Leak detectability of the Norman Wells pipeline by mass balance

Conference · Sun Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996

OSTI ID:287789

Liou, J C.P. ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Idaho, Moscow, ID (United States). Dept. of Civil Engineering

Pipeline leak detection using software-based systems is becoming common practice. The detectability of such systems is measured by how small and how quickly a leak can be detected. Algorithms used and measurement uncertainties determine leak detectability. This paper addresses leak detectability using mass balance, establishes leak detectability for Norman Wells pipelines, and compares it with field leak test results. The pipeline is operated by the Interprovincial Pipe Line (IPL) Inc., of Edmonton, Canada. It is a 12.75-inch outside diameter steel pipe with variable wall thickness. The length of the pipe is approximately 550 miles (868.9 km). The pipeline transports light crude oil at a constant flow rate of about 250 m{sup 3}/hr. The crude oil can enter the pipeline at two locations. Besides the Norman Wells inlet, there is a side line near Zama terminal that can inject crude oil into the pipeline.

• OSTI ID: 287789
• Report Number(s): CONF-960154--; ISBN 0-9648731-8-4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
CANADA
DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEMS
FLOWMETERS
LEAK TESTING
MASS BALANCE
METERING
PETROLEUM
PIPELINES
PRESSURE MEASUREMENT
TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT
TRANSPORT