RFID means fast with the item of equipment / other component to confirm the identity of said item of equipment; vii) undertaking on said item of equipment the servicing operations prescribed in the servicing information downloaded from the first computing means and displayed on the second computing means; viii) inputting into the second computing means the details of the servicing operations performed on the item of equipment; and ix) uploading these input details of the servicing operations from the second computing means into the first computing means for appropriate processing collation and storage; charactensed in that the first computing means is essentially static at a central location and that the servicing engineer downloads the servicing information onto the second computing means, takes the second computing means to the item of equipment, gains access to the item of equipment, accesses the RFID, fast with the item of equipment I other component, to confirm its identity via the unique reference, undertakes the prescribed servicing operations, inputs details of the servicing operations performed and thereafter uploads the input details into the first computer for processing, collating and storing for future use.
2 Apparatus, as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the item of equipment is a pipe flange forming one part of a flanged joint in the pipe run.
3 Apparatus, as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the item of equipment is a welded joint in the pipe run.
4 Apparatus as, claimed in Claim 1, wherein the item of equipment is a pipe hanger or other means for locating piping forming a part of the pipe run Apparatus as, claimed in Claim 1, wherein the item of equipment is an instrument associated with the pipe run.6 Apparatus as, claimed in Claim 5, wherein the item of equipment is a measuring instrument, such as a pressure, temperature, pH or other type of gauge.7 Apparatus as, claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the RFID is a small electronic item known as a RFID tag.8 Apparatus as, claimed in Claim 7, wherein the RFID tag is fast with the item of equipment I said other component via adhesive bonding.9 Apparatus as, claimed in Claim 7, wherein the RFID tag is fast with the item of equipment / said other component via a mechanical connection.Apparatus as, claimed in Claims 7-9, wherein security means are provided to indicate if the RFID tag has been damaged, removed or otherwise tampered with.11 Apparatus as, claimed in Claim 11, wherein the security means is a covering of paint.12 Apparatus as, claimed in Claim 11, wherein the security means is a heat-shrinkable plastic cover.13 Apparatus as, claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the item of equipment isa Level 1, or equivalent, in / associated with the pipe run, failure of which would have a catastrophic consequence.14 Apparatus as, claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the item of equipment is a whole system, or part of a system, consisting of conventional or Level I items of equipment in / associated with the pipe run.Apparatus as, claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the first computing means is a site computer, part of the processing capability of which is dedicated to handling and storing the servicing and validation records of all appropriate items of equipment on the site.16 Apparatus as, claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the second computing means is a hand-holdable, stand alone computer, which may be freely carried around the site and operated as and when and where required.17 Apparatus as, claimed in Claim 16, wherein the second computing means is provided with a display screen and keys with facilities to input alphanumeric data and to control the operating functions of the computing means, including the two-way radio communication with the RFID tag.18 Apparatus as, claimed in Claims 15-17, wherein the first and second computers are provided with means to communicate with each other either by a direct hard wire or by a remote electronic transmission.19 Apparatus as, claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the item of equipment to be serviced is identified by the unique reference, which is stored both in the first computer and in the RFID tag fast with said item / other component.20 Apparatus as, claimed in Claim 19, wherein the unique reference provides access via the first computing means to the servicing history and other relevant information relating to the item of equipment, some or all of which may be downloaded onto the second computing means.21 Apparatus as, claimed in Claim 20, wherein the data downloaded from the first computing means into the second computing means is the unique reference and the relevant servicing information for that particular item of equipment at the particular time when the servicing is due, and any other information relevant to that item of equipment and / or that servicing time.22 Apparatus as, claimed in Claim 21, wherein the second computing means is taken to the item of equipment and the unique reference of said item is accessed via radio signals between the second computing means and the RFID tag fast with the item of equipment / other component and confirmed against that downloaded from the first computing means.23 Apparatus as, claimed in Claim 22, wherein the second computing means prominently displays a warning if the unique reference of said item of equipment accessed via radio signals between the second computing means and the RFID tag fast with said item of equipment / other component is not confirmed against that downloaded from the first computing means.24 Apparatus as, claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the servicing operations specified in the display on the second computing means are performed on the item of equipment and, immediately after servicing, details of the work completed are input by the Service Engineer into the second computing means, together with any other relevant observations.Apparatus as, claimed in Claim 24, wherein the second computing means is connected, either directly by hard wire or remotely by an electronic signal, to the first computing means and the input details of the servicing operations are uploaded into the first computing means and appropriately processed.26 Apparatus as, claimed in Claims 24 and 25, wherein the updated and processed servicing details are archived onto one I more third computing means at a location(s) remote from the site.27 A method for using the apparatus of the invention for recording the details of the servicing of an item of equipment in / associated with a pipe run comprising the steps of:-i) attaching a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) means fast with the item of equipment or fast with another component immediately adjacent to and fast with said item of equipment, said RFID having a unique reference; ii) accessing a first computing means to input the unique reference of the RFJD, and using said computing means to store this unique reference and the supporting documentation relating to the item of equipment to which it is fast and to provide that information as and when interrogated by the inputting of said RFID reference or other input specifying the particular pipe run of which the item of equipment is a part; iii) further using the second computing means to process and store data and to provide a download of some / all of the stored data on demand and to accommodate other data uploaded into it, to process that data and to add that processed, uploaded data to the already-stored data and so form a new data store; iv) using a second computing means, to access the first computing means and to receive data downloaded therefrom and to display information and to input data, to process the input data, collate and store it and to upload the stored data on demand and further to have a two-way radio frequency communication with said RFID tag; v) identifying an item of equipment to be serviced at a specific time and using the second computing means to access the first computing means and downloading the relevant unique reference and servicing information on to the second computing means; vi) taking the second computing means to the item of equipment, gaining access to it and operating the transmitting and receiving means on the second computing means to communicate with the RFID tag fast with the item of equipment I other component to confirm the identity of said item of equipment; vii) undertaking on said item of equipment the servicing operations prescribed in the servicing information downloaded from the first computing means and displayed on the second computing means; viii) inputting into the second computing means the details of the servicing operations performed on the item of equipment; and ix) uploading these input details of the servicing operations from the second computing means into the first computing means for appropriate processing collation and storage; charactensed in that the second computing means is a hand-holdable, stand alone device, which may be carried by the Service Engineer to the item of equipment and used adjacent to said item before servicing operations are commenced, used during them (if required) and used after they are completed and subsequently taken to an appropriate location for the input servicing operation details on the second computing means to be uploaded into the first computing means for processing and storage.28 A method for using the apparatus of the invention, claimed in Claim 27, wherein the method of communication between the first and second computing means is via a hard wired connection.29 A method for using the apparatus of the invention, claimed in Claim 27, wherein the method of communication between the first and second computing means is via a remote electronic transmission.A method for using the apparatus of the invention, claimed in Claim 27, wherein special means are used to gain access to the item of equipment if said item is in an elevated or difficult-to-access location.31 A method for using the apparatus of the invention, claimed in Claim 27, wherein the unique references and servicing information for a plurality of items of equipment are downloaded together into the second computing means and each of the items of equipment are serviced in turn and the service details input into the second computing means and then the input data from the servicing of all the items of equipment are uploaded onto the first computing means.32 A method for using the apparatus of the invention, claimed in Claim 31, wherein the plurality of items of equipment to be serviced is all located in the same area of the site.33 A method for using the apparatus of the invention, claimed in Claim 31, wherein the plurality of items of equipment to be serviced is all of a similar type or classification.34 A method for using the apparatus of the invention, claimed in Claim 27, wherein the invention, the updated service record in the first computer is archived to a third computer(s) remote from the site.Apparatus and method for use in recording the details of the servicing of an item of equipment in / associated with a pipe run comprising as described in and by the above description with reference to the accompanying drawings.