Commissioning a Real-Time Leak Detection System on a Large Scale Crude Oil Pipeline During Start Up Available to Purchase

This paper describes the process of incremental pipeline filling and the phased commissioning of a real-time leak detection system for the 1768 km long BTC crude oil pipeline. Due to stringent environmental requirements, it is essential for the leak detection system to work from the moment that crude oil is introduced into the pipeline. Without any prior operational data and with the pipeline partially filled, it is challenging for the leak detection system to monitor the integrity of the pipeline throughout the whole filling process. The application of the pig tracking software to track the oil front as the crude displaces nitrogen is also discussed.