Direct Hydrocarbon Leakage Detection of Pipelines Using Novel Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites

Author(s):  
Kaushik Parmar ◽  
Simon Park

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.

1985 ◽  
Vol 1985 (1) ◽  
pp. 263-265
Author(s):  
L. F. Donaghey

ABSTRACT Early-warning hydrocarbon leak detection is a key to protecting groundwater from contamination by leaking storage tanks. This paper reviews the technology for vapor and liquid leak detection and evaluates methods of using it. Current technology offers both vapor and liquid hydrocarbon detectors. However, none that we tested was completely free of problems. Vapor detectors age and degrade in service. Liquid detectors lack high sensitivity. Of the different methods for early leak detection, vapor detectors respond in the shortest time. Detection systems need to be developed further to overcome remaining problems. In particular, they also need to be able to distinguish real tank leaks from normal hydrocarbon backgrounds.


Author(s):  
David G. Parman ◽  
Ken McCoy

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.


Author(s):  
Julio Alonso

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.


Author(s):  
Srinivasan Jagannathan ◽  
Neil Stewart ◽  
Graham Jack

Product losses from pipelines, whether attributed to acts of man or nature, amount to operator losses of approximately USD 133 billion annually [1], not even considering costs associated with remediation, environmental damage, and reputational harm. When an incident occurs, pipeline operators need to minimize the event by quickly and accurately locating and quantifying the pipeline loss and its cause. Having this detailed knowledge enables determination of the best method for dealing with possible issues while helping minimize remediation costs, pipeline downtime, and the impact of the work on surrounding infrastructure. Currently, most systems for pipeline leak detection are limited to either listening methods, which require being online and monitoring both pipeline ends at the moment the leak occurs, or intrusive methods that require the insertion of a pig into the pipeline. Both of these techniques are restricted in usage because access should be available to both ends of the pipeline. Additionally, for the intrusive method, the pipeline should be piggable and, for the listening method, the instrumentation should be able to communicate with a central data processing point placed at both pipeline ends as they rely on travel time difference between signals received at either end of the pipeline. The method this paper describes is a proven, nonintrusive technology that can be used by pipeline operators to identify losses quickly and safely with a repeatable and verified high level of accuracy. It monitors the signature response of a generated fluid hammer and resulting pressure wave transiting within the pipeline and analyzes the reflected signature wave and pressure data to extrapolate both the location and magnitude of the loss with all pipeline parameters taken into account. The method enables operators to detect, locate, and quantify the loss of pipeline inventory in a safe and cost-effective manner without having to stop production, beyond the temporary closing of a mainline valve, or risk tools or personnel, due to exposure to pressurized fluids, before performing any intervention at the leak site.


Author(s):  
Gary McVoy ◽  
Mark Sengenberger ◽  
Elizabeth Novak

Public-works agencies have an obligation to enhance the environment as opportunities arise. The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has developed an environmental initiative to make an affirmative contribution to the environment, using the department’s organizational strengths. The environmental initiative is a paradigm shift applicable to all departments of transportation (DOTs). Conventional reactive regulatory compliance can reduce unnecessary environmental damage and sometimes gain grudging regulatory agency cooperation; however, it is not a positive, satisfying way of doing the people’s work. Through proactive steps, NYSDOT has become an important part of the state’s environmental solution (often at little or no additional cost) and has changed its working relationships with environmental agencies and groups. As these agencies and groups have become partners, instead of adversaries, permit-approval times have improved, mitigation costs have declined, morale has improved, and cost-effective environmental benefits are being realized. Procedures are outlined to apply the engineering capabilities of a DOT to the environmental-stewardship responsibilities shared by all governmental organizations.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramesh Yelagandula ◽  
◽  
Aleksandr Bykov ◽  
Alexander Vogt ◽  
Robert Heinen ◽  
...  

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the need for massively-parallel, cost-effective tests monitoring viral spread. Here we present SARSeq, saliva analysis by RNA sequencing, a method to detect SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses on tens of thousands of samples in parallel. SARSeq relies on next generation sequencing of multiple amplicons generated in a multiplexed RT-PCR reaction. Two-dimensional, unique dual indexing, using four indices per sample, enables unambiguous and scalable assignment of reads to individual samples. We calibrate SARSeq on SARS-CoV-2 synthetic RNA, virions, and hundreds of human samples of various types. Robustness and sensitivity were virtually identical to quantitative RT-PCR. Double-blinded benchmarking to gold standard quantitative-RT-PCR performed by human diagnostics laboratories confirms this high sensitivity. SARSeq can be used to detect Influenza A and B viruses and human rhinovirus in parallel, and can be expanded for detection of other pathogens. Thus, SARSeq is ideally suited for differential diagnostic of infections during a pandemic.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongbin Chen ◽  
Shuai Yu ◽  
Haiyang Liu ◽  
Jie Liu ◽  
Yongguang Xiao ◽  
...  

AbstractAssessment of lung and heart states is of critical importance for patients with pneumonia. In this study, we present a small-sized and ultrasensitive accelerometer for continuous monitoring of lung and heart sounds to evaluate the lung and heart states of patients. Based on two-stage amplification, which consists of an asymmetric gapped cantilever and a charge amplifier, our accelerometer exhibited an extremely high ratio of sensitivity to noise compared with conventional structures. Our sensor achieves a high sensitivity of 9.2 V/g at frequencies less than 1000 Hz, making it suitable to use to monitor weak physiological signals, including heart and lung sounds. For the first time, lung injury, heart injury, and both lung and heart injuries in discharged pneumonia patients were revealed by our sensor device. Our sound sensor also successfully tracked the recovery course of the discharged pneumonia patients. Over time, the lung and heart states of the patients gradually improved after discharge. Our observations were in good agreement with clinical reports. Compared with conventional medical instruments, our sensor device provides rapid and highly sensitive detection of lung and heart sounds, which greatly helps in the evaluation of lung and heart states of pneumonia patients. This sensor provides a cost-effective alternative approach to the diagnosis and prognosis of pneumonia and has the potential for clinical and home-use health monitoring.


Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 2963
Author(s):  
Melinda Timea Fülöp ◽  
Miklós Gubán ◽  
György Kovács ◽  
Mihály Avornicului

Due to globalization and increased market competition, forwarding companies must focus on the optimization of their international transport activities and on cost reduction. The minimization of the amount and cost of fuel results in increased competition and profitability of the companies as well as the reduction of environmental damage. Nowadays, these aspects are particularly important. This research aims to develop a new optimization method for road freight transport costs in order to reduce the fuel costs and determine optimal fueling stations and to calculate the optimal quantity of fuel to refill. The mathematical method developed in this research has two phases. In the first phase the optimal, most cost-effective fuel station is determined based on the potential fuel stations. The specific fuel prices differ per fuel station, and the stations are located at different distances from the main transport way. The method developed in this study supports drivers’ decision-making regarding whether to refuel at a farther but cheaper fuel station or at a nearer but more expensive fuel station based on the more economical choice. Thereafter, it is necessary to determine the optimal fuel volume, i.e., the exact volume required including a safe amount to cover stochastic incidents (e.g., road closures). This aspect of the optimization method supports drivers’ optimal decision-making regarding optimal fuel stations and how much fuel to obtain in order to reduce the fuel cost. Therefore, the application of this new method instead of the recently applied ad-hoc individual decision-making of the drivers results in significant fuel cost savings. A case study confirmed the efficiency of the proposed method.


2014 ◽  
Vol 1685 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ho Yeon Son ◽  
Yoon Sung Nam ◽  
Woo Soo Kim

ABSTRACTHere we introduce a facile method to fabricate a flexible piezoelectric sensor using one-dimensional (1-D) piezoelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanofibers directly produced onto flexible printed electrodes by electro-spinning without an additional poling process. The flexible silver electrodes are fabricated on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using silver nanowires by easy and cost-effective spraying deposition. The electrospun PVDF nanofibers have uniaxially aligned arrays on the electrodes by using a rotating collector. The fabricated PVDF piezoelectric sensors demonstrate the piezoelectric responses with repeated mechanical stimuli with good flexibility and high sensitivity. We expect that the facile fabrication of PVDF piezoelectric sensors on flexible printed electrodes can be usefully exploited to integrate the piezoelectric sensors into flexible and stretchable functional electronic devices.


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