Leak Detection Systems and Challenges for Arctic Subsea Pipelines

Many different approaches have been adopted for identifying leaks in pipelines. Leak detection systems, however, generally suffer from a number of difficulties and limitations. For existing and new pipelines, these inevitably force significant trade-offs to be made between detection accuracy, operational range, responsiveness, deployment cost, system reliability, and overall effectiveness. Existing leak detection systems frequently rely on the measurement of secondary effects such as temperature changes, acoustic signatures or flow differences to infer the existence of a leak. This paper presents an alternative approach to leak detection employing electromagnetic measurements of the material in the vicinity of the pipeline that can potentially overcome some of the difficulties encountered with existing approaches. This sensing technique makes direct measurements of the material near the pipeline resulting in reliable detection and minimal risk of false alarms. The technology has been used successfully in other industries to make critical measurements of materials under challenging circumstances. A number of prototype sensors were constructed using this technology and they were tested by an independent research laboratory. The test results show that sensors based on this technique exhibit a strong capability to detect oil, and to distinguish oil from water (a key challenge with in-situ sensors).

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Leak detection systems in pipelines

Automation Telemechanization and Communication in Oil Industry ◽

10.33285/0132-2222-2021-9(578)-5-12 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 5-12

Author(s):

S.A. Khokhrin ◽

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G.S. Abramov ◽

Kh.N. Muzipov ◽

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...

Keyword(s):

Leak Detection ◽

Detection Systems

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Pipeline Diagnostics With Ultrasonic Meters

Volume 3: Operations, Monitoring and Maintenance; Materials and Joining ◽

10.1115/ipc2016-64193 ◽

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.

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Leak Detection Systems for Short Pipelines

Volume 2: Integrity and Corrosion; Offshore Issues; Pipeline Automation and Measurement; Rotating Equipment ◽

10.1115/ipc2000-245 ◽

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.

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