Application of Brillouin Fiber Optic Sensors to Monitor Pipeline Integrity

This paper describes the application of Brillouin fiber optic sensors to monitor pipeline integrity in terms of third party intrusion, leak detection, and ground movement. Brillouin sensors provide a means for continuous monitoring of strain and temperature distributions over distances of about 25km. The optical fibers can be bonded to the pipeline or buried in close proximity to the pipe. Third party intrusion is detected by strain anomalies caused by vehicles or persons in close proximity to the sensor located at some depth below the surface. Leaks from oil or gas pipelines are detected by thermal anomalies in the temperature profiles. Pipeline movement can also be detected using this system for existing and new pipeline installations. Applications include northern pipelines, high consequence areas, river crossings and fault lines.