The 2nd Annual Pipeline Leak Detection & Monitoring Conference provided sponsors with an excellent opportunity to showcase their latest products and services. Attendees were able to view and interact with these technologies, which have been designed to help oil and gas pipeline companies detect and prevent leaks; monitor for and protect against third-party damage and other intrusions; and repair leaking or damaged pipe. Below is just a small sampling of some of the latest technologies that were on display at the conference.
Airborne leak detection
ITT says that its Airborne Natural Gas Emission Lidar (ANGEL) Services is finding significant leaks for its clients every day that it flies—often on lines that were thought to be leak-free. The company says that it is finding the leaks that visual patrols and walking crews are missing, so that it is no surprise that it has saved its clients literally millions of dollars in recaptured revenues and avoided costs. ITT says that its ANGEL Services is the most comprehensive leak detection and corridor monitoring service in the world. www.ssd.itt.com
Syntho-Glass composite repair
The Syntho-Glass XT system is a unique pre-impregnated, bi-directional composite used to repair and reinforce both internal and external corrosion on pipelines or structures without expensive and time-consuming shutdowns. Offered by Neptune Research Inc. (NRI), the initial development of this system was designed to conform to the ASME PCC-2 and ISO TS24817 standards for nonmetallic reinforcing solutions. This XTreme strength design minimizes the time and cost of refurbishment and replacement cost by reducing the time to repair. When used with the appropriate primary coating, it enables an individual to repair and reinforce virtually any geometry in minutes.
Recently, Syntho-Glass XT was responsible with saving the entire nation of Thailand from a potential economic meltdown by effectively repairing a damaged natural gas pipeline located on an offshore oil rig. This supplied the nation’s power plants with fuel, and the cost of shutdown was roughly $125,000 an hour or more than $3 million a day. Replacing the pipeline would have been a major undertaking that would have lasted months and cost millions. NRI sent a single specialist equipped with 250 small packets of Syntho-Glass XT. In less than 36 hours, technician Ryan Schwarz was able to repair a pipeline that otherwise could have taken months. NRI’s product offers creative and cost-effective solutions.
The Syntho-Glass XT system provides a cost effective solution by:
• Eliminating field mixing and wetting of the composite system to ensure proper fib-to-resin content ratios that are crucial to reliable performance.
• Combining simplicity with flexibility to permit application to irregular shapes and geometries, thereby reducing parts inventory.
• Incorporating proprietary load transfer and bonding technology results in a high-tensile wrap capable of repairing pipes and pipelines beyond their original design strength. www.neptuneresearch.com
PipelineDashboard
Energy Solutions International is a world leading supplier of software solutions that optimize the performance of oil and gas pipelines which has introduced a dashboard developed specifically for this industry. PipelineDashboard is a web-based application which enables data from any application involved in the pipeline management process to be graphically displayed in a dashboard format on a computer screen including mobile devices such as Blackberry, iPhone, or other smart phones.
By using this dashboard technology information about current pipeline integrity, compressor power and fuel consumption, hydraulic profiles, meter and contract allocations, point and contract imbalances, among other functionalities is constantly available and updated in real time. The look of the dashboard can be customized not only for the type of information to be presented, but also in the arrangement of the information the screen. This software allows for colleagues with different responsibilities to set up individualized dashboards based on their specific needs.
PipelineDashboard is an n-tier web application that was developed using the latest web technologies such as AJAX and Microsoft.NET Framework 3.0. It features a growing library of industry specific widgets as well as the ability to customize widgets based upon individual need. It provides pipeline companies with a revolutionary improvement in the dissemination and use of critical information thereby supporting decision making and enhancing both operational and commercial pipeline performance. www.energy-solutions.com
RealityVision platform
Reality Mobile offers pipeline operators the latest advance in instant video and data sharing software. Its RealityVision platform allows users to transmit data from virtually any networked device and immediately share it with system users around the globe. The software component runs securely on any commercially available hardware and functions on all commercial networks, including cellular, WiFi and satellite.
Proven in the government and defense sectors, Chevron and Energy Ventures just invested in the company which is currently breaking ground in the energy industry. Imagine that an inspection team uncovers a pipeline integrity problem in a remote location. RealityVision offers the ability to instantly and collectively visualize high-value assets in real-time. Field engineers can securely stream live visuals from the scene using a smartphone or laptop, while simultaneously receiving visual information, such as schematics, necessary to diagnose and address the problem quickly while reducing operational costs and downtime.
Reality Mobile has developed the missing link between people, processes, technologies and locations. A true extension of the enterprise to mobile users, Reality Mobile enables key information and visuals to be shared with the people who need to see it most, particularly when seconds count. www.realitymobile.com
Methane detection instruments
Heath Consultants Inc. has developed Detecto Pak-Infrared (DP-IR), a highly advanced technology capable of detecting methane without false alarming on other gases. The DP-IR is the latest of a new generation of leak survey instruments from HEATH that greatly improves the productivity and safety of a walking/mobile survey. The DP-IR functions by using an infrared optical gas detection system. This instrument is intended to replace the current surveying equipment using traditional Flame Ionization with next generation technology utilizing a simple light beam, eliminating the need for expensive gas cylinders and refill systems. It is designed to be selective to detecting methane only, and will not false alarm on other hydrocarbon gases. The instrument has a low range sensitivity of 1 ppm and auto ranges up through 100% methane. The DP-IR operates under a variety of environmental conditions including cold or hot weather. Its rugged design will stand up to normal field use and operating conditions.
Heath Consultants also offers the RMLD, an eye-safe laser-based natural gas sensor used to locate leaks in natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines. The RMLD can quickly and efficiently detect leaks up to one hundred feet away allowing remote detection of hard-to-reach areas and difficult terrains. Remote detection allows the user to safely survey areas that may be difficult to reach, such as busy roadways, yards with large dogs, locked gates, pipes suspended under a bridge and other hard-to-access places.
Available gas detectors that deploy technologies such as flame ionization must be positioned within the leak plume to detect the presence of methane. The RMLD does not have to be within the gas plume. When the laser passes through a gas plume, the methane absorbs a portion of the light, which the RMLD then detects. This reflected light is collected and converted to an electrical signal that carries the information needed to deduce the methane concentration. This signal is processed so that methane concentrations can be reported in parts per million meter or PPM-M. The laser has a maximum distance of up to 100 feet and is selective to methane only. It will not false alarm on other hydrocarbons.
Initially, the RMLD was designed a hand-held laser-based natural gas sensor used to locate leaks in natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines for walking surveys. More recently, the RMLD has been adapted to fit onto aircraft for aerial surveys of transmission gas pipes. A standard hand held RMLD laser has a maximum distance of up to 100 feet but by improving the receiver, the standoff range increases to approximately 1,200 ft. This capability made it suitable for aerial pipeline leak surveying from aircraft. Now, low cost leak surveys can be easily added to standard visual inspections. The laser system is also integrated with advanced imaging technology which enables rapid identification of right away issues. www.heathus.com
SimSuite Pipeline
Telvent’s transient pipeline simulator, SimSuite Pipeline, is utilized by some of the largest pipeline operators in the world for on-line real-time modeling, look-ahead modeling, predictive modeling, operator training and engineering analysis. Telvent’s SimSuite Pipeline is the world’s most technologically advanced pipeline simulation system, offering the highest fidelity in the industry. SimSuite Pipeline is a two-phase, non-thermal equilibrium model. It has separate dynamic mass, momentum and energy balances for each phase, and provides complete simulation of pipeline systems including pump stations, compressor stations, DRA injection, tank farms, valves and control Logic.
With a common engine for on-line and off-line modeling, SimSuite users are able to fully leverage the model for operator training simulations and energy management applications such as power optimization. Combine the powerful features and customizability of SimSuite Pipeline with Telvent’s proven delivery of integrated SCADA solutions, complete with advanced operational applications such as Batch Tracking, Metering, Tanking and Flowpath to provide the ultimate solution for all your pipeline application needs.www.telvent.com
Smart pig detectablity of composites
Within the past two decades, composites have become more of an acceptable means of rehabilitating pipelines. Many times the focus is on the reinforcement issues with the specific defect and less on future monitoring. Pipe Wrap LLC offers a Patented Pig Marking System that is effective for both Low and High Resolution In-Line Inspection (ILI) Tools. This economical feature of the A+ Wrap System is optional and adaptable to the operator’s needs from identifying the repaired area to indicating the line flow direction. The Smart Pig Marking System is a simple technology that ensures minimal impact to the repair process, but provides long lasting results. Pipe Wrap LLC believes it is the responsibility of composite manufacturers to anticipate problems that operators face and provide a viable solution. www.piperepair.net
Instructional software
eWebOQ is a product of OQ Partners, a partnership formed between a unit of CenterPoint Energy Pipeline Services and OverNite Software, Inc. eWebOQ is designed to address the particular training needs of the Energy Industry. eWebOQ specifically targets the training needed to fulfill the requirements of the Department of Transportation Operator Qualification Rule. The DOT Operator Qualification Rule requires pipeline operators to develop and maintain a written qualification program for individuals performing covered tasks on pipeline facilities. The DOT also requires that pipeline operators qualify their work force on covered tasks. The Operator Qualification Rule includes Subpart N in 49 CFR Part 192 and Subpart G in 49 CFR Part 195. eWebOQ delivers a complete training instruction and documentation system, referred to as a Learning Management System (LMS). eWebOQ has a library of Operator Qualification courses developed and ready to present to your employees. These courses are designed to meet the requirements of the DOT Operator Qualification Rule. Users can also enter their own course content. eWebOQ is completely customizable to fit particular training needs. eWebOQ is fully equipped to satisfy your company’s needs for: Knowledge Screening, Training Delivery, Testing, Curriculum Management, Records Documentation, and Performance Checklists. www.overnitecbt.com
LINEGUARD
LINEGUARD is the most dependable, cost-effective program that your company can use for detecting and locating leaks in pipelines. In commercial use for over a decade, this proprietary software application from Colt Engineering raises the industry standard for performance in leak detection technology. LINEGUARD provides continuous, 24-7 surveillance even during transient conditions such as shutdowns, startups or valve operations. In ordinary leak detection systems such conditions tend to cause false alarms forcing operators to constantly adjust or disarm the system. LINEGUARD replaces inconsistent leak detection with reliable, continuous protection that you can depend upon. LINEGUARD also determines the location of a leak. In one installation, LINEGUARD detected a 5% leak within 12 minutes, and located the leak to within one kilometer. LINEGUARD will help get repair crews to the scene quickly before a leak becomes a major catastrophe. www.lineguard.com
Composite Repair
Citadel Technologies is the leading developer and manufacturer of superior quality, carbon composite repair systems for pipe rehabilitation; including the Black Diamond, Diamond Wrap, Diamond Wrap HP, RhinoWrap, and SLS epoxy systems. For more than a decade Citadel has maintained a reputation for highly engineered products, superior service, and thorough testing. Citadel Technologies’ composite products are among the most highly tested composite wraps on the market today. With a long history of testing already behind them, Citadel products are continually tested in new ways and new products are developed to maintain the cutting edge in composite technology and knowledge. www.cittech.com
realSens technology
Synodon is offering a natural gas pipeline leak detection service using a highly sensitive remote sensing technology called realSens. This technology has been demonstrated to detect small ground-level concentrations of natural gas when flown from a helicopter at about 1,000 ft. The instrument captures the backscattered solar radiation and measures the total ethane (ethane that exists in all natural gas streams) volume in the column from the aircraft to the ground. All measurements are specific to natural gas with minimal false leak indications and can provide a cost saving over existing ground deployed detection methods. With a ground resolution of six feet and a swath width of 210 ft, the system is capable of detecting all leaks within the vicinity of the pipeline. Obstructions such as structures, trees and vehicles are no impediment because most leaks will migrate into the view of the instrument. www.synodon.com.
Laser-based leak detection
Aviation Technology Services brings affordable leak detection to the oil and gas industry. The company says that it is now leasing the Boreal Laser which mounts on helicopters as well as vehicles. The robust, user-friendly laser is easy to install and has been government tested consistently finding leaks as small as 1.8sqf/h. With numerous airborne surveys, ATS concludes that more than 80% of methane releases occur around pipeline and production equipment. Simply driving by with a vehicle mounted laser will identify most problem areas. Since the late 90’s the Boreal Laser has been used worldwide with an ATS “2003” introduction into the U.S. Get ahead of stricter emission standards; find out more about ATS’s Services and leasing the Boreal Laser at “atshelo.com”
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