How to prevent pipeline leakage

HOW TO PREVENT PIPELINE LEAKAGE

The three methods used to prevent gas pipeline leakage are

(1).  Design and construction

(2). Operation and maintenance

(3). Education and training

These methods are explained below

(1). Design and construction

a.    Specify the technical specification for each pipeline.

b.    Ensuring good construction practices, such as hydrotesting prior to pipeline operation

c.    Increasing the protective technology (eg. coating) to further protect the pipeline

d.    During the pipeline design, there is the need to evaluate the geography, topography, and geology of the terrain surrounding the pipeline. Avoid seismic, earthquake zone, and areas prone to natural disasters like landslide, swampy, and rocky areas. Perform topographical and geological survey, aerial photography, etc.

e.    Perform hydraulic studies and size correctly pump or compressor

f.     Accurately size surge suppression equipment. Surge leads to water hammer that may lead to damage thereby spending large sums of money on maintenance.

g.    Each pipeline is different and hence has to be designed and operated differently

(2). Operation and Maintenance

During the operation of the pipeline, the following measures can help prevent leakages

a.    Implement proper operation and maintenance program

b.    Proper and continuous monitoring of the operational and structural conditions of the pipeline to identify problems if not mitigated could lead to major problems.

c.    Computer based simulators can help improve operational safety. Eg. Incorporating a leak detection system in the SCADA to detect leakage.

d.    Monitor the operating pressure. A leakage can cause a noticeable change in gas pressure. Therefore sensors can be installed to detect changes in the pressure of the pipeline. Changes in pressure can trigger an alarm. The sensors required for this technique can be categorized as flow, pressure, and temperature.

e.    Inspect the integrity of the pipeline externally. eg. cathodic protection test, non-destructive examination such as DC voltage gradient, current mapping, UT guided wave technology,

f.     Inspect the integrity of pipeline internally. Eg. in-line inspection such as pigging

g.    Monitor depth of cover

h.    proper calibration of monitoring device

i.   leak detection by using either an external-based leak detection system or internal-based leak detection equipment

(3). Education and training

a.    Educate operators how to identify leakage, and what to look for in gas leakage

b.    Educate residents what to look for in gas leakage in pipeline that passes through their community. Any one of these is a sign of a suspected natural gas pipeline LEAK:

                                              i.        Whistling or hissing sound;

                                            ii.        Distinctive, strong odor, often compared to rotten eggs;

                                           iii.        Dense fog, mist or white cloud;

                                           iv.        Bubbling in water, ponds or creeks;

                                            v.        Dust or dirt blowing up from the ground; or

                                           vi.        Discolored or dead vegetation above the pipeline right of way.

A gas pipeline leakage

Reference

http://www.oilandgasproductnews.com/article/25283/exploring-best-practices-for-ensuring-gas-pipeline-integrity