Leak detection on an ethylene pipeline

Conference · Sun Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:176028

Hamande, A; Condacse, V; Modisette, J

A model-based leak detection system has been in operation on the Solvay et Cie ethylene pipeline from Antwerp to Jemeppe on Sambre since 1989. The leak detection system, which is the commercial product PLDS of Modisette Associations, Inc., was originally installed by the supplier. Since 1991, all system maintenance and configuration changes have been done by Solvay et Cie personnel. Many leak tests have been performed, and adjustments have been made in the configuration and the automatic tuning parameters. The leak detection system is currently able to detect leaks of 2 tonnes/hour in 11 minutes with accurate location. Larger leaks are detected in about 2 minutes. Leaks between 0.5 and 1 tonne per hour are detected after several hours. (The nominal mass flow in the pipeline is 15 tonnes/hour, with large fluctuations.) Leaks smaller than 0.5 tonnes per hour are not detected, with the alarm thresholds set at levels to avoid false alarms. The major inaccuracies of the leak detection system appear to be associated with the ethylene temperatures.

• OSTI ID: 176028
• Report Number(s): CONF-950152--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
ALARM SYSTEMS
BELGIUM
DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEMS
DESIGN
ETHYLENE
FLOW MODELS
LEAK DETECTORS
LEAK TESTING
LIMITING VALUES
PERFORMANCE
PIPELINES
TRANSIENTS
TRANSPORT