In this paper we describe a unique and innovative pipeline and flowline monitoring system which has been developed by Schlumberger in collaboration with BP. Applications of the system include pipeline/flowline integrity monitoring and overall optimization of the operation of the pipeline/flowline. Details of the pipeline condition monitoring system (PCMS) components are provided along with the results from comprehensive field trials. The system uses novel optical fibre distributed sensors to provide simultaneous distributed measurements of temperature, strain and vibration for the detection, monitoring, and location of events including: • Third Party Interference (TPI), including multiple simultaneous disturbances; • Geo-hazards and landslides; • Gas and oil leaks; • Permafrost protection. The system performs analysis of the combination of measurands to provide the operator with an event recognition and location capability allowing the most appropriate early response to be initiated. Through the use of newly developed remote, optically powered amplification, an unprecedented detection range of 100km is achieved without the need for any electronics and therefore remote power in the field. A system can thus monitor 200km when configured to monitor 100km in two directions from a single location. As well as detecting the external conditions leading to leaks, this fully integrated system provides a means of detecting and locating small leaks in gas pipelines below the threshold of present online leak detection systems based on monitoring flow parameters. Other benefits include the enhancement of the operator’s existing integrity management program and the potential for reductions in surveillance costs and HSE risks. In addition to onshore pipeline systems this combination of functionality and range is available for practicable monitoring in a wide range of other applications such as: • Long subsea flowlines; • Umbilicals; • Power cables; • Offshore riser systems; • Settlement in tank farms; • Facilities perimeter security. An important deliverable from this work includes the design and field testing of a bespoke optical sensor cable, designed to be sensitive to ground movement to allow distributed strain measurement whilst withstanding the rigors of the pipeline environment. In this paper, we describe the new optical sensing methods developed, and the results of the extensive field trials performed during 2007 and 2008 to fully evaluate and prove the system for use on long hydrocarbon transmission pipelines. Specifically, we demonstrate the detection of small gas releases, simulated earth movement and a number of different types of third party interventions at the full 100km target range.
Pipelines are at risk from external threats including third-party intrusion, societal development and ground movement in addition to the ongoing potential for leaks due to corrosion or other causes. Although the appropriate use of internal inspection practices and regular survey of coating and cathodic protection systems will give timely information on any deterioration in pipeline condition, external threats can be unpredictable.
In this paper we present a fully integrated pipeline and flowline integrity monitoring system. The system uses optical-fiber distributed sensors to provide simultaneous distributed measurements of temperature, strain, and vibration for the detection, monitoring, and location of events includingthird-party interference (TPI), including multiple simultaneous disturbancesriser strain, pipeline buckling and upheaval, geohazards, landslides, and ice scoursVortex-induced Vibration (VIV)flow assurance and distributed temperature monitoring of heated pipelinesgas and oil leakspermafrost protection. The technology also provides a unique means for tracking the progress of cleaning and instrumented pigs using existing optical telecoms and datacoms cables buried close to pipelines. The solution provides a unique and proactive approach to pipeline integrity management. It performs analysis of a combination of measurements to provide the pipeline operator with an event-recognition and location capability, in effect providing a hazard warning system and offering the operator the potential to take early action to prevent loss. Through the use of remote, optically powered amplification, an unprecedented range of 100 km is possible without the need for any electronics or therefore remote power in the field. A system can thus monitor 200 km of pipeline when configured to monitor 100 km upstream and downstream from a single location. As well as detecting conditions and events leading to leaks, this fully integrated system provides a means of detecting and locating small leaks in gas pipelines below the threshold of present online leak-detection systems based on monitoring flow parameters. Other significant benefits includepotential reductions in the construction costs of new pipelinesenhancement of the operator's existing integrity management programPotential reductions in surveillance costs and HSE risks. In addition to onshore pipeline systems, this combination of functionality and range is available for practicable monitoring in a wide range of other applications, such asthe monitoring of long subsea flowline for flow assurance, leak detection and movements such as ice scourflexible riser integrity monitoringstrain and shape monitoring of offshore riser and umbilical systemsFacilities perimeter security. An important element of this system is a bespoke direct-bury optical sensor cable, designed to allow distributed strain measurement and hence enable monitoring of ground movement whilst withstanding the rigors of pipeline environment. The system can also be configured for detection of third-party interference and leaks with the majority of existing buried onshore cables.
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