Pipeline Hazard Identification by Enhanced Use of Existing Data Communication Cables
Although a special cable is required for monitoring ground movement, external intrusion and small gas leaks can be readily detected using a standard telecoms optical fibre following the installation of the interrogator instrument.
The following sections show how components of the optic fibre toolbox are being used by BP to introduce surveillance and leak detection capability by enhancing the use of the existing fibre optic cable.
Case Studies
Long-distance Crude Oil Pipeline – Intruder Detection An existing long-distance, large-diameter crude oil pipeline runs through an area where illegal taps are a real threat to the integrity of the pipeline. There exists a fibre optic cable, installed in the ground above the pipeline, to provide control and data communication for the pipeline pump stations and section valves along its length. There are a number of spare fibres in the cable allowing access for surveillance monitoring. The Integriti Platinum system has been installed at one of the pump stations and optic amplification connected into optical fibres where these are exposed at three section valve compounds, giving surveillance coverage of 100km of pipeline from the pump station. The system has been commissioned and is entering operation. During commissioning all anticipated external activities have been simulated and the event library updated.
1.
Field Development and Export Pipeline – Leak Detection
A new field development in the Middle East comprises a number of gas/condensate wells tied back to a processing facility prior to gas export via pipeline to an existing facility. A fibre optic cable was planned for the control and data communication of wells, etc. Through a series of appropriate connections and with the installation of an optical amplifier, a continuous length of optical fibre was accomplished, allowing the full length of each flowline and the export pipeline to be covered by a single run of fibre optics. This has allowed the fibre optic system described above to be used to provide a leak detection capability of several multiphase flowlines and gas export pipelines. The leaks are to be detected by both recognition of the acoustic signatures of the leaks and temperature change due to ground cooling from expansion of the fluids through the leak aperture.
Conclusions
In this article, we have indicated how fibre optic cables installed for pipeline data and control communication can be utilised to monitor existing pipelines for external threats due to illegal, or accidental, interventions. We also addressed how fibre optic cables may provide a leak detection capability. In addition, the system will allow monitoring of hazards to data communication cables and power cables. n
Sanderson N, et al., A comprehensive distributed pipeline condition monitoring system and its field trial, Proceedings of the 7th International Pipeline Conference, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 29 September–3 October 2009.
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