TY - GEN
T1 - Development of an innovative free-swimming device for detection of leaks in oil and gas pipelines
AU - Ariaratnam, Samuel
AU - Chandrasekaran, Muthu
PY - 2010
Y1 - 2010
N2 - Line leakage of oil and natural gas systems can result in significant financial and environmental consequences. Often, small leaks lead to ruptures in the pipeline that result in product escaping into the surrounding soil. Oil product can taint water supplies by migrating into aquifers, while natural gas leaks are susceptible to catastrophic explosions. A joint academic-industry research initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has lead to the development and refinement of a freeswimming device capable of detecting small leaks in oil product and natural gas pipelines. The SmartBall® swims through a pipeline being assessed and produces results at significantly reduced cost to the end user compared to current leak detection methods. GIS based above ground loggers that are GPS synchronized capture low frequency acoustic signatures and digitally log the passage of the SmartBall® through a pipeline. This paper presents the development, laboratory and field validation testing of the SmartBall® for both oil and natural gas applications with discussion of demonstrated case studies.
AB - Line leakage of oil and natural gas systems can result in significant financial and environmental consequences. Often, small leaks lead to ruptures in the pipeline that result in product escaping into the surrounding soil. Oil product can taint water supplies by migrating into aquifers, while natural gas leaks are susceptible to catastrophic explosions. A joint academic-industry research initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has lead to the development and refinement of a freeswimming device capable of detecting small leaks in oil product and natural gas pipelines. The SmartBall® swims through a pipeline being assessed and produces results at significantly reduced cost to the end user compared to current leak detection methods. GIS based above ground loggers that are GPS synchronized capture low frequency acoustic signatures and digitally log the passage of the SmartBall® through a pipeline. This paper presents the development, laboratory and field validation testing of the SmartBall® for both oil and natural gas applications with discussion of demonstrated case studies.
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U2 - 10.1061/41109(373)59
DO - 10.1061/41109(373)59
M3 - Conference contribution
AN - SCOPUS:77956321111
SN - 9780784411094
T3 - Construction Research Congress 2010: Innovation for Reshaping Construction Practice - Proceedings of the 2010 Construction Research Congress
SP - 588
EP - 596
BT - Construction Research Congress 2010
T2 - Construction Research Congress 2010: Innovation for Reshaping Construction Practice
Y2 - 8 May 2010 through 10 May 2010
ER -