API 1175 discusses the requirement for CPM leak detection technology to continuously improve and provide better security for pipelines.

When we talk about internal based methods of leak detection the most commonly used methods are flow balance, negative wave and RTTM. Several papers have been written on each type of method with their advantages and disadvantages being heavily discussed. However, the improvements made to improve sensitivity, leak location, response time and reliability to these methods have not been significant enough.

This paper will discuss the improvements that Atmos International has made in the last few years to dramatically improve the disadvantages often associated with the negative pressure wave and flow balance methods. It will discuss the introduction of fast scanning to flow balance technology allowing for dramatic improvements to leak location and new filters to improve detection time. It will also highlight the introduction of inexpensive non-intrusive hardware to allow more instrumentation onto a pipeline to improve sensitivity and reliability on the negative pressure wave. In addition, the paper will talk about the addition of Rupture and Nano wave modules to help with detecting all scenarios to impact a pipeline such as leaks, thefts and ruptures. It will summarise how information is now presented within new graphical user interfaces including web GUI and mobile applications.

The paper will discuss the future of leak detection is in terms of regulation and technology.

References

1. http://business.financialpost.com/news/energy/these-are-the-5-countries-most-plagued-by-oil-theft?__lsa=906f-a9b4

2. Peter Han and Mark Kim 2014: “Synergy in Leak Detection: Combining Leak Detection Technologies that use different Physical Principles”, 10th International Pipeline Conference. Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 29th September to 3rd October 2014. Canada: IPC2014

3. Jun Zhang, Andy Hoffman, Adrian Kane, John Lewis 2014: “Development of Pipeline Leak Detection Technologies”, 10th International Pipeline Conference. Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 29th September to 3rd October 2014. Canada: IPC2014