SRP: Leak DETEctioN
This Strategic Research Priority closes the primary gaps in standardizing the way that technologies and methods for leak detection are validated and qualified for energy pipelines (gathering, transmission, and distribution), and their associated facilities.
outcomes & value to industry
• Identifying, developing, and confirming effective leak detection monitoring technology options for the industry.
• Significantly reducing liquid and gas leak impacts and improve confidence in pipeline safety.
• Impacting industry recommended practices and standards.
industry improvement
LIQUID HYDROCARBON SYSTEMS
• Improved detection technology.
• Comprehensive leak detection strategy for gas and liquids operators (internal/external).
• External detection and quantification guidance.
NATURAL GAS PIPELINE
• Accelerated event identification through remote sensing.
• Application of continuous pipeline monitoring for natural gas transmission operations.
• Validation of technology capabilities and limitations.
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS IDENTIFICATION & QUANTIFICATION FOR NATURAL GAS PIPELINES
• Industry guidance for continuous monitoring of facilities.
• Clarify capabilities and limitations of large area remote monitoring.
• Identify advanced leak detection technologies capable of accurate quantification of leak rates and leak locations.
• Improving characterization of release and emissions intermittency for detection and quantification.
An initial study for design and cost to build a facility for testing Computational Pipeline Monitoring (CPM) and In-Line Inspection (ILI) applications as external leak detection systems, including hardware, equipment, software, etc. This study identifies current capabilities, technology testing gaps, and practical options for a dedicated pipeline Leak Detection Test Site (TS) for real-world hydrocarbon leak simulations/testing for CPM and ILI (type) and external sensor-based leak detection systems.
CURRENT RESULTS
What’s next
Kicking off the next projects.
Mark Pelkey
prci program manager
Leadership
“LD-1-01 is a huge undertaking for the PRCI LD SRP as it impacts nearly all the subsequent PRCI LD SRP projects. The project is a feasibility study in constructing and maintaining a leak detection facility at various testing facilities currently in operation. More importantly documenting industry’s current leak detection capabilities against these current facilities, gaps in the current test facilities’ abilities, including testing the existing leak detection technologies in manners consistent with analyzing real-world hydrocarbon pipeline leaks, and identifying important potential limiting factors in the facilities’ designs and or/operations.”
Nikos Salmatanis, Chevron
