Active acoustic detection of subsea oil and gas leaks; model prediction and measurements

Abstract

There is a need in the oil and gas industry for technology for real time monitoring of subsea structures. National research strategies emphasize the need to develop innovative solutions to detect, contain, and clean up spills. The technology should ideally cover a large area and be able to detect leaks up to 500 m from the sensor. As part of a project where a leak detection technology based on active acoustics is developed, effective medium models have been used to predict the acoustic signal from small oil and gas leaks. Model results were compared with multifrequency data from controlled in situ measurements of oil and gas releases, collected with scientific echosounders. The measurements also include stereo camera images for bubble/droplet and plume size estimation. The models generally predict the measurements within 3 dB, when taking into account the variability in plume dimensions and bubble sizes the difference is smaller.