Pipeline Diagnostics With Ultrasonic Meters

Author(s):  
Nicole Gailey ◽  
Noman Rasool

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.

Author(s):  
Noman Rasool ◽  
Waqas Un Nabi

Ultrasonic meters are widely accepted as being robust, reliable and having the ability to provide custody transfer accuracy over varied application ranges. Because of these characteristics and their inherent advanced signal processing and non-intrusive design, the meters have the capability to deliver unique performance and diagnostic information that can be used to improve Pipeline operations and Leak Detection applications. This paper presents real time data from liquid ultrasonic meters. The data helps to improve pipeline operations including dual Drag Reducing Agent (DRA) injections, Batch Detection (BD), Commodity Movement Tracking (CMT) etc. Diagnostic data can also identify upstream instrumentation anomalies and illustrate the abilities of the utilizing diagnostics within 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 ultrasonic meters capabilities and the importance of diagnosing other pipeline issues and uncertainties outside of measurement errors.


Author(s):  
Joep Hoeijmakers ◽  
John Lewis

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.


Author(s):  
Kevin Hagar ◽  
Bruce Young ◽  
Ross Mactaggart

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.


Author(s):  
Renan Martins Baptista

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.


2011 ◽  
Vol 418-420 ◽  
pp. 1988-1991
Author(s):  
Li Juan Zhao ◽  
Xiu Mei Lv ◽  
Wei Tong

This develops the roadheader vibration characteristics test system according to the structural characteristics and working principle of the cantilevered roadheader. Using the piezoelectric acceleration sensor detects vibration signal, and passing by signal processing and A/D conversion, vibration signals are sent to the PC with wireless transmission mode, vibration signals detected by the LabVIEW is realized real-time data acquisition, time-frequency analysis and digital processing. Based on this system testing results can effectively master roadheader operation state, identify the vibration characteristics, look for vibration source and put forward reasonable damping vibration measure, which provide the basis for roadheader in the best running condition. The development of roadheader vibration detection system uses the method that combines theory and simulation experiment , which realizes the real-time detection of roadheader vibration behavior, rational signal analysis of roadheader vibration and accurate processing of data results, it provides an important method to ensure the reliability of roadheader.


Author(s):  
Brent R. Young ◽  
J. Greg Cooke ◽  
Ron E. Daye ◽  
William Y. Svrcek

This paper describes the development and use of a dynamic simulation model and the implementation of a novel leak detection system. Experiences from the implementation and operation of the system will also be detailed from a user perspective. The dynamic model may be used for the transient simulation of the pipelines. The model was used to test the real-time leak detection system. The results of the simulation also prompted a change in the control scheme of the pipelines that resulted in less transient operation. The leak detection system is based upon rigorous thermodynamics and dynamic mass balance calculations driven by real-time information from field flow, pressure and temperature sensors. This system was successfully implemented to replace a simple volume balance system for NGL pipelines near Empress, Alberta.


2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 3603-3607 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shraddha Khonde ◽  
V. Ulagamuthalvi

Considering current network scenario hackers and intruders has become a big threat today. As new technologies are emerging fast, extensive use of these technologies and computers, what plays an important role is security. Most of the computers in network can be easily compromised with attacks. Big issue of concern is increase in new type of attack these days. Security to the sensitive data is very big threat to deal with, it need to consider as high priority issue which should be addressed immediately. Highly efficient Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) are available now a days which detects various types of attacks on network. But we require the IDS which is intelligent enough to detect and analyze all type of new threats on the network. Maximum accuracy is expected by any of this intelligent intrusion detection system. An Intrusion Detection System can be hardware or software that analyze and monitors all activities of network to detect malicious activities happened inside the network. It also informs and helps administrator to deal with malicious packets, which if enters in network can harm more number of computers connected together. In our work we have implemented an intellectual IDS which helps administrator to analyze real time network traffic. IDS does it by classifying packets entering into the system as normal or malicious. This paper mainly focus on techniques used for feature selection to reduce number of features from KDD-99 dataset. This paper also explains algorithm used for classification i.e., Random Forest which works with forest of trees to classify real time packet as normal or malicious. Random forest makes use of ensembling techniques to give final output which is derived by combining output from number of trees used to create forest. Dataset which is used while performing experiments is KDD-99. This dataset is used to train all trees to get more accuracy with help of random forest. From results achieved we can observe that random forest algorithm gives more accuracy in distributed network with reduced false alarm rate.


Author(s):  
Jakob Bu¨chert

This paper describes experiences with an improved equation of state (EOS) for ethylene for an existing real time pipeline model. The main scope of the model is leak detection, batch, contaminant and pig tracking. Altogether the pipeline model includes transportation of batched liquid ethylene, ethane, propane, butane and natural gas liquids (NGL). The pipeline is approximately 1900 miles miles long and includes laterals, 33 pump stations, 9 injection/delivery stations and 5 propane terminals. Originally the model used a BWRS EOS for all the above products. At that time a number of false leak alarms were experienced related to pipeline sections containing ethylene. A case study was carried out, specifically for ethylene, to investigate the effect of replacing the BWRS EOS with a modified Helmholtz EOS. The study showed that replacing the EOS on average would improve determination of the ethylene densities by 1.6%–5.6% with an expected reduction in the alarm rate for ethylene cases by approximately 50%. As a result the modified Helmholtz EOS was implemented in the real time model. Results are presented to show the practical experience with the new EOS gained over the last years.


Author(s):  
Lai-Bin Zhang ◽  
Zhao-Hui Wang ◽  
Wei Liang

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.


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