PR015-23604-R01 Improving Leak Detection Technology Performance through Retrofittable Sensors

Improving the detection and quantification of leaks on pipelines continues to be a priority for operators and regulators. A key tool leveraged by the pipeline industry is the use of computational pipeline monitoring (CPM) systems. These systems utilize various measurements along pipeline segments to detect anomalous conditions. One constraint of these systems is the availability of high-quality data from instrumentation along the pipeline.

This project investigated the feasibility of increasing the performance of CPM systems by using sensors that can be retrofit to existing pipelines. The project approach is to determine the current industry need through a literature review and survey, generate a list of currently available sensors, and develop a testing protocol.

The goal of this project is to provide PRCI member companies with an understanding of the sensors that are available, their measurement ranges and sensitivities, a broad understanding of the integration costs of the sensors, and a testing and validation protocol that will be used for a subsequent phase of this program.