TCS® - My Blog

Tightness Control System

TCS® Tightness Control System has been developed in 1982, especially for operation at Frankfurt Airport and is now proven at many airports worldwide.

At a Glance

The system ensures compliance with JIG, EI1540, and EI1560 standards, certified by reputable institutes like TÜV. It supports both new and existing hydrant systems with user-friendly interfaces, remote services, and seminars for continuous improvement and operator support.

Compliance to JIG, EI1540 and EI1560 to detect creeping leakage
System certification by worldwide acknowledged institutes and organizations (e.g. TÜV)
Consistency with international acknowledged best practice procedures
Globally proven with a convincing reference list
For new and existing automated hydrant systems from small to complex
Mobile solutions for non-automated hydrant systems
Appreciated by operators due to user-friendly intuitive interface
User Helpdesk for best operator support

Remote services including evaluation of data
System growth with airport requirements to ensure best fit at all times: modifications of section size, extension of hydrant, closure of sections, changes of operator IT platform
Convenient performance verification compliant to EI1540 / EI1560)
Seminars and User group meetings to provide a forum for dynamic exchange, training & consulting

Testing Principles a TCS®

The Pressure-Step-Method is a reliable, state-of-the-art leak detection procedure. It segments pipelines, pressurizes them at two levels, and records pressure changes to detect leaks, compensating for temperature influences.

TCS® Pressure-Step-Method (PS)

The Pressure-Step-Method is the reliable and state-of-the-art leak detection procedure. The pipeline is segmented into reliably tight sections and pressurized at two different pressure levels. The volume of each section limits the test accuracy. The change of pressure is recorded. Detection of leakage is based on the fact, that higher pressure results in a higher leak rate. Since the leak rate depends on test pressure, influence of temperature changes can be compensated.

Typical testing frequency: Daily / Weekly testing
Accuracy: 0,004 %/h/m3 section volume

TCS® Pressure-Temperature-Method (PT)

The test section is pressurized. The changes of pressure and temperature during several hours provide evidence about the tightness of the system.

Typical testing frequency: Yearly testing
Accuracy: 4 liter/h per section

TCS® Online monitoring

The Online Monitoring Module continuously monitors pressures in the hydrant system and detects accident conditions that do not occur during regular operation. It is not the exact detection of the leak size that is important, but the speed of detection of the danger and the immediate initiation of the emergency procedure.

TCS® Warranty

hansaconsult warrants that the TCS® (PS and PT methods) shall be capable of detecting leakages in buried pipelines – which are absolutely free of air and absolutely tightly closed at the moment in time at which the leakage detection operations commence – with a detection accuracy of 0.04 liters per hour and per cubic meter test volume and with a detection probability of 99% in conjunction with four consecutive measurements if measurements can be received every 2 seconds during the measurement cycles.

TCS® Automated Solution

The TCS® Automated Solution includes precise pressure transmitters, a SCADA system for control, utilizes OPC interfaces, and ensures accurate data acquisition with hansaconsult technology for detailed evaluation and documentation.

TCS® Pressure-Step-Method (PS)

Pressure transmitters: one for each pipeline section
Precision data acquisition with hansaconsult high performance AD Converter and transmission system;
Means for pressurization and depressurization of each pipeline section to create required test pressures (main pump, jockey pump);
SCADA system for automatic control of the hydrant system. It is recommended that the SCADA system provide an OPC interface (OLE for Process Control) for communication;
Computer and peripheral equipment for evaluation and documentation of test results;
Tight closing valves (e.g. DBBV).

Quoting the Operator

Let me congratulate you and your team to the very successfil commissioning of hansa system. All local reports of the operators have been very good. They are all very impressed how you delivered the project. Just good to show, with proper planning, stakeholder engagement and the right attitude, projects can be delivered very successful.

OPC to standardize data communication

TCS® is built on Windows Technology and features an OPC-interface. OPC stands for “ole for process controls” and is an open interface standard. OPC allows a standardized data exchange of applications and field instruments with an easy integration of hard- and software products of different suppliers.

TCS® Flexible Testing

All sections can be tested in one analysis cycle: 45 minutes plus closure time of valves

Single or multiple sections can be be selected and tested in one test cycle.

TCS® Mobile

In its mobile application, the TCS® system is mounted on a trailer and is fully self-contained. An independent power supply (diesel driven generator set with a spark arrestor on the exhaust) is provided on board. The test is fully automated while a skid mounted pump and valves are controlled by the TCS® computer.

The system includes

Data from the test is recorded on the TCS® Computer and on removable data storage media for subsequent analysis and archiving. A report is generated upon test completion, providing detailed results and an easy-to-read indication of the leak/no leak status.

Procedure

The Trailer Operator connects the TCS® hose and the earth cable.
The trailer operator starts the TCS test using the TCS® computer. Once initiated, the test runs automated without any manual intervention. Only operator supervision is required.
Once the test is complete, the Trailer Operator uncouples the TCS® hose and earth cable.
Subsequent sections can be tested according to this procedure.

TCS® Mobile

The system includes

Procedure

The Trailer Operator connects the TCS® hose and the earth cable.
The trailer operator starts the TCS test using the TCS® computer. Once initiated, the test runs automated without any manual intervention. Only operator supervision is required.
Once the test is complete, the Trailer Operator uncouples the TCS® hose and earth cable.
Subsequent sections can be tested according to this procedure.

Potential Leak Risk

L / Hour

L / Day

L / Month