A Pipeline Leak Detection Method - Fiber Optics Leak Detection
The recipient of awards from the Society of Petroleum Engineers, Ivor R. Ellul, Ph.D. is the managing director of CiSK Ventures, Ltd. Ivor Ellul is also an author and co-author of papers that focus on the advances in pipeline leak detection. A type of exterior based leak detection method for gas and oil pipelines, the fiber optics leak detection method can be applied in broad detection of various physical and chemical properties associated with hydrocarbon spillage along pipelines. In fiber optics leak detection methods, the installation of fiber optic sensors is performed along the exterior of the pipeline. The sensors can either be distributed or localized. When a pipeline leaks, hydrocarbon fluid moves diffusely through the leakage towards the fiber optic cable. Temperature variations in the optic fiber cable, brought along by the influx of hydrocarbon, can be detected and measured. This observed change in temperature denotes anomalies along the pipeline. Along with its temperature-sensitive capability, a form of sensor called distributed optical fiber sensor can also detect and measure strain along pipelines and serves as an efficient tool in fiber optics leak detection. Many advantages come along with fiber optics sensors, including high corrosion resistance, small size, lightweight, resistance to electromagnetic interference, high-temperature performance, and high sensitivity.