Since 2007, an operator in Nigeria has registered a significant increase of oil-spill events caused by sabotage and oil-theft activities. The risks for personnel safety and environmental protection were such that it was decided to investigate new detection and monitoring systems. The technology presented here allows detecting and locating leaks taking place at a distance from the sensor of up to 35 km.
Introduction
The technology of this system is based upon discrete vibroacoustic sensing. This technology takes advantage of the fact that any acoustic signal reaching, or generated upon, the pipeline will introduce vibroacoustic waves within the pipeline body and the transported-fluid medium (crude oil, brine, and natural gas). In addition to the general noise of the fluid flow within the pipeline, these acoustic waves are transported along the conduit for long distances.
