SmartBall™: A New Approach in Pipeline Leak Detection

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Fletcher ◽  
Muthu Chandrasekaran
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Detection Threshold ◽  
Leak Detection ◽  
Acoustic Sensor ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Loss And Damage ◽  
Product Loss ◽  
Awareness Programs ◽  
Noise Signature

Early detection of leaks in hazardous materials pipelines is essential to reduce product loss and damage to the environment. Small undetected leaks can result in very high clean-up costs and have the potential to grow to more serious failures. There are a variety of methods that can detect leaks in pipelines, ranging from manual inspection to advanced satellite based imaging. Typically, most operators opt for a combination of CPM where available, and direct observation methodologies including aerial patrols, ground patrols and public awareness programs that are designed to encourage and facilitate the reporting of suspected leaks. Permanent monitoring sensors based on acoustic or other technologies are also available. These methods can be costly, and none can reliably detect small leaks regardless of their location in the line. SmartBall is a radical new approach that combines the sensitivity of acoustic leak detection with the 100% coverage capability of in-line inspection. The free-swimming device is spherical and smaller than the pipe bore allowing it to roll silently through the line and achieve the highest responsiveness to small leaks. It can be launched and retrieved using conventional pig traps, but its size and shape allow it to negotiate obstacles that could otherwise render a pipeline unpiggable. The SmartBall technology was originally developed and successfully implemented for the water industry, and now refined for oil and gas pipelines over 4-inches in diameter. SmartBall has been proven capable of detecting leaks in liquid lines of less than 0.1 gallons per minute where conventional CPM methods can detect leaks no smaller than 1% of throughput. Development work is continuing to reduce the detection threshold still further. Whereas traditional acoustic monitoring techniques have focused on longitudinal deployment and spacing of acoustic sensors, the SmartBall uses only a single acoustic sensor that is deployed inside the pipeline. Propelled by the flow of product in the pipeline, the device will record all noise events as it traverses the length of the pipeline. This allows the acoustic sensor to pass in very close proximity to any leak whereby the sensor can detect very small leaks, whose noise signature can be clearly distinguished from any background noise.

scholarly journals Monitoring geological storage of CO2: a new approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Manzar Fawad ◽  
Nazmul Haque Mondol
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Synthetic Data ◽  
Leak Detection ◽  
Hydrocarbon Exploration ◽  
Water Flooding ◽  
Storage Site ◽  
Gas Reservoirs ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Coal Beds ◽  
Spatial Coverage

AbstractGeological CO2 storage can be employed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere. Depleted oil and gas reservoirs, deep saline aquifers, and coal beds are considered to be viable subsurface CO2 storage options. Remote monitoring is essential for observing CO2 plume migration and potential leak detection during and after injection. Leak detection is probably the main risk, though overall monitoring for the plume boundaries and verification of stored volumes are also necessary. There are many effective remote CO2 monitoring techniques with various benefits and limitations. We suggest a new approach using a combination of repeated seismic and electromagnetic surveys to delineate CO2 plume and estimate the gas saturation in a saline reservoir during the lifetime of a storage site. This study deals with the CO2 plume delineation and saturation estimation using a combination of seismic and electromagnetic or controlled-source electromagnetic (EM/CSEM) synthetic data. We assumed two scenarios over a period of 40 years; Case 1 was modeled assuming both seismic and EM repeated surveys were acquired, whereas, in Case 2, repeated EM surveys were taken with only before injection (baseline) 3D seismic data available. Our results show that monitoring the CO2 plume in terms of extent and saturation is possible both by (i) using a repeated seismic and electromagnetic, and (ii) using a baseline seismic in combination with repeated electromagnetic data. Due to the nature of the seismic and EM techniques, spatial coverage from the reservoir's base to the surface makes it possible to detect the CO2 plume’s lateral and vertical migration. However, the CSEM low resolution and depth uncertainties are some limitations that need consideration. These results also have implications for monitoring oil production—especially with water flooding, hydrocarbon exploration, and freshwater aquifer identification.

Risk reduction through advanced leak management

2010 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 593
Author(s):  
Silvio Stojic ◽  
Antoine Hanekom ◽  
Russell Colman
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Leak Detection ◽  
Product Loss ◽  
Remedial Actions ◽  
Offshore Oil And Gas ◽  
Leak Management ◽  
Component Failures

Leaks of hydrocarbon to the atmosphere can be a major facility safety risk and personnel occupational health and safety (OHS) risk for oil and gas producing and processing facilities. Normally closed valves that pass or leak in-line are also a major contributor to product loss and facility risk. Component failures of these types have two common and challenging features: they are hard to find among the tens of thousands of potential leak sources, and the leakage rates either to the atmosphere or in-line can vary from minor to potentially catastrophic. In the past seven to eight years, advanced methods for finding and managing leaks resulting from poor component integrity have been developed. This paper covers some of ATMECO’s accumulated knowledge developed over many leak surveys of both onshore and offshore oil and gas facilities. Typical statistical profiles of leaks from uncontrolled facilities are presented. The types of component failure that lead to leaks are discussed along with probabilistic analyses relating to the next likely failure. Technologies of leak detection are reviewed, highlighting benefits and problems. Also discussed are the prerequisite data capture and management systems needed for a competent, robust and auditable system to manage component integrity. Gas imaging technology is becoming one of the core hydrocarbon leak detection tools and also assists greatly in the analyses of leaks and in providing valuable input to remedial actions. Survey design requirements for continuing and cost-effective component leak risk management are reviewed. Recommendations are provided about the preferred methods and management structures for programs designed to minimise component integrity risks.

scholarly journals The Perceived Importance of Cybercrime Control among Police Officers: Implications for Combatting Industrial Espionage

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 4351
Author(s):  
Seung-Yeop Paek ◽  
Mahesh K. Nalla ◽  
Yong-Tae Chun ◽  
Julak Lee
Keyword(s):  
Police Officers ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Law Enforcement Officers ◽  
World Market ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
South Korean ◽  
Computer Proficiency ◽  
Industrial Espionage ◽  
Awareness Programs ◽  
Korean Police Officers

The current research explored the predictors of how police officers perceived the importance of combatting cybercrime. This is an era in which industrial security is threatened by perpetrators who use advanced techniques to steal information online. Understanding how law enforcement officers view the control of cybercrimes, especially those that steal confidential business information, can inform industrial espionage prevention and help maintain a nation’s industrial competitiveness in the world market. We surveyed a convenience sample of South Korean police officers attending training at the Police Human Resources Development Institute (PHRDI) using a paper-and-pencil questionnaire. The results indicated that the officers’ perceptions of colleagues’ and organizational views on cybercrime control significantly impacted their attitudes. Additionally, officers’ perceptions of the seriousness of online theft (in this paper, we use the terms online theft and property cybercrime interchangeably) and their computer proficiency were also found to affect their views on the importance of combatting cybercrimes. We conclude by suggesting that the police take a proactive organizational approach to prevent and respond to online property crimes through education and public awareness programs, which could positively impact the prevention of industrial espionage.

Theorical Analysis of Leakage in High Pressure Pipe Using Acoustic Emission Method

2012 ◽  
Vol 445 ◽  
pp. 917-922 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saman Davoodi ◽  
Amir Mostafapour
Keyword(s):  
High Pressure ◽  
Acoustic Emission ◽  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Pipe Wall ◽  
Leak Detection ◽  
Stress Waves ◽  
Motion Equation ◽  
Non Linear ◽  
Acoustic Emission Test

Leak detection is one of the most important problems in the oil and gas pipelines. Where it can lead to financial losses, severe human and environmental impacts. Acoustic emission test is a new technique for leak detection. Leakage in high pressure pipes creates stress waves resulting from localized loss of energy. Stress waves are transmitted through the pipe wall which will be recorded by using acoustic sensor or accelerometer installed on the pipe wall. Knowledge of how the pipe wall vibrates by acoustic emission resulting from leakage is a key parameter for leak detection and location. In this paper, modeling of pipe vibration caused by acoustic emission generated by escaping of fluid has been done. Donnells non linear theory for cylindrical shell is used to deriving of motion equation and simply supported boundary condition is considered. By using Galerkin method, the motion equation has been solved and a system of non linear equations with 6 degrees of freedom is obtained. To solve these equations, ODE tool of MATLAB software and Rung-Kuta numerical method is used and pipe wall radial displacement is obtained. For verification of this theory, acoustic emission test with continues leak source has been done. Vibration of wall pipe was recorded by using acoustic emission sensors. For better analysis, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) was taken from theoretical and experimental results. By comparing the results, it is found that the range of frequencies which carried the most amount of energy is same which expresses the affectivity of the model.

scholarly journals Stabilizing Ship Motion With a Dual System Inertial Disk

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Torstein R. Storaas ◽  
Kasper Virkesdal ◽  
Gitle S. Brekke ◽  
Thorstein Rykkje ◽  
Thomas Impelluso
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Equations Of Motion ◽  
Moving Frame ◽  
Moving Frames ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Lie Group Theory ◽  
Moving Frame Method ◽  
Frame Method ◽  
Modern Mathematics

Abstract Norwegian industries are constantly assessing new technologies and methods for more efficient and safer maintenance in the aqua cultural, renewable energy, and oil and gas industries. These Norwegian offshore industries share a common challenge: to install new equipment and transport personnel in a safe and controllable way between ships, farms and platforms. This paper deploys the Moving Frame Method (MFM) to analyze ship stability moderated by a dual gyroscopic inertial device. The MFM describes the dynamics of the system using modern mathematics. Lie group theory and Cartan’s moving frames are the foundation of this new approach to engineering dynamics. This, together with a restriction on the variation of the angular velocity used in Hamilton’s principle, enables an effective way of extracting the equations of motion. This project extends previous work. It accounts for the dual effect of two inertial disk devices, it accounts for the prescribed spin of the disks. It separates out the prescribed variables. This work displays the results in 3D on cell phones. It represents a prelude to testing in a wave tank.

scholarly journals Advanced Leak Detection and Quantification of Methane Emissions Using sUAS

Drones ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 117
Author(s):  
Derek Hollenbeck ◽  
Demitrius Zulevic ◽  
Yangquan Chen
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Near Field ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Leak Detection ◽  
Methane Emissions ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Unmanned Aircraft ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Traditional Methods ◽  
Detection Techniques

Detecting and quantifying methane emissions is gaining an increasingly vital role in mitigating emissions for the oil and gas industry through early detection and repair and will aide our understanding of how emissions in natural ecosystems are playing a role in the global carbon cycle and its impact on the climate. Traditional methods of measuring and quantifying emissions utilize chamber methods, bagging individual equipment, or require the release of a tracer gas. Advanced leak detection techniques have been developed over the past few years, utilizing technologies, such as optical gas imaging, mobile surveyors equipped with sensitive cavity ring down spectroscopy (CRDS), and manned aircraft and satellite approaches. More recently, sUAS-based approaches have been developed to provide, in some ways, cheaper alternatives that also offer sensing advantages to traditional methods, including not being constrained to roadways and being able to access class G airspace (0–400 ft) where manned aviation cannot travel. This work looks at reviewing methods of quantifying methane emissions that can be, or are, carried out using small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) as well as traditional methods to provide a clear comparison for future practitioners. This includes the current limitations, capabilities, assumptions, and survey details. The suggested technique for LDAQ depends on the desired accuracy and is a function of the survey time and survey distance. Based on the complexity and precision, the most promising sUAS methods are the near-field Gaussian plume inversion (NGI) and the vertical flux plane (VFP), which have comparable accuracy to those found in conventional state-of-the-art methods.

Establishing a Detection Threshold for Acoustic-Based External Leak Detection Systems

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathew Bussière ◽  
Mark Stephens ◽  
Marzie Derakhshesh ◽  
Yue Cheng ◽  
Lorne Daniels
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity Analysis ◽  
Detection Threshold ◽  
Leak Detection ◽  
Detection Sensitivity ◽  
Sensitivity Threshold ◽  
Detection Systems ◽  
Threshold Measure ◽  
Full Scale Tests ◽  
Parameter Values ◽  
Very High

Abstract A better understanding of the sensitivity threshold of external leak detection systems can assist pipeline operators in predicting detection performance for a range of possible leak scenarios, thereby helping them to make more informed decisions regarding procurement and deployment of such systems. The analysis approach described herein was developed to characterize the leak detection sensitivity of select fiber optic cable-based systems that employ Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS). The detection sensitivity analysis consisted of two steps. The first step involved identifying a suitable release parameter capable of providing a defensible basis for defining detection sensitivity; the second step involved the application of logistic regression analysis to characterize detection sensitivity as a function of the chosen release parameter. The detection sensitivity analysis described herein provides a means by which to quantitatively determine the leak detection sensitivity threshold for each technology and sensor deployment position evaluated in a set of full-scale tests. The chosen sensitivity threshold measure was the release parameter value associated with release events having a 90% probability of being detected. Thresholds associated with a higher probability level of 95% were also established for comparison purposes. The calculated sensitivity thresholds can be interpreted to mean that release events associated with release parameter values above the sensitivity threshold have a very high likelihood (either 90 or 95%) of being detected.

A New Approach To Estimating Ultimate Recovery for Multistage Hydraulically Fractured Horizontal Wells by Utilizing Completion Parameters Using Machine Learning

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Sulaiman A. Alarifi ◽  
Jennifer Miskimins
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Horizontal Wells ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Gas Industry ◽  
New Approach ◽  
History Data ◽  
Well Completion ◽  
Production History ◽  
Early Production ◽  
Fractured Horizontal Wells

Summary Reserves estimation is an essential part of developing any reservoir. Predicting the long-term production performance and estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) in unconventional wells has always been a challenge. Developing a reliable and accurate production forecast in the oil and gas industry is mandatory because it plays a crucial part in decision-making. Several methods are used to estimate EUR in the oil and gas industry, and each has its advantages and limitations. Decline curve analysis (DCA) is a traditional reserves estimation technique that is widely used to estimate EUR in conventional reservoirs. However, when it comes to unconventional reservoirs, traditional methods are frequently unreliable for predicting production trends for low-permeability plays. In recent years, many approaches have been developed to accommodate the high complexity of unconventional plays and establish reliable estimates of reserves. This paper provides a methodology to predict EUR for multistage hydraulically fractured horizontal wells that outperforms many current methods, incorporates completion data, and overcomes some of the limitations of using DCA or other traditional methods to forecast production. This new approach is introduced to predict EUR for multistage hydraulically fractured horizontal wells and is presented as a workflow consisting of production history matching and forecasting using DCA combined with artificial neural network (ANN) predictive models. The developed workflow combines production history data, forecasting using DCA models and completion data to enhance EUR predictions. The predictive models use ANN techniques to predict EUR given short early production history data (3 months to 2 years). The new approach was developed and tested using actual production and completion data from 989 multistage hydraulically fractured horizontal wells from four different formations. Sixteen models were developed (four models for each formation) varying in terms of input parameters, structure, and the production history data period it requires. The developed models showed high accuracy (correlation coefficients of 0.85 to 0.99) in predicting EUR given only 3 months to 2 years of production data. The developed models use production forecasts from different DCA models along with well completion data to improve EUR predictions. Using completion parameters in predicting EUR along with the typical DCA is a major addition provided by this study. The end product of this work is a comprehensive workflow to predict EUR that can be implemented in different formations by using well completion data along with early production history data.

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