SM-403-148100-R01 Mineral Wells 2012 RAM Gas and Oil Leak Detection Field Study Results

Abstract

In June 2012, the RAM Program conducted a comprehensive field study to evaluate the performance of current off the shelf sensor technologies for detecting gas and oil leaks on pipelines. This study had three key objectives: 1. Evaluate the capabilities of current technologies that are offered commercially for methane leak detection monitoring using standard pipeline patrol aircraft 2. Provide a test location for development of emerging technologies that are not yet commercially available for pipeline leak detection 3. Assess the feasibility of using airborne sensors to detect staged liquid oil leaks The field study was conducted on two of Enbridge�s operating pipelines located near Mineral Wells, Texas. This location provided realistic conditions for assessing the capabilities and limitations of automated sensor systems that are currently available for leak detection. Three airborne leak detection vendors (Lasen, Pergam, and New Era Technology), and one ground vehicle vendor (Picarro), completed the field study. The field study was performed as part of the 2012 PRCI RAM program that is primarily focused on leak detection technologies using aerial platforms. The study tested a range of sensors designed for gas leak detection using systems mounted on helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. Enbridge staged a series of controlled gas releases simulating pipeline gas leaks. Qualified operators released a series of prescribed natural gas leaks from 8 known locations along the pipelines in order to simulate transmission leaks of varying sizes. Additionally, Enbridge placed 8 liquid petroleum targets along the test pipelines. These gas and oil targets allowed for a direct comparison of technology performance against a known set of conditions. Standard leak patrol methods (ground survey with foot patrol) were also used to identify any emission sources other than the controlled releases. The results from the field study show that 3 of the 4 vendor sensor technologies tested are now feasible alternatives for gas leak detection. The findings for liquid leak detection were promising, but inconclusive due to plume overlaps between gas and oil targets. The sensors used by the vendors in this field test were optimized for detecting methane gas and not oil vapors. Therefore, until additional studies are performed on liquid hydrocarbon volatilization, it is premature to conclude that the tested technologies are or are not appropriate for oil leak detection.