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

Submission Number: 186255

Technical Guidance for External Leak Detection Systems on Liquid Hydrocarbon Pipelines 

The transportation of liquid petroleum products in the United States is a vital part of the U.S. economy. The use of the liquid pipeline network as a means of petroleum transportation has been identified as a relatively safe, efficient, and cost-effective option when compared to alternative transportation methods such as trucks, ships, and rail. However, leaks from such an extensive pipeline network are a potential significant concern that can result in economic and environmental repercussions. Consequently, the ability to quickly detect and locate leaks using leak detection systems is imperative to reduce the severity of leak events. 

To understand the capabilities and limitations of external pipeline leak detection technologies, a comprehensive research effort and assessment was performed to provide pipeline operators with information on current external leak detection systems for use on liquid pipelines, identifying technology advancements that have been made over the last two decades.

The research focus was on technologies that detect low-volume, “small” leaks from liquid hydrocarbon pipelines. For this research, small leaks were defined as leaks that would be below the threshold detection limits of computational pipeline monitoring (CPM) systems. The technology analysis was performed through a review of literature, technical papers, product specifications from technology developers, as well as correspondence with pipeline operating companies and technology developers.  The identified technologies were assessed according to a range of evaluation criteria to serve as a comprehensive resource, informing industry on the available leak detection technologies and assisting with technology comparison.  To aid pipeline operators in technology implementation, a decision document was created to provide guidance on technology selection and help determine the best option for a particular pipeline installation.  Additionally, a gap analysis was performed to identify remaining technology gaps and provide recommendations for future industry R&D to address those gaps. 

The gap analysis, technology assessments, decision document, and the literature review results were compiled into a comprehensive report that will be used as a tool for liquid pipeline operators to implement leak detection solutions on existing and future pipeline applications.  This presentation will provide a summary of the technology analysis results and the key findings included in the final project report, along with recommendations for future work to improve external leak detection technologies.

Presenting Author: Kurt Johnson, Southwest Research Institute

Presenting Author Biography: Kurt Johnson is a researcher with Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), where he supports the development and evaluation of technologies that improve the safety, reliability, and environmental performance of pipeline systems. His work includes pipeline leak detection technology evaluation and applied research that helps pipeline operators better understand the capabilities and limitations of emerging leak detection solutions.

At the ASME International Pipeline Conference, Kurt is presenting on External Liquid Pipeline Leak Detection Technologies, drawing on SwRI's extensive experience conducting independent research for the pipeline industry. For decades, SwRI has performed comprehensive research on pipeline leak detection technologies, including state-of-the-art literature reviews, laboratory-scale technology evaluations, controlled testing, and large-scale field deployment demonstrations. This broad research experience enables SwRI to provide objective, data-driven assessments of leak detection system performance under realistic operating conditions.

Kurt works with multidisciplinary teams to advance practical solutions that support pipeline integrity and environmental stewardship, helping operators make informed decisions about the implementation and validation of leak detection technologies.

Authors:

Jacqueline Manders Southwest Research Institute
Kurt Johnson Southwest Research Institute
Justin Long Southwest Research Institute
Abdul Raouf Tajik Southwest Research Institute
Sarah Wheeler Southwest Research Institute