Leaks may occur at different points along gas pipelines. Joints, valves and compressor stations are particular areas of concern. Southwest Research Institute offers a variety of gas pipeline leak detection services with expertise in detecting methane, hydrogen or carbon dioxide at different points in the energy supply chain.
Leak Detection Methods & Solutions
Our services span laboratory testing, custom flow design and field-based services using a variety of applied science and advance engineering techniques. Our fluids engineers collaborate with computer scientists and machinery engineers to identify the right leak detection solution for a given application.
For more information about our analysis capabilities for pipeline leak detection systems, contact Jacqueline Manders or call +1 210 522 5417.
DAS & DTS Leak Detection – Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) and distributed thermal sensing (DTS) pipeline leak detection technologies benefit from validation testing with simulated pipeline leaks. SwRI works with technology developers and end-users to validate pipeline leak detection systems at the customer’s site or at simulated sites on the SwRI campus. Pipeline leak detection studies focus on:
- Designing and commissioning systems to simulate liquid and gas pipeline leak signatures
- Determining the sensitivity threshold of leak detection technologies
- Studying the effect of outside influences on the reliability, robustness, and sensitivity of leak detection systems
- Testing the ability of leak detection systems to detect third party interference events
Methane Detection – SwRI develops machine vision solutions for automated detection of methane, an invisible gas, using infrared cameras and sensors that can be deployed across pipeline networks.
Cryogenic Testing – SwRI’s cryogenic testing facilities help detect fugitive emissions in accordance with industry standards and custom client specifications.
Hydrogen Solutions – SwRI is helping to test equipment used in hydrogen production, transportation and blending of in conventional gas pipelines.
- Flow Component Test Facilities
- Gas Lift Valve Testing
- Hydrogen Blending with Natural Gas Pipelines
- Hydrogen Energy Research
CO2 Pipelines - SwRI is developing flow loops and other solutions to test carbon dioxide (CO2) pipelines.