A Comprehensive Distributed Pipeline Condition Monitoring System and Its Field Trial

Abstract

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.

Research on Above Ground Marker System of Pipeline Internal Inspection Instrument Based on Geophone Array

“…These sound occur when the pigs traverse circumferential weld penetration at weld seams, along with the normal scraping of the cups and cleaning elements against the pipe wall. The signal was affected by the quality of pig , the moving speed of pig, the depth of pipeline and the condition of soil [5].…”

Fundamentals of Optical Fiber Sensing Schemes Based on Coherent Optical Time Domain Reflectometry: Signal Model Under Static Fiber Conditions

“…In the simplest configuration [14], [17], variations of the intensity of the backscatter signal are used to provide an indication of the presence of a disturbance at any position along an optical fiber, and this approach has been used for intrusion detection [18]. Although the transfer function of the backscatter intensity as a function of fiber strain is highly nonlinear, research continues in its application [19], [20], and it has been used extensively for the detection of third-party interference in, for example, pipelines [21].…”

A Review of Distributed Fibre Optic Sensors for Geo-Hydrological Applications

“…Curiously, the system worked for three months before being damaged by a black bear and the long exposures to sub-zero temperatures caused the cement (epoxy resin and caulking product) to fail so that it was no longer attached to the retaining wall. Following the approach of using nearby structures, Strong et al [182] exploited a 100 km-long buried pipeline to detect horizontal and vertical landslide, yet simulated, employing another BOTDR-based system.…”