Remote Leak Detection of Gases and Fluids: Pipeline Leak Detection

Introduction

Pipelines, given the tremendous quantity of transported products, are among the safest mode of commodity transport. However, unplanned commodity loss, due to breaches in pipeline integrity, does occur and is a very undesirable side effect of transporting oil and gas by pipeline. This Pipeline Leak Detection training course mainly focuses on leak detection technology, so that operators can detect when pipeline failures occur so that these operators can respond in a timely manner. It also focuses on pipelines used by the petroleum industry. However, many aspects of this course are applicable to other pipeline infrastructures.

This Pipeline Leak Detection training course will highlight:

• Threats to pipelines that may cause leaks.
• Pipeline leak detection methods.
• Pipeline leak detection installation and testing.
• Risk Based Integrity Management with links to pipeline leak.
• Case studies and some special cases.

Objectives

This Pipeline Leak Detection training course will help participants understand the main problems that causing pipeline leaks and different technologies used to detect these leaks in whether for oil pipelines or gas pipelines.  Participants on this course will understand how these technologies are implemented.

By the end of this Pipeline Leak Detection training course, delegates will be able to:

• Understand the main problems causing pipeline leaks.
• Appreciate different techniques for pipeline leak detection.
• Learn about some special cases and case studies of pipeline leak detection.
• Understand the pipeline risk management and how to link this with pipeline leak.
• Appreciate how to improve the monitoring systems of oil and gas pipelines.

Training Methodology

This Pipeline Leak Detection training course will utilise a variety of proven adult learning techniques to ensure maximum understanding, comprehension and retention of the information presented including:

• Course manual

• PowerPoint presentations,

• Videos

• Competency assurance tests including pre-assessment and post-assessment tests

The Pipeline Leak Detection training course will be highly interactive and participative. This involves regular discussion of applications as well as hands-on exposure to techniques using examples from case studies and real projects. Delegates are strongly encouraged to bring and share their own experiences and lessons learnt from the work domain. This adds greater relevancy to the content.

Who Should Attend?

This Pipeline Leak Detection training course is suitable for a wide range of professionals but will greatly benefit:

• Pipeline Engineers who want to expand their knowledge in the pipeline industry
• Engineers working in oil & gas integrity departments
• Project Engineers
• Operation and Maintenance Engineers and Technicians
• Engineers from all disciplines who are new to the pipeline industry
• Managers and executives who are new to the pipeline industry

Course Outline

Day 1: Threats to Pipeline Integrity Causing Leaks

• Threats to pipeline integrity and safety

• External corrosion of pipelines in soil

• Evaluation and mitigation of mechanical damage in pipelines 

• Erosion-corrosion in oil and gas pipelines

• Black powder in gas transmission pipelines

• Pipeline repair

• Pipeline abandonment

Day 2: Pipeline Leak Detection Methods

• The history of pipeline leak detection  

• Pipeline Leak Detection Basics 

• Mass Balance Leak Detection

• Challenge of extracting a leak signature from a noisy signal

• External leak detection systems  

• Leak detection acoustic method for gas pipelines

Day 3: Pipeline Leak Detection Installation, Testing and Regulations

• Leak detection system infrastructure

• Leak Detection Performance, Testing, and Tuning 

• Human factors considerations     

• Implementation and Installation 

• Regulatory requirements          

Day 4: Leak Detection and Risk Based Integrity Management

• Risk Based Inspection Methodologies (Qualitative and Quantitative)

• RBI Codes     

• Risk Assessment and Project Risk Management

• Incorrect operation index

• Leak impact factor

• Service interruption risks

Day 5:   Pipeline Leak Technology and Some Special Cases

• Leak technology in large pipeline dimeters

• Overcoming difficulties of pipeline leak detection

• Risk Assessment of Underground Gas Pipeline Leakage Incorporating Geographical Information System (GIS)

• Pipeline leak detection using soil temperature and strain measurements