Ineos' Experience in Pipeline Leak Detection Using Flow and Pressure Measurements

摘要

Pipeline leak detection was not a welcome subject for most pipeline operating companies because of its poor performance track record and high support cost. With the availability of modern instrumentation system and improved leak detection technology, significant benefits of leak detection systems have now been recognised by the pipeline industry ([1], [2], [3], [4], [5]). Over the past six years, Ineos (previously BP Chemical) have gained a lot of experience in a statistical leak detection system ([6], [7]). This system works with conventional flow and pressure measurements used for pipeline operation and control. Without any additional hardware, such measurements are used for pipeline integrity monitoring. This paper addresses the application of conventional instruments to the following five pipelines: (1) A 12", 152.8 KM long high pressure ethylene pipeline; (2) A 10", 38.1 KM long ethane pipeline; (3) A 6", 85 KM long liquid propylene network; (4) A 12", 93 KM long multi-product pipeline and; (5) A 20", 93 KM long crude oil pipeline.