SYNERGY IN LEAK DETECTION: COMBINING LEAK DETECTION TECHNOLOGIES THAT USE DIFFERENT PHYSICAL PRINCIPLES

Different leak detection technologies offer different benefits and limitations. Popular options include real-time transient models, statistical volume balance analysis and negative pressure wave systems. Atmos offers a combination of different systems to improve the leak detection performance on a pipeline. This paper outlines the very successful integration of a Statistical Volume Balance System and a Negative Pressure Wave System on a crude oil pipeline. The live product withdrawal tests demonstrated that the combined system maximized the reliability, detection speed, location accuracy and sensitivity of the overall leak detection system. This paper will examine the benefits and technical challenges of combining these two leak detection technologies. The integrated solution delivers the reliability and robustness of the Statistical Volume Balance System together with the rapid response time and location accuracy of the Negative Pressure Wave System. The field application of the two systems integrated on a 170 kilometer crude oil pipeline will be explained in detail, along with the results of some actual controlled product withdrawal tests on the pipeline.