This paper presents the experiences of the Petrobras Business Unit (UN-RNCE), located in Rio Grande del Norte state of Brazil, during the installation and startup of a pipeline leak detection system. The application involves nine multiphase oil pipelines that link several productions facilities together over a total distance of 450-Km. Prior to the selection and installation of this leak detection system a significant pipeline accident resulted in the pollution of Guanabara bay. The leak was not detected by the existing monitoring equipment because of the two phase and multiphase pipeline characteristics. The UN-RNCE decided to install EFA Technologies, Inc., Pressure Point Analysis (PPA)™ technology in order to detect leaks. It is a sophisticated statistical method for leak detection, uses very simple field instrumentation, which facilitates ease of installation and maintenance. However, in order to get the best performance out of the system, it is necessary to understand how the pipeline control processes operate and to have a fast, reliable SCADA system for long distance communication. This paper includes the test results, conclusions and the recommendations to expand the system.
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2004 International Pipeline Conference
October 4–8, 2004
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Conference Sponsors:
- International Petroleum Technology Institute
ISBN:
0-7918-4176-6
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Pressure Based Leak Detection for Pipelines, Implemented at Business Unit of Production and Exploration of Petrobras in Rio Grande do Norte and Ceara´ Available to Purchase
Abelindo A. de Oliveira
Abelindo A. de Oliveira
Petrobras S.A.
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Diane J. Hovey
EFA Technologies
Tuerte A. Rolim
Petrobras S.A.
Abelindo A. de Oliveira
Petrobras S.A.
Paper No:
IPC2004-0591, pp. 2255-2259; 5 pages
Published Online:
December 4, 2008
Citation
Hovey, DJ, Rolim, TA, & de Oliveira, AA. "Pressure Based Leak Detection for Pipelines, Implemented at Business Unit of Production and Exploration of Petrobras in Rio Grande do Norte and Ceara´." Proceedings of the 2004 International Pipeline Conference. 2004 International Pipeline Conference, Volumes 1, 2, and 3. Calgary, Alberta, Canada. October 4–8, 2004. pp. 2255-2259. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/IPC2004-0591
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