Integrity and safety
Real-time detection of damage to pipelines caused by excavators
In order to protect pipelines from damage (e.g. during construction activities), they are regularly inspected on foot, from a vehicle or helicopter. Practical experience has shown, however, that these methods do not ensure continuous and comprehensive monitoring. PipeMon+® closes this gap, allowing appropriate measures to be taken immediately when a pipeline is suddenly damaged.
Concept
- OGE has developed a pipeline monitoring method based on the principle of cathodic protection (CP)
- When a cathodically protected pipeline is damaged by construction equipment (excavator, drill, rotary cultivator, etc.), the protective current distribution on the pipeline changes
- Using appropriate sensors and special analysis methods, these events can be detected in real time
Approach
- Sensors are installed approx. every 20 kilometres along the pipeline (network-independent power supply via marker posts with solar panels)
- Sensors continuously measure current and potential (10 times per second)
- If there is contact between an excavator and the pipeline, the operating personnel are alerted
- A pipeline operations team member may be scheduled to site to check the reported excavator contact
Areas of Application
- Temporarily during construction work and when new loop line is constructed
- Permanent for selected networks (e.g. areas with very high protection requirements)
Benefits
- Protection of man and the environment
- Protection of asset and security of supply
- Compensation by party that has caused the damage
- Low investment costs due to use of existing infrastructure
- Additional information on the condition and effectiveness of the cathodic protection (CP) system of the monitored pipeline
- Extended CP monitoring intervals
