High Sensitivity External Leak Detection for Liquid Fuel Pipelines

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
David G. Parman ◽  
Ken McCoy
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Fuel ◽  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Detection System ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Leak Detection ◽  
Liquid Fuels ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Environmental Damage ◽  
Distributed Sensor ◽  
Environmentally Sensitive Areas

Pipeline risk mitigation in high consequence areas can be facilitated through the use of a high sensitivity external leak detection (HSELD) system. Such systems have been implemented for both off-site and on-site pipeline applications, including the Longhorn Pipeline (Texas) and the Madrid Barajas International Airport (Spain). We define high-sensitivity external leak detection as a leak detection system that will continuously and automatically detect very small amounts of liquid fuels and is physically independent of pipeline pumping operations. In addition, such systems monitor their own integrity on a continuous basis, without requiring periodic recalibration or operator interaction. The HSELD system we describe incorporates a distributed sensor cable, installed in a slotted PVC conduit which is run in close proximity to the pipeline. Many pipeline leaks start out as very small cracks or holes resulting from corrosion and wear. In their initial stages, such leaks go undetected by standard leak detection methods, but over time large volumes of liquid fuel may leak into the environment. In high consequence areas, such as above aquifers and other environmentally sensitive areas, the leak may go undetected until traces show up in water samples. The critical characteristic of an effective HSELD is its ability to detect and accurately locate very small volumes of liquid fuels, so that these small leaks can be identified, cleaned up and repaired before environmental damage is done.

Enhanced Leak Detection Risk Model Development

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorna Harron ◽  
Rick Barlow ◽  
Ted Farquhar
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Risk Model ◽  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Leak Detection ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Flow Meter ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Risk Mitigation Strategies

Increasing concerns and attention to pipeline safety have engaged pipeline companies and regulatory agencies to extend their approaches to pipeline integrity. The implementation of High Consequence Areas (HCAs) has in particular had an impact on the development of integrity management protocols (IMPs) for pipelines. These IMPs can require that a risk based assessment of integrity issues be applied to specific HCA risk factors. This paper addresses the development of an operational risk assessment approach for pipeline leak detection requirements for HCAs. A detailed risk assessment algorithm that includes 25 risk variables and 28 consequence variables was developed for application to all HCA areas. The significant likelihood and consequence factors were chosen through discussions with the Leak Detection Risk Assessment Model Working Group and subject matter experts throughout Enbridge. The leak detection algorithm focuses on sections of pipe from flow meter to flow meter, as these are the locations that impact the leak detection system used by Enbridge. Each section of pipe is evaluated for likelihood, consequence and risk. When a high or medium risk area has been identified, an evaluation of potential Preventive and Mitigative (P&M) measures will be undertaken. A P & M Matrix has been developed to identify potential mitigation strategies to be considered for higher risk variables, called risk drivers, in the model. The matrix has been developed to identify potential risk mitigation strategies to consider for each variable used in the HCA Leak Detection Risk Assessment. The purpose of the matrix is to guide the user to consider actions identified for variables that drive the risk for the particular location. Upon review of the matrix, the user determines feasibility of the risk mitigation strategies being considered to identify an action. The paper will describe the consultative process that was used to workshop the development of this algorithm. Included in this description is how the process addressed various methods of leak detection across a wide variety of pipelines. The paper closes with “development challenges” and future steps in applying operation risk assessment techniques to mainline leak detection risk management.

Remote and Intelligent Diagnostic Methods on Leakage Fault for Crude Oil Pipelines

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lai-Bin Zhang ◽  
Zhao-Hui Wang ◽  
Wei Liang
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Remote Monitoring ◽  
Data Exchange ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Leak Detection ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Oil Fields ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Development Environment ◽  
Oil Pipelines

Oil and gas transportation pipelines are the key equipment in petroleum and chemical industry. At present, with the increase of transportation task in oil fields, real-time leak detection system becomes a demand that petroleum companies need to safeguard routines. At the heart of the leakage monitoring and detection procedures are the report of leakage event timely and of leakage point precisely. This paper presents a more realistic approach for using rarefaction-pressure wave technique in oil pipelines, which aims to two targets, one is the improvement of remote and intelligent degree, and the other is the improvement of the leakage location ability. This paper introduces a new scheme to meet the requirements of real time and high data transferring necessary for remote monitoring and leak detection methods for pipelines. The scheme is based on SCADA framework for remote pipeline leakage diagnosis, in which the Dynamic Data Exchange technology is utilized to construct the data-acquiring component to acquire the real-time information that could perform remote test and analysis. It also introduces a basic concept and structure of the remote leak detection system. Primarily, an embedded leak-detection package is designed to exchange the diagnostic information with the RTU data package of Modbus protocol, and then via fiber network, the SCADA-based remote monitoring and leak detection system is realized. Existing data acquisition apparatus applied in oil fields and city underground water pipeline is used, without changing the structure of pipeline supervisory system. This paper introduces the method of constructing DDE-based hot links between servers and client terminals, using Borland C++ Builder 6.0 development environment, and also explains the universality and friendliness of the method. It can easily access similar Windows’ applications simply by modifying Service names, Topic options and data Items. System feasibility was tested using negative-pressure data from oil-fields. Additionally, the applied results show that the whole running status of pipeline can be monitored effectively, and a higher automation grade and an excellent leak location precision of the system can be obtained.

Improved Leak Detection by Method Diversity

1998 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruprecht M. J. Pichler
Keyword(s):  
Transient Flow ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Type System ◽  
Leak Detection ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Oil Pipeline ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Noise Factors

Leak detection systems for liquid pipelines are installed to minimize spillage in case of a leak. Therefore reliability, sensitivity and detection time under practical operating conditions are the most important parameters of a leak detection system. Noise factors to be considered among others are unknown fluid property data, friction factor, instrument errors, transient flow, slack-line operation and SCADA update time. The opening characteristics and the size of leaks differ considerably from case to case. Each software-based leak detection method available today has its particular strength. As long as just one or two of these methods are applied to a pipeline a compromise has to be found for the key parameters of the leak detection system. The paper proposed illustrates how a combination of several different software-based leak detection methods together with observer-type system identification and a knowledge-based evaluation can improve leak detection. Special focus is given to leak detection and automated leak locating under transient flow conditions. Practical results are shown for a crude oil pipeline and a product pipeline.

Direct Hydrocarbon Leakage Detection of Pipelines Using Novel Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaushik Parmar ◽  
Simon Park
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Nanotube ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Leak Detection ◽  
Liquid Hydrocarbon ◽  
Environmental Damage ◽  
Hydrocarbon Detection ◽  
Spray System ◽  
Oil And Natural Gas ◽  
Unique Approach

Leakage in pipelines carrying oil and natural gas cause significant financial losses and extreme environmental damage and endanger public safety. This study describes the design and fabrication of a cost-effective in situ carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced polymeric nanocomposite based sensor network system for direct hydrocarbon leak detection. CNT nanocomposites offer a unique approach to pipeline leak detection, where the sensing mechanism is attributed to the effect of physically absorbed hydrocarbon molecules between CNTs on the inter-CNT conductivity. A spray system was developed for atomizing the nanocomposite solution into microscopic droplets that produce an ultra-thin coating. The spray also keeps the sensor flexible and easy to implement on any surface, such as pipeline joints and weld sections. The proposed system provides direct hydrocarbon detection with high sensitivity for the gas and liquid hydrocarbon products that pipelines carry.

A Method for the Rapid Characterization of Combustion Properties of Liquid Fuels Using a Tubular Burner

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. D. Love ◽  
R. N. Parthasarathy ◽  
S. R. Gollahalli
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Fuel ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Radiant Heat ◽  
Liquid Fuels ◽  
Pollutant Emission ◽  
Emission Characteristics ◽  
Air Stream ◽  
Combustion Properties ◽  
Rapid Characterization

Knowledge of the combustion and pollutant emission characteristics is important in the application of both existing and newly developed fuels. A technique for the rapid characterization of flame radiation properties and emission characteristics of liquid fuels was developed for this purpose. Liquid fuel was injected into a heated air stream at known rates with a syringe pump; the feed line was heated (temperature of 425°C) to pre-vaporize the fuel before burning, to avoid the effects of evaporation parameters on measurements. Temperatures of the fuel and air were monitored using K-type thermocouples embedded within the feed lines. A laminar methane-air flame was issued from a stainless steel tubular burner (9.5mm inner diameter) and used as the ignition source. The methane supply was shut off after the onset of the burning of the vaporized liquid fuel, in order to eliminate the effects of burning methane in the measurements. Several liquid fuels were tested, including commercially available petroleum-based No. 2 diesel fuel, canola methyl ester (CME B 100) biodiesel, kerosene, methanol, toluene, and selected alkanes. A steady burning flame was achieved for all fuels. Radiative heat flux measurements were made with a high-sensitivity pyrheliometer and the radiant fraction of heat release calculated. The radiant heat fraction served as an indication of sooting tendency of the fuels. NO, CO, and CO2 emission measurements were also made. The measurements demonstrate the feasibility of the current technique for the rapid characterization of combustion properties of liquid fuels, utilizing small fuel quantities.

scholarly journals Physical Basis of Software-Based Leak Detection Methods

1998 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jim C. P. Liou
Keyword(s):  
Transient Flow ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Sudden Change ◽  
Leak Detection ◽  
The United States ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Operational Experience ◽  
Flow Simulations ◽  
Long Time

There are many causes for a pipeline to leak. Third party punctures usually result in sizable leaks. The onset of such leaks generates a sudden change in the pipeline pressure and flow. Methods exist that rely upon these sudden changes for leak detection. Leaks previously undetected are not detectable by such methods. These pre-existing leaks are usually small in size but can exist for long time. The cumulation of leaked products may pose a greater hazard then the larger and sudden leaks. The operational experience of major pipeline company in the United States has demonstrated that all leak detection methods have their limitations, and that complementary leak detection methods should be used simultaneously (Mears 1993). Hence, we propose a leak detection system that uses, simultaneously, two independent but complementary methodologies: mass balance and transient flow simulations.

scholarly journals Numerical Analysis of a Mobile Leakage-Detection System for a Water Pipeline Network

2021 ◽  
Vol 87 (1) ◽  
pp. 134-150
Author(s):  
Balbir Singh ◽  
Usman Ikhtiar ◽  
Mohamad Firzan ◽  
Dong Huizhen ◽  
Kamarul Arifin Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Drag Coefficient ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Leak Detection ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Detection Accuracy ◽  
New Model ◽  
Pressure Drag ◽  
Pipeline Networks ◽  
Water Pipeline ◽  
And Control

The leakages in water pipeline networks sometimes negatively affect the environment, health, and economy. Therefore, leak detection methods play a crucial role in detecting and localizing leaks. These methods are categorized into internal and external detection methods, each having its advantages and certain limitations. The internal system has its detection based on the field sensors to monitor internal pipeline parameters such as temperature and pressure, thereby inferring a leak. However, the mobility of the sensing module in the pipeline is affected by the model drag coefficient. The low drag coefficient causes the module to quickly lost control in the pipeline leading to false detection. Therefore, this study is about designing and numerically analysing a new model to achieve a higher drag value of the sensing system. The drag value of various models is determined with the help of CFD simulations in ANSYS. The outcome of this study is a new model with a drag value of 0.6915. It was achieved by implementing an aerodynamic shape, a more significant surface contact area in the middle, and canted fins at the front of the . Both pressure, drag, and skin friction were increased, so a higher drag value of the sensing module can be achieved. Through this, the mobility and control of modules in the pipeline can be improved, improving leak detection accuracy.

Assessment of the Performance of Acoustic and Mass Balance Methods for Leak Detection in Pipelines for Transporting Liquids

2010 ◽  
Vol 132 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaqueline Costa Martins ◽  
Paulo Seleghim
Keyword(s):  
Mass Balance ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Leak Detection ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Main Concern ◽  
Pressure Transducers ◽  
On Line ◽  
Reference Situation

On-line leak detection is a main concern for the safe operation of pipelines. Acoustic and mass balance are the most important and extensively applied technologies in field problems. The objective of this work is to compare these leak detection methods with respect to a given reference situation, i.e., the same pipeline and monitoring signals acquired at the inlet and outlet ends. Experimental tests were conducted in a 749 m long laboratory pipeline transporting water as the working fluid. The instrumentation included pressure transducers and electromagnetic flowmeters. Leaks were simulated by opening solenoid valves placed at known positions and previously calibrated to produce known average leak flow rates. Results have clearly shown the limitations and advantages of each method. It is also quite clear that acoustics and mass balance technologies are, in fact, complementary. In general, an acoustic leak detection system sends out an alarm more rapidly and locates the leak more precisely, provided that the rupture of the pipeline occurs abruptly enough. On the other hand, a mass balance leak detection method is capable of quantifying the leak flow rate very accurately and of detecting progressive leaks.

Well Succeeded Application of Acoustic Technology for Pipelines (Single Phase and Multi Phases) Leak Detection in More Than 40 Pipelines in Brazil

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julio Alonso
Keyword(s):  
Crude Oil ◽  
Single Phase ◽  
Detection System ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Leak Detection ◽  
False Alarms ◽  
Production Pipeline ◽  
Oil And Natural Gas ◽  
The Government ◽  
Oil Gas

In 2001 was installed the first ALDS-Acoustic Leak Detection System in Brazil, in a multiphase (slug) production pipeline (crude oil + gas + water) in the middle the rain forest. This Leak Detection System was approved and gained confidence from the pipeline community in this country. After this, many other Acoustic Systems were installed in other multiphase pipelines, single phase as crude oil and natural gas and Naphtha, in buried and submarine pipelines. The confidence against false alarms made many pipelines operators to request the Acoustic Technology for their pipelines protection. Also, the ALDS has high sensitivity, detecting small holes. Very important consideration also deserves the leak detection speed; due the acoustic technology, the ALDS alarms the leak in seconds! This action made possible to shutdown pumps avoiding big disasters. The ALDS is also able to locate the leak, with precision of meters, even in buried or submarine pipelines. Brazil has one of the strongest laws to protect the environment (9605, from February 13th, 1998) in the word and requires leak detection system to protect any pipeline before the government approval. The ALDS is being systematically required as the most effective leak detection system.

A Study of Multi-Method Based Subsea Pipeline Leak Detection System

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanyao Li ◽  
Tianyu Zhang ◽  
Weidong Ruan ◽  
Yong Bai ◽  
Chuntian Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Pattern Recognition ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Leak Detection ◽  
Recognition System ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Environmental Damage ◽  
False Alarms ◽  
Ratio Test ◽  
Balance Principle ◽  
Statistical Analysis Method

Pipelines are of most importance to subsea systems. The leakage of pipelines which may be caused by aging or corrosion will lead to serious environmental damage and significant economic losses. In this paper, a submarine pipeline leak detection system is developed to protect environment and also improve the safety of subsea system via quick detection and relatively correct location. The leak detection system includes data acquisition devices, wireless communication devices, the calculation part is also involved, like data processing module, leak detection module, pattern recognition module and positioning module. The corrected flow balance principle and a statistical analysis method, namely Wald’s Sequential Probability Ratio Test (SPRT), are used to decide whether it is leak-free or leak-present. Besides, a pattern recognition system is developed to minimize false alarms. The method of Hydraulic Grade Line was employed to locate the leakage. Our study provides a quick response to leak detection as well as leak location. A quick and convenient method to leak detection and location is provided by this paper.

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