Session: 04-01: Leak Detection Session - Part A

Submission Number: 186223

Advancing Pipeline Integrity: Vibroacoustic Technology With Non-Invasive Sensors for Real-Time Leak and TPI Detection 

This work presents Vibroacoustic Technology (VT), an advanced pipeline integrity monitoring system designed for retrofitting on any liquid or gas pipeline to enable real-time leak detection and localization, as well as identification of third-party interference (TPI) in both onshore and offshore environments. The proposed approach integrates a straightforward, fully non-intrusive hardware configuration that is mounted externally on the pipeline and has no contact with the transported fluid, combined with advanced data processing algorithms to achieve high detection accuracy, adaptability, and reliability under challenging conditions.

The new generation of VT sensors, based on an interferometric principle, offers an alternative to traditional vibroacoustic sensor blocks, which require a minimum 0.5” pipeline derivation and incorporate hydrophones, pressure gauges, and accelerometers. Both traditional and new types of VT sensors are installed at intervals of several tens of kilometers along the pipeline and capture vibroacoustic waves generated by leaks, TPI, ruptures, and pig runs. These waves propagate through the pipeline’s fluid and structure, leveraging its natural waveguide properties to travel long distances with low attenuation. Acquired signals are transmitted to dedicated servers, where advanced software modules integrate AI-driven analytics with vibroacoustic propagation principles to perform noise suppression, event detection, and localization. This approach enables efficient, real-time monitoring with low bandwidth and power requirements, ensuring continuous operation without disrupting existing infrastructure and maintaining ATEX/IECEx compliance.

VT is currently deployed on multiple pipelines worldwide, safeguarding thousands of kilometers by enabling rapid detection and localization of leaks and TPI. Its adoption reflects growing safety and environmental protection demands, allowing operators to prevent incidents and ensure human safety. A recent installation on a 40 km jet-fuel pipeline in Italy, monitored with both traditional sensor blocks and the new sensors, included controlled leak tests under pumping and shut-in conditions. Comparative analysis confirmed consistent measurements and waveform coherence, validating the reliability of the new sensor technology.

The novelty of this work lies in extending VT beyond traditional hardware to a new type that can be easily retrofitted, minimizing infrastructure requirements. Its versatility in detecting leaks, excavations, impacts, and pig tracking reduces instrumentation needs and represents a significant advancement in pipeline integrity management. Certain elements of this work are under patent review and cannot be disclosed at this stage.

Presenting Author: Ana Paula Gomes, Enivibes

Presenting Author Biography: Eng. Ana Paula Gomes holds a Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering from Politecnico di Torino. She joined Aresys R&D in 2020, specializing in pipeline integrity monitoring. In her current role as the head of Business Development, she is dedicated to advancing pipeline protection initiatives on a global scale, actively involved in industry conferences, contributing to several publications on pipeline integrity. Passionate about innovation in energy infrastructure, Ana is committed to driving sustainable solutions and advancing the field of pipeline monitoring.

Authors:

Ana Paula Gomes Enivibes
Marco Marino Enivibes
Massimo Signori Enivibes
Fabio Chiappa Enivibes
Ilenia Romagnoli Enivibes