What is Invasive Technology?
Drill. Decide. Dispose.
Valent Applications is the world leader in the development and manufacture of invasive technology and systems but what actually is invasive technology?
The external walls or shielding of any sealed vessel or closed system do a simple but important job – keeping the hazard safely contained. Unfortunately they also prevent access to the contents for investigation or remediation work. Projects that need to penetrate the target wall often require complex containment systems to cope with the inevitable leakage that occurs. This is in turn increases costs and project time.
Invasive technology offers the ability to penetrate an outer wall without allowing the contents to escape. This sealed ingress port allows direct access to the internal contents which has a number of advantages. Valent equipment is capable of safely penetrating most common applications;
- CW Munitions
- Storage Containers
- Unknown hazards
Originally invented for the defence market, it is now available for all hazardous material operations in any sector.
Non-invasive techniques such as X-ray or PINS can be very are effective in the correct circumstances but they are not always the best option. They also do not solve the problem – merely give a good indication of what is inside. Invasive technology gives a single port which can be used for sampling, flushing, neutralisation, tool entry and a host of other investigative and disposal options – One access – multiple operations
- Disposal of CW munitions and IEDs
- Investigation of legacy containers and systems using endoscopes or other detection equipment.
- Sampling of working pipes and vessels without interruption.
- Introduction of materials into systems for decommissioning, neutralisation or decontamination.
- Drainage of hazardous materials for off-site disposal
Typical Operational Sequence:
Manual or Robotics using vacuum, mechanical or bespoke methods
Automatic sealed drilling ensures no leakage from up to 500m from the target.
Sample the internal contents
Gas, liquid or solid.
Use the same penetration to empty, flush or multiple other operations.
Advantages of invasive technology
- Fast – A typical 20mm stainless steel wall can be drilled and sealed in around 2 mins.
- Simple – Requires little training as controls are intuitive and designed to be used in protective clothing
- Safe – All processes are designed to ensure no release of contents, even in the event of a power failure.
- Flexible- All systems can be used by hand or fitted to remote systems.