Pipeline Potential Leak Detection Technologies: Assessment and Perspective in the Nigeria Niger Delta Region

Abstract

This paper examines the advances in pipeline third party encroachment alert systems and leak control methods in the oil/gas industry. It also highlights the extent of spill/pollution issues in the Niger Delta region due to intended/unin- tended damages and suggests a possible method of control. It is believed that the best option to avoid pollution due to pipeline failure is to ensure that hydrocarbon does not exit from the pipeline. With the different methods considered in this review, acoustic monitoring of change in the operational sound generated from a given pipeline section is suggested to be practicable to identifying sound abnormalities of third party encroachments. One established challenge of the acoustic system for buried pipelines protection is attenuation of acoustic transmission. An attempt to check the performance of an acoustic transmission on steel pipelines submerged in water points to a similar research on plastic water pipelines that attenuation is small compared with pipe buried in soil. Fortunately, Niger Delta of Nigeria is made of wetland, swamps and shallow water and could therefore offer an opportunity to deploy acoustic system for the safety of pipelines against third party attacks in this region. However, the numerous configuration and quantity of oil installation in this region imply that cost of application will be enormous. It is therefore suggested that a combination of impressed alternating cycle current (IACC) which traces encroachment on the pipeline coating and an acoustic system be used to manage intended and unintended pipeline potential damages. The IACC should be used for flow lines and other short distance delivery lines within the oilfield, while the relatively large diameter and long length delivery, trunk and transmission lines should be considered for acoustic protection. It is, however, noted that further efforts are required to reduce cost and improve effectiveness of these systems

Two Levels Alert Verification Technique for Smart Oil Pipeline Surveillance System (SOPSS)

“…The unintended damages can be occurred because of the existence of works like construction or agricultural near by the oil pipeline area. The intended damage causes can be as a result of vandalism from terrorist attacks or theft [3]. In general, vandalism refers to illegal activity leads to the destruction of infrastructure by targeting vital installations such as oil and gas pipelines, etc.…”

“…However, these measures rely heavily on human factor in monitoring since they did not achieve the desired results. Some did not adopt web-based and facing delay, whereas others cannot allow real-time monitoring [1], [3], [4], [5]. On the other hand, others have not the ability to take pictures and video to find out the reason for leakage or failure and to produce sabotage events report before their occurrence [6].…”

Theoretical Evaluation of Two-Phase Flow in a Horizontal Duct with Leaks

“…3) Post-Leak: it corresponds to the behavior of the flow in the pipe after the occurrence of a leak and the stabilization of the flow conditions, reflecting the flow stationary conditions on pipes with the presence of a leak Different works related to leakage in the pipe has been reported in the literature [4][5][6][7][8].…”

“…Agbakwuru [4] discusses about the challenges and technologies available for viewing and examination of leaks in pipelines located in the sea and under the conditions of poor visibility. It is proposed the use of Remotely Operated Vehicles with an optical eye as a tool to perform visual inspection of the pipeline and assist in the challenge of repairing the oil spill.…”

Experimental Study of Oil Pipeline Leak Processes

“…In reality, the break is often not into two parts, but a partial break off or opening of the barrier between the two fluids of different densities: Oil and air for land pipelines or oil and water for subsea pipelines. The partial break/opening of barriers is often "throughhole" damage to pipe structure itself due to corrosion, structural or third party damages [7].…”