A COMBINED APPROACH TO PIPELINE LEAK DETECTION We know that pipeline leak detection is crucial for the energy industry by helping to mitigate the risks of leaks and ruptures. But what do you consider when you select a leak detection system (LDS)? There are several key considerations that are non-negotiable. Here we discuss what they are and why Rotterdam Rijn Pijpleiding (RRP) opted for a combined approach for one of its pipelines. The considerations of an LDS Pipeline operators need an LDS that they can rely on to detect leaks quickly. However, it’s not as simple as that, there are other aspects that need to be factored into the final decision. The key considerations of an LDS are: • • • • • •
High sensitivity - Detecting even small leaks Response time - The leak is detected in a short amount of time Location accuracy - Leak location is pinpointed accurately False alarm rate - Minimal false leak alarms Compliance - Does the LDS comply with regulations? Installation requirements - What instrumentation is needed? by pipeline operators as it can be added to very large pipelines and networks quickly and efficiently, since it can be easily integrated with the pipeline control system for process data acquisition. On the other hand, Atmos Wave Flow combines elements from both the volume balance and negative pressure wave (NPW) methods using dedicated hardware for enhanced sensitivity and location accuracy. This multi-method approach helps to reduce uncertainty and improves the performance of the LDS by providing an accurate location in a significantly shorter time.
Use case: A combined approach to leak detection for RRP Atmos International (Atmos) solutions like Atmos Pipe and Atmos Wave Flow meet all the above considerations, which is why RRP opted for both solutions as part of their overall leak detection strategy. RRP transport crude oil from Rotterdam to refineries in western Germany. They have the capacity to transport around 25 million tons of crude oil and 10 million tons of refined products per year. Atmos Pipe has been at the forefront of leak detection since its release in 1995, as the first statistic volume balance system. It’s a reliable and field proven technology that uses the powerful Sequential Probability Ratio Test (SPRT) with pressure and flow analysis for enhanced reliability. It’s favored
For RRP, the LDS project spans three different pipelines that run underground. It’s vital to them that no crude oil or refined products leak out into the groundwater or soil. An emphasis is placed on monitoring the pipelines 24/7 using pipeline instrumentation distributed along their network and Atmos’ leak detection systems. A combined approach to pipeline leak detection, with Atmos Pipe and Atmos Wave Flow is in operation for RRP’s longest pipeline of 177 kilometers, also with the widest diameter of 36 inches. Combining these two LDS helps to improve the sensitivity and location accuracy of the overall solution. With Atmos Wave Flow alarming on very low product loss rates, it can detect leak sizes under the combined flowmeter repeatability and provide an accurate location estimate. Going forwards, this combined approach will continue to provide round the clock accurate and reliable leak detection to RRP for many years to come.
Explore Atmos’ range of leak detection solutions: www.atmosi.com/en/solutions/leak-detection/
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