PR-015-143715-R01 Cable-Based Leak Detection Retrofit Study

Various testing projects in the past few years have demonstrated the potential of cable-based leak detection technologies to accurately detect and locate relatively small leaks on onshore pipelines. Technologies such as distributed temperature sensing (DTS), distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), and vapor monitoring require the cables/tubes to be placed in relatively close proximity to the monitored pipeline, including some cases where the cable would be placed below the pipeline. One key market for such technology is the vast inventory of existing pipeline infrastructure. While there are many potential key benefits of such technology, the cables (e.g., fiber-optic, dielectric cables, tubes, etc.) required for leak detection would need to be installed for that purpose (the location of any communications fiber is not likely to be conducive to leak detection). Thus, a pipeline would have to be retrofitted with such technology. Such an application carries a number of logistical challenges and unique safety considerations. Additionally, scenarios such as road crossings, rivers, and third-party crossings pose additional challenges. A project was initiated to determine if there is a suitable means of retrofitting pipelines with cables. The objective of this project was to identify technologies or approaches for retrofitting existing pipelines with cables (e.g., fiber-optic cables, vapor-sensing tubes, etc.) for use in leak detection applications. This project was aimed at providing an understanding of any gaps that must be closed prior to deployment of a technology for cable retrofit.