Pipeline Leak Detection Technologies and Emergency Shutdown Protocols

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerhard Geiger
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Potential Risk ◽  
Leak Detection ◽  
Measurement Equipment ◽  
Transient Model ◽  
Detection Systems ◽  
Emergency Shutdown ◽  
Field Instrumentation ◽  
Emergency Actions ◽  
Detection Technologies

Pipelines are the least expensive and most efficient way to move liquids and gases, but there is a high potential risk of danger in case of a leak. This paper therefore describes pipeline leak detection technologies and emergency shutdown protocols to ensure reliable and safe pipeline operations. The main focus of this paper is on internal leak detection systems which use existing field instrumentation and usually run continuously. External leak detection systems using dedicated measurement equipment such as probes and sensor cables are briefly considered. Particular emphasis will be placed on model-based techniques such as the Real Time Transient Model (RTTM) and Extended Real Time Transient Model (E-RTTM) methods. In case of a leak, appropriate emergency actions are required to limit the consequences and in particular to protect people and the environment. The last part of the paper therefore is devoted to emergency shut-down protocols.

Pipeline Diagnostics With Ultrasonic Meters

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Gailey ◽  
Noman Rasool
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Measurement Errors ◽  
Flow Measurement ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Leak Detection ◽  
The United States ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Critical System ◽  
Detection Systems ◽  
Transient Models

Canada and the United States have vast energy resources, supported by thousands of kilometers (miles) of pipeline infrastructure built and maintained each year. Whether the pipeline runs through remote territory or passing through local city centers, keeping commodities flowing safely is a critical part of day-to-day operation for any pipeline. Real-time leak detection systems have become a critical system that companies require in order to provide safe operations, protection of the environment and compliance with regulations. The function of a leak detection system is the ability to identify and confirm a leak event in a timely and precise manner. Flow measurement devices are a critical input into many leak detection systems and in order to ensure flow measurement accuracy, custody transfer grade liquid ultrasonic meters (as defined in API MPMS chapter 5.8) can be utilized to provide superior accuracy, performance and diagnostics. This paper presents a sample of real-time data collected from a field install base of over 245 custody transfer grade liquid ultrasonic meters currently being utilized in pipeline leak detection applications. The data helps to identify upstream instrumentation anomalies and illustrate the abilities of the utilization of diagnostics within the liquid ultrasonic meters to further improve current leak detection real time transient models (RTTM) and pipeline operational procedures. The paper discusses considerations addressed while evaluating data and understanding the importance of accuracy within the metering equipment utilized. It also elaborates on significant benefits associated with the utilization of the ultrasonic meter’s capabilities and the importance of diagnosing other pipeline issues and uncertainties outside of measurement errors.

scholarly journals Leak Detection Systems for Short Pipelines

2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renan Martins Baptista
Keyword(s):  
Detection System ◽  
Leak Detection ◽  
Low Complexity ◽  
Transient Model ◽  
Service Companies ◽  
Detection Systems ◽  
Volume Balance ◽  
Pipeline Networks ◽  
Phase Liquid ◽  
Flow Detection

This paper describes procedures developed by PETROBRAS Research & Development Center to assess a software-based leak detection system (LDS) for short pipelines. These so-called “Low Complexity Pipelines” are short pipeline segments with single-phase liquid flow. Detection solutions offered by service companies are frequently designed for large pipeline networks, with batches and multiple injections and deliveries. Such solutions are sometimes impractical for short pipelines, due to high cost, long tuning procedures, complex instrumentation and substantial computing requirements. The approach outlined here is a corporate approach that optimizes a LDS for shorter lines. The two most popular implemented techniques are the Compensated Volume Balance (CVB), and the Real Time Transient Model (RTTM). The first approach is less accurate, reliable and robust when compared to the second. However, it can be cheaper, simpler, faster to install and very effective, being marginally behind the second one, and very cost-efective. This paper describes a procedure to determine whether one can use a CVB in a short pipeline.

scholarly journals Recent Advances in Pipeline Monitoring and Oil Leakage Detection Technologies: Principles and Approaches

Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (11) ◽  
pp. 2548 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mutiu Adesina Adegboye ◽  
Wai-Keung Fung ◽  
Aditya Karnik
Keyword(s):  
Leak Detection ◽  
Leakage Detection ◽  
Financial Loss ◽  
Comparative Performance ◽  
Detection Systems ◽  
Pipeline Networks ◽  
Pipeline Failure ◽  
Pipeline Monitoring ◽  
Detection Technologies ◽  
Open Issues

Pipelines are widely used for the transportation of hydrocarbon fluids over millions of miles all over the world. The structures of the pipelines are designed to withstand several environmental loading conditions to ensure safe and reliable distribution from point of production to the shore or distribution depot. However, leaks in pipeline networks are one of the major causes of innumerable losses in pipeline operators and nature. Incidents of pipeline failure can result in serious ecological disasters, human casualties and financial loss. In order to avoid such menace and maintain safe and reliable pipeline infrastructure, substantial research efforts have been devoted to implementing pipeline leak detection and localisation using different approaches. This paper discusses pipeline leakage detection technologies and summarises the state-of-the-art achievements. Different leakage detection and localisation in pipeline systems are reviewed and their strengths and weaknesses are highlighted. Comparative performance analysis is performed to provide a guide in determining which leak detection method is appropriate for particular operating settings. In addition, research gaps and open issues for development of reliable pipeline leakage detection systems are discussed.

Reality Check: Improving Real-Time Pipeline Monitoring Using Near Real-Time Fluid Data

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Jutras ◽  
Rick Barlow
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Leak Detection ◽  
Fluid Type ◽  
Transient Model ◽  
Oracle Database ◽  
Detection Model ◽  
The Past ◽  
Batch Data ◽  
Time Injection

MBS, the software based leak detection system employed by Enbridge, is a real time transient model and as such requires fluid characteristics of the various batches that enter the pipeline. In the past, of the 25 plus pipelines modeled, only 4 received fluid identifiers from the field. These fluid identifiers are a sub-string of the batch identifiers stored in flow computers located at custody transfer locations. On the remaining pipelines, Enbridge used fluid density from the field to infer fluid type and therefore characteristics. In the past whenever a number of fluids had the same density, MBS assigned a best-guess of fluid type. The ‘MBS Real Time Injection Batch Data’ project was proposed to bring fluid identifiers to MBS on the remaining lines with the purpose of improving MBS’ selection of fluid properties. Since injection points on the remaining lines were not custody transfer there were no flow computers at these locations. An existing application called Commodity Movement Tracking, or CMT, was used to provide fluid names to the leak detection model. CMT holds past, present, and future injection batch information in an Oracle database. Batch identifiers are queried, placed into the SCADA system, and forwarded on to MBS. This paper explores the new approach, introduced by the ‘MBS Real Time Injection Batch Data’ project, of providing MBS with batch identifiers.

Pipeline Rupture Detection Using Real-Time Transient Modelling and Convolutional Neural Networks

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joel Smith ◽  
Jaehee Chae ◽  
Shawn Learn ◽  
Ron Hugo ◽  
Simon Park
Keyword(s):  
Neural Networks ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Detection System ◽  
High Reliability ◽  
Leak Detection ◽  
Sudden Onset ◽  
False Alarms ◽  
Pipeline System ◽  
Transient Model ◽  
Social License

Demonstrating the ability to reliably detect pipeline ruptures is critical for pipeline operators as they seek to maintain the social license necessary to construct and upgrade their pipeline systems. Current leak detection systems range from very simple mass balances to highly complex models with real-time simulation and advanced statistical processing with the goal of detecting small leaks around 1% of the nominal flow rate. No matter how finely-tuned these systems are, however, they are invariably affected by noise and uncertainties in a pipeline system, resulting in false alarms that reduce system confidence. This study aims to develop a leak detection system that can detect leaks with high reliability by focusing on sudden-onset leaks of various sizes (ruptures), as opposed to slow leaks that develop over time. The expected outcome is that not only will pipeline operators avoid the costs associated with false-alarm shut downs, but more importantly, they will be able to respond faster and more confidently in the event of an actual rupture. To accomplish these goals, leaks of various sizes are simulated using a real-time transient model based on the method of characteristics. A novel leak detection model is presented that fuses together several different preprocessing techniques, including convolution neural networks. This leak detection system is expected to increase operator confidence in leak alarms, when they occur, and therefore decrease the amount of time between leak detection and pipeline shutdown.

Real Time Statistical Leak Detection on the RRP Crude Oil Network, Holland

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joep Hoeijmakers ◽  
John Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Crude Oil ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Leak Detection ◽  
Field Application ◽  
Normal Operation ◽  
False Alarms ◽  
Pipeline Network ◽  
Oil Pipeline ◽  
Detection Systems

Prior to the year 2000, the RRP crude oil pipeline network in Holland and Germany was monitored using a dynamic leak detection system based on a dynamic model. The system produced some false alarms during normal operation; prompting RRP to investigate what advances had been made in the leak detection field before committing to upgrade the existing system for Y2K compliance. RRP studied the available leak detection systems and decided to install a statistics-based system. This paper examines the field application of the statistics based leak detection system on the three crude oil pipelines operated by RRP. They are the 177 km Dutch line, the 103 km South line, and the 86 km North line. The results of actual field leak trials are reported. Leak detection systems should maintain high sensitivity with the minimum of false alarms over the long term; thus this paper also outlines the performance of the statistical leak detection system over the last year from the User’s perspective. The leak detection experiences documented on this crude oil pipeline network demonstrate that it is possible to have a reliable real-time leak detection system with minimal maintenance costs and without the costs and inconvenience of false alarms.

Real Time Facility Monitoring: Lessons Learned

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mike McKay ◽  
Wael Badawy
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Monitoring System ◽  
Remote Monitoring ◽  
Critical Infrastructure ◽  
Leak Detection ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Video Monitoring ◽  
Detection Systems ◽  
Remote Locations ◽  
Performance Issues

This paper discusses monitoring solutions that address the emerging requirements of both security of critical infrastructure as well as liquid leak detection systems in remote locations. It analyses the requirements of different standards such as CSA Z.246 and CSA Z662 and other regulations in Canada, then it proposes solutions, and evaluates the performance, issues, and lessons learned through these deployments and operations. It also demonstrates the performance of a typical video monitoring system and proposes metrics to evaluate remote monitoring solutions.

An Operation Support System of Large City Gas Networks Based on Fluid Transient Model

1995 ◽  
Vol 117 (4) ◽  
pp. 324-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Kiuchi ◽  
H. Izumi ◽  
T. Huke
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Support System ◽  
Large City ◽  
Leak Detection ◽  
Training Simulator ◽  
Transient Model ◽  
Actual Performance ◽  
Fluid Transient ◽  
Operation Support System ◽  
City Gas

This paper describes the essential features and experience of applying a fluid transient model to the operation support system of large city gas pipeline networks. The system, operating in the second largest city, Osaka, in Japan since 1992, includes the functions of a real-time leak detection and localization, a fast predictive computation of the pressure and flow distributions in networks, and an interactive training simulator using a transient model connected with SCADA training system. To achieve fast forecasting calculation in real-time manner, the combined method of a fully implicit transient calculation for high pressure transmission networks and a steady-state calculation for middle pressure distribution networks is developed. The actual performance of real-time leak detection and the accuracy of the forecasting model are discussed.

Integrity Monitoring: Not Just Leak Detection

2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Hagar ◽  
Bruce Young ◽  
Ross Mactaggart
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Leak Detection ◽  
Time Model ◽  
Integrity Monitoring ◽  
Detection Systems ◽  
Line Flow ◽  
Instrument Analysis ◽  
Flow Detection

There are many uses for a software based, real time leak detection system other than just leak detection. Leak detection systems, based on a real time model, have many uses, including instrument analysis, slack line flow detection, batch, scraper and DRA tracking. Hydraulic profiles, trends and Imbalance Signature Plots provide operational tools to augment SCADA displays. When abnormal imbalance is reported, the operator has tools to pin point the problem. These results can also be made available enterprise-wide for use by higher level processes such as accounting, scheduling, planning, and marketing.

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