TPT May 2008

T echnology U pdate

Digital pipeline leak detection

As leaks along pipelines have severe environmental and safety implications, integrity of supply has never been more important. Today’s conventional monitoring techniques are unable to offer real-time, continuous, non-intrusive monitoring. Sensornet’s digital pipeline leak detection solution utilises fibre optic distributed temperature sensing (DTS) technology to spot and locate the smallest

leak in seconds and to within 1 metre, without operational delay or risk. Sensornet’s continuous real-time monitoring solution has the reach, precision and speed to provide the complete, continuous real- time knowledge required to effectively and accurately monitor an entire pipeline. Sensornet’s digital pipeline leak detection system is an extremely versatile leak

detection solution that is based on temperature measurements using distributed fibre optic sensing technology. It can be used to detect both liquid and gaseous leaks in diverse industrial applications such as: oil and gas transmission/ distribution, LNG, steam and water pipelines. The system can be used on long distance pipelines with repeater stations situated at block valve or

 Leaks along pipelines can have severe environmental and safety implications

 Sensornet’s digital pipeline leak detection system

pumping stations, providing full coverage of the entire pipeline. By detecting the temperature change of the surroundings, the DTS can not only detect the presence of a leak but can also pinpoint the location of the leak down to 1m. The system provides measurements from every 10 seconds as such rapid detection is essential in the case of potentially explosive gases. Distributed temperature sensing is the only leak detection technique that can monitor

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M ay 2008

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