PR-015-123741-R01 Alternatives to Current Leak Detection Approaches for Hydrotesting

Hydrotesting is a key component of pipeline integrity management. This testing is one of the primary methods used by pipeline operators during the commissioning process of a line segment. Hydrotesting is also used to validate the maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) of existing pipelines. One element of this test is to identify water leaks in a timely fashion so that they can be fixed before the pipeline is returned to service. The most commonly-cited method for leak detection during hydrotesting is the use of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) as a tracer compound. This tracer is a powerful greenhouse gas and, thus, a project was initiated to determine if alternate means of leak detection are available for this application. Based on the concerns of pipeline operators, PRCI initiated a project to identify and explore possible alternatives to the use of SF6. These alternatives could be in the form of an alternative tracer compound or through the use of a different leak detection technology. The objectives of the project were to identify possible alternate technologies and then to choose two or three for further exploration after a tradeoff study was performed to grade each technology against a set of requirements. This document provides final reporting for this project.