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Can Leak Detection End the Pipeline Impasse?

Rig Zone -- Pipelines used to be things that were just built without blinking. It is said that there are enough pipelines now in the US to encircle the Earth 25 times with enough left over to also tie a bow around it. Today, getting a pipeline built is not so easy - there are too many environmental concerns and the industry has become highly polarized. But here's one thing that could bring everyone together: pipeline safety technology. And it's something we all want, especially for those who live along the thousands of miles of aging pipeline routes that carry hazardous liquids.

Spawned by research that started in space, remote-sensing technology designed to detect dangerous leaks in pipelines has the potential to provide the neutral ground for decisions to be made and consensus to be formed. The

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Submitted Feb 12, 2013 By: mastermariner

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endymion All-Star Author New York Posts:838 Points:173,655 Joined:Nov 2012	Message Posted: Feb 13, 2013 9:28:29 AM Ignore endymion Report Abuse Are there ways to detect pipes that are at risk of leaking before the leak starts?
RAE344 Champion Author Virginia Beach Posts:3,075 Points:663,470 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Feb 13, 2013 12:43:07 AM Ignore RAE344 Report Abuse If a leak is detected, it is too late.
SammyAdams Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:3,061 Points:794,510 Joined:Nov 2010	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 9:02:08 PM Ignore SammyAdams Report Abuse From the article: "James Stafford: Would regulations governing pipeline safety actually boost support for Keystone XL? Adrian Banica: Personally, I don't think so. The most vocal opposition for Keystone comes from the side of the environmental movement that does not want to see the pipelines build in order to decrease our overall dependence on oil rather than their concern for spills. So it is a philosophical position based on decreasing CO2 emissions rather than one based on spills in the environment which will not be appeased by regulations. =========================================================== Pipelines already have the best safety record for transmission of crude oil. So if you cannot appease the "greenies" with an even SAFER safety record, then their argument must come from a philosophical perspective. This is tantamount to expecting a leopard to change his spots. Ain't gonna happen.
AlgaeNOW Champion Author Wyoming Posts:1,012 Points:312,030 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 5:39:16 PM Ignore AlgaeNOW Report Abuse k
endymion All-Star Author New York Posts:838 Points:173,655 Joined:Nov 2012	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 5:11:16 PM Ignore endymion Report Abuse The technology is out there...but where is the government enforcement of the existing DOT regulations?
sydb7 Champion Author Atlanta Posts:3,561 Points:1,920,735 Joined:Mar 2003	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 4:49:35 PM Ignore sydb7 Report Abuse Pipelines need better monitoring other than a passerby calling and saying "your pipeline is leaking"!!
Jayburt All-Star Author Toledo Posts:529 Points:131,890 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 12:22:47 PM Ignore Jayburt Report Abuse This should make it safe and a 'go'
2granny Champion Author Michigan Posts:9,585 Points:1,468,205 Joined:Apr 2009	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 11:16:56 AM Ignore 2granny Report Abuse Safety first. If it will save the earth and water supply go for it. " The clincher: This technology is not only affordable -it saves money and could eventually save the industry."
nsdp Champion Author San Antonio Posts:1,117 Points:47,340 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:56:13 AM Ignore nsdp Report Abuse It is a cross check where prior inspections using pigging weren't done correctly. Down side is that it only works AFTER the leak has started and you have a much higher risk level 10X or more. It does eliminate management errors in assessing pipeline weaknesses. Does not improve safety on high pressure 1080PSI lines where if you have a leak you are only minutes away from a blowout. Jeff pressure drops only detect leaks when they reduce the line pack faster than compressors or pumps replenish the leak. That is only after you have a catastrophic failure of the line. I can think of 17 people in the Monroe Louisiana area who might be still alive if your theory worked. [Edited by: nsdp at 2/12/2013 11:00:39 AM EST]
Jeff4U Champion Author Atlanta Posts:8,767 Points:1,854,320 Joined:Nov 2004	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:54:52 AM Ignore Jeff4U Report Abuse 1. They can already detect leaks from noticing changes in pressure. 2. EnviroNazis will always find ways to sabotage progress.
teenitup Champion Author Houston Posts:1,670 Points:251,135 Joined:Sep 2012	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:51:12 AM Ignore teenitup Report Abuse Nope.
tes283 All-Star Author Tampa Posts:865 Points:368,850 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:43:03 AM Ignore tes283 Report Abuse Safety is important
LuckyD43 Champion Author Long Island Posts:32,050 Points:2,170,020 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:36:21 AM Ignore LuckyD43 Report Abuse Considering how long pipelines have been around, I'm really surprised they waited this long to realize that leak detectors are a mandatory necessity.
leraar2 Champion Author Massachusetts Posts:3,774 Points:789,630 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:23:22 AM Ignore leraar2 Report Abuse there will still be a 6-12 hour spill window before a leak can be repaired.
w4kh Champion Author Tennessee Posts:11,680 Points:2,230,940 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:20:16 AM Ignore w4kh Report Abuse What a really interesting way of detecting leaks... and aging pipelines will be the ones that leak the most (both in frequency and severity)... worst part of aging pipelines is that most are in high risk areas with large population densities because that is where they were first installed...
dlzastera Champion Author Minnesota Posts:4,520 Points:1,025,295 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:18:19 AM Ignore dlzastera Report Abuse You would think that they could do better finding the leaks.
4BigBob All-Star Author Madison Posts:650 Points:2,100,140 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:15:56 AM Ignore 4BigBob Report Abuse I thought they already had a way of detesting leaks?
DarthDadJr Champion Author Virginia Posts:7,322 Points:1,523,370 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:15:11 AM Ignore DarthDadJr Report Abuse Depends on how reliable it is...
Wolfwings Champion Author Delaware Posts:8,750 Points:1,778,415 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:14:06 AM Ignore Wolfwings Report Abuse LONG AGO,someone invented pipeline PIGS, that travelled through the pipes to discover leaks, notify the repair crew, and get the damage corrected. HOWEVER... if ya don't USE them, they serve NO PURPOSE. [Edited by: Wolfwings at 2/12/2013 10:14:55 AM EST]
ARCO Champion Author Pittsburgh Posts:2,358 Points:2,379,320 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:12:19 AM Ignore ARCO Report Abuse SHOULD
falcons Champion Author North Dakota Posts:10,804 Points:2,373,330 Joined:Dec 2004	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:11:28 AM Ignore falcons Report Abuse I hope it works.
pastorpaulcg Champion Author Virginia Posts:3,615 Points:775,785 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:10:28 AM Ignore pastorpaulcg Report Abuse Hopefully
dlemma Champion Author Wyoming Posts:4,116 Points:1,556,970 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:09:36 AM Ignore dlemma Report Abuse Can you tell me of just one leak that is not dangerous????
LuthierKS Champion Author Wichita Posts:3,758 Points:731,880 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:09:29 AM Ignore LuthierKS Report Abuse Good to see that technology is available.
mysub Champion Author Las Vegas Posts:8,921 Points:2,332,415 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:07:18 AM Ignore mysub Report Abuse It surely should help.
Infamoussteve Veteran Author Illinois Posts:476 Points:40,340 Joined:Jan 2013	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:07:10 AM Ignore Infamoussteve Report Abuse ok
beekeeper1 All-Star Author Indiana Posts:606 Points:535,145 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:06:52 AM Ignore beekeeper1 Report Abuse Whenever you have government involved, you are going to have leaks... even if they are siphoned off.
slvrdo_dsprdo Champion Author Nashville Posts:4,707 Points:913,990 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:05:45 AM Ignore slvrdo_dsprdo Report Abuse If there's a drop in pressure, and it doesn't go back up, you might have a leak. Sorted.
Spirits All-Star Author Florida Posts:911 Points:372,800 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:05:21 AM Ignore Spirits Report Abuse OK
RONALD777 Champion Author Houston Posts:2,447 Points:365,680 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:05:18 AM Ignore RONALD777 Report Abuse The pipeline delays are because of dumbunny Obama.
must87searcher Champion Author Maryland Posts:8,991 Points:1,782,380 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:05:06 AM Ignore must87searcher Report Abuse There is always decay, and it makes things used, like pipelines, more valunerable to problems. Have a leak in a pipeline can be a high cost, just like it was for BP in the Gulf of Mexico leak. It would be best to these things in shape before its too late.
Cuzilla Champion Author Indianapolis Posts:12,196 Points:2,351,130 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:04:12 AM Ignore Cuzilla Report Abuse Sounds like a good ideaa to me but will probably be rejected by the Democrats and EcoNazis.
Spankster85 Champion Author Chicago Posts:1,734 Points:358,790 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:03:47 AM Ignore Spankster85 Report Abuse Good safety measure.
fedupMN Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:2,964 Points:575,405 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:03:22 AM Ignore fedupMN Report Abuse I suspect this type of technology has been around for some time however by the time it takes to respond the damage has already been done.
MarAzul Champion Author London Posts:3,786 Points:681,435 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:02:57 AM Ignore MarAzul Report Abuse It will help a lot.
zimowski Champion Author San Jose Posts:6,681 Points:1,586,415 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:02:56 AM Ignore zimowski Report Abuse Hard to argue against pipeline safety.
Catfish93001 Champion Author Ventura Posts:1,200 Points:247,955 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:02:48 AM Ignore Catfish93001 Report Abuse Detecting a leak isn't the same as preventing a leak....
gvan Champion Author Chicago Posts:21,548 Points:2,838,240 Joined:Dec 2004	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:02:46 AM Ignore gvan Report Abuse "BHO & enviro wacko buddies will stop progress in it's tracks, slow down production....." Kind of ironic that oil production has increased significantly since Obama became President. It had declined all eight years under the previous administration.
Old Timer Champion Author Akron Posts:3,752 Points:1,264,965 Joined:Sep 2003	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:02:39 AM Ignore Old Timer Report Abuse Better leak detection would be great!
kishoreCA Champion Author Ventura Posts:3,129 Points:394,845 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:02:15 AM Ignore kishoreCA Report Abuse replace the old pipelines...
heartbroken2010 Champion Author Ottawa Posts:4,354 Points:899,485 Joined:Aug 2010	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:02:07 AM Ignore heartbroken2010 Report Abuse safety is paramount here.
sleuth696 All-Star Author Ventura Posts:953 Points:204,865 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:01:42 AM Ignore sleuth696 Report Abuse ok
FunMyster All-Star Author Indiana Posts:907 Points:73,215 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:00:49 AM Ignore FunMyster Report Abuse Maybe I should invest in leak detection technology to revive my 401K.
paulp24 Champion Author Harrisburg Posts:4,552 Points:824,275 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 10:00:45 AM Ignore paulp24 Report Abuse Safety first is always a good plan
queenieIN All-Star Author Gary Posts:644 Points:268,380 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 9:59:43 AM Ignore queenieIN Report Abuse will it make a difference?
treehood Champion Author San Diego Posts:2,054 Points:398,710 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 9:57:00 AM Ignore treehood Report Abuse That is assuming leaks are the cause of the pipeline impasse.
Diesel_Ram Champion Author Dallas Posts:6,512 Points:1,520,410 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 9:56:30 AM Ignore Diesel_Ram Report Abuse Hopefully it will make a difference.
blitzntj Champion Author Jacksonville Posts:4,689 Points:946,030 Joined:Dec 2007	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 9:56:30 AM Ignore blitzntj Report Abuse Sounds good to me
Load Champion Author Wyoming Posts:15,796 Points:2,957,830 Joined:Oct 2003	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 9:56:07 AM Ignore Load Report Abuse red tape
dad2two Champion Author Dallas Posts:3,555 Points:752,345 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2013 9:55:15 AM Ignore dad2two Report Abuse This would limit environmental damage.