An effective leak detection method for in-service gas pipeline systems

Abstract

Pipeline leakage can lead to production losses and can adversely affect the environment, causing harm to the operator. Monitoring the pressure, volumetric flow rate, and other responses along the pipeline are vital to identifying pipe leaks. In this study, an in-service gas pipeline was modelled using the modified Panhandle equation to estimate the pipeline flow dynamics' properties and establish the baseline for normal operating conditions of the pipeline before the leak scenario. A half-inch leak event was then introduced at various locations along each section of the pipeline transmission system using OLGA software. The baseline pipeline pressure was compared with the pressure responses from the various leak scenario in each pipeline section. The pipeline leakage at proximities close to the downstream outlet area of the pipeline has a lower pressure drop compared to leakages located towards the pipe upstream inlet area. Therefore, for leakages close to the pipe inlet, fluid transportation will be significantly hindered due to drastic pressure reduction from the pipe leakage. A decision-making flowchart for gas pipeline leak detection was proposed to aid the deployment of the emergency leak response by operators. This approach to leak detection does not require significant hardware changes (which are usually expensive to install) to the in-service gas pipeline network.

Keywords

• Pipeline integrity
• Pipeline leaks
• Gas pipelines
• Olga Simulation