GIVEN THE POTENTIALLY massive cost of pipeline leaks(in terms of lost product,downtime and repair costs,plus any environmental issues and fines),technologies that can avoid or minimise the risk are high value.Contingency repair clamps,for example,can enable leaks to be dealt with immediately,helping to minimise both the potential high cost and negative impact on corporate image.But lack of recognition of the need for contingency measures(plus the question as to whether these should be covered under capital expenditure,capex,or operating expenditure,opex)means that potentially costly risks are being taken unnecessarily.Leak sealing clamps provide an ideal means of repair without requiring shutdown,but there is a lead-time to consider.These are not an off-the-shelf item,and stringent regulations and standards mean they can rarely be produced for fast delivery.
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