Regardless of whether it holds fluids, gases or solids, the internal integrity of any pipeline is a genuine safety consideration. It is crucial to know what’s going on inside the pipe at any given time, with buried pipelines in particular requiring extensive analysis of on-site data.
Crucially, highly accurate continuous monitoring and logging systems are required to assist in differentiating between temperature fluctuations and potential leaks.
Going Portable
Whilst the company’s core business focuses primarily on insitu solutions that are medium-to-long term, the mining conglomerate had need to only monitor for short periods (3-5 days) before moving to another pipeline.
With no portable, short term monitoring solution as part of their existing product offerings, the company turned to Pacific Data Systems for assistance.
Multiple Monitoring Points
Pacific Data Systems had long since developed their Pipeline Integrity Testing System for use in pre-commissioning leak tests on gas pipelines. The system assists in identifying fluctuations in temperature along the length of pipeline which could indicate a possible leak - the perfect solution for this monitoring application.
Temperature probes were placed at either end of the pipeline length.
One probe is placed into the soil surrounding the pipeline, whilst the second is inserted into conduit abutting the pipeline, with both wired to a dataTaker data logging unit.
Post-install Benefits
- improved safety concerns
- improved response times due to alarm functionality
- minimisation of data transposition errors due to remote telemetry
- web portal access for full visibility at all times
