Field Validation Demonstrations to Advance Pipeline Leak Detection Beyond Current Capabilities

Overview

Main Objective

The research team will conduct controlled tests of Siemens' Spontaneous Leak Detection System (SLDS) to simulate pipeline ruptures of various sizes (spontaneous leaks) by abruptly opening a simulation valve at various locations on the line. These tests, in turn, will validate the following SDLS capabilities:

• Detect the negative pressure wave generated.
• Through data analysis, measure the propagation time of the pressure wave to provide an accurate rupture location with Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates.

Public Abstract

The Siemens Energy Spontaneous Leak Detection Service Powered by ProFlex is a subscription service provided by Siemens Energy for detection of spontaneous leaks in pipelines, gathering systems and offshore risers. The service is based on Siemens Energy IoT architecture and leverages advanced data processing algorithms from our partner ProFlex to identify and localize small leaks within real-time.

With Spontaneous Leak Detection, operators can now detect small leaks within seconds and take corrective actions quicker to minimize product loss and environmental impacts. Our technology can detect leaks typically in range of 1/2 to 2 inches.

The key differentiation between the Spontaneous Leak Detection Service and other leak detection approaches is performance. Typical mass balance system requires 1.5% - 4% volume loss with pressure threshold margin typically set at -15% pipeline operational pressure which means a substantial loss of product before a leak is indicated and then verified. The use of easy to deploy IoT technology means that pipeline leak detection can be easily deployed on brownfield as well as greenfield projects.

Anticipated Results:

• All controlled simulations of various leak sizes are captured and alarmed with accurate GPS coordinates directly to operators' personnel. No false positives. -The identification of the rupture is event driven and real-time. Notification of an incident will take substantially less time than current technologies (ex. CPM, SCADA).

Potential Impact on Safety: The primary benefit of the SLDS system is the ability to accurately identify pipeline leak events without false positive, the reduced time to notify the pipeline operator of an incident and provide accurate GPS location. The operator can then respond with appropriate leak-detection mitigation measures ultimately resulting in minimizing the release of Hazardous Liquid or Natural Gas.

[[[NOTE: This project was cancelled by the request of Siemens Energy LLC.]]]