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Leakage Detection

Mode of operation

Leak monitoring is used not only for pipelines and tube systems transporting gas and liquids, but also at storage locations for tank and reservoir monitoring. In addition to protecting against the loss of transported materials, distributed fiber-optic sensing is used to reduce environmental hazards and spill-risks for example explosion-protection with LNG tanks and pipelines.

Distributed fiber-optic leak detection systems are found not only in the oil & gas industry, but also in monitoring district heating and water supply- and treatment facilities. Depending on the exact application, measurements are based on three different principles.

For systems with an adequate temperature difference between the transported material and the surrounding environment, or those with a high pressure differential where the Joules-Thompson law can be applied, leaks are effectively detected and localized with a temperature sensing cable.

For applications where this does not work, but for which there is adequate pressure in the transportation system, leaks are detected based on sound and vibration utilizing acoustic sensing cables.

Strain sensitive cables can also be used to detect leaks in specific cases where the transported liquid changes the strain in the cable or surrounding material. In cases where external mounting of the sensing cable on the transport system is not possible, a strain cable can be floated in the pipe and fixed the inner wall to detect leaks through pressure drops.

ADVANTAGES

Long distances: Monitoring of structures across tens of kilometers with a single cablel
Maintenance free: cables operate maintenance-free for decades
Save: passive, fiber-optic sensing enables safe sensing of explosive materials (ex. LNG tank monitoring)

APPLICATIONS

Pipeline Monitoring

In order to detect the tiniest leak, acoustic and vibration sensitive sensor cables are installed directly on the piping. Acoustic sensing enables protection against “tapping” and dangers from construction equipment. For leak detection through temperature sensing, cables can be installed at a specific stand-off from the pipeline. This is an advantage for pipelines in use.

Installed Products: BRUsens DAS AC1, BRUsens DTS AHFO

Reservoir Monitoring

Monitoring for dams and reservoirs utilizes temperature sensing, in particular for humidity and flow sensing. Heatable fiber-optic cables are often used for these applications (see humidity monitoring)

Installed Products: BRUsens DTS AHFO, BRUsens DTS BSTE

Tank Monitoring

Tank monitoring is often used for explosive goods storage (e.g. LNG). Leaks are detected with acoustic and vibration monitoring – the corresponding pressure difference is used for measurement, as well as also humidity differences. In contrast to reservoir monitoring, heatable cables can not be used because of the risk of eplosion.

Installed Prodcts: BRUsens DAS AC1, BRUsens DTS BSTE

PRODUCTS

BRUsens BSSH V13

Hybrid distributed fiber optic sensing cable for strain, temperature and acoustic containing 3 stranded FIMT and a structured PA sheath. FIMTs are freely configurable and usable for up to 1% strain measurement

Product Data Sheet

BRUsens DAS AC1

Acoustic Distributed fiber-optic cable with metallic tight buffered tube and a PA outside shield Product Data Sheet

BRUsens DTS AHFO

Distributed fiber optic temperature sensor cable with metal loose tube, steel wire armouring and copper conductor for actively heated fiber optic measurements Product Data Sheet

BRUsens DTS BSTE

Distributed fiber optic temperature sensor cable with metal loose tube, steel wire armouring and a PA outer sheath Product Data Sheet

BRUsens DSS V9

Distributed fiber optic strain gauge cable with metallic tight buffered tube and a structured PA outer sheath for strain measurement up to 1% Product Data Sheet

More products upon request

Andrea Fasciati

Director Sales

andrea.fasciati@solifos.com