Offshore Pipeline Leak Detection System Concepts And Feasibility Study

Detection of hypothetical leaks offshore and/or in the arctic requires particular attention due to the remoteness of resource locations and the sensitivity of the environmental conditions. A resulting and ongoing emphasis on asset integrity produces an interest in leak detection systems that have continual improvements in sensitivity and reliability. In this paper, a discussion of offshore pipeline leak detection functional requirements is presented followed by an overview of the state-of-the-art systems, including a qualitative comparison and a discussion of technology gaps. A concept of integrated leak detection that employs complementary technologies is proposed. It is envisioned that the integrated leak detection concept will enhance leak detection reliability. The technologies considered in the concept are compensated volume balance computational pipeline monitoring (CPM) and distributed fiber optic (FO) sensors. Since the application of FO sensors to offshore pipelines is relatively new, an overview of application requirements and the feasibility of achieving such requirements are also presented.