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Leak Detection in Underground Piping

Leak Detection in Underground Piping

Leak Detection in Underground Piping

(OP)
What are the most applicable methods for leak detection in old underground oil pipes in operation.  

RE: Leak Detection in Underground Piping

If close to the surface, infrared thermography can help.

Ultrasonic or acoustic emission methods will work.

RE: Leak Detection in Underground Piping

There are a lot of answers to that.  If the piping is properly configured (not much "old" pipe is) then running a smart pig is the best and fastest way to find leaks and near-leaks.

If you can't run a smart pig, then if you suspect a leak (from a material balance for example) then you have to patrol the pipeline looking for lakes that didn't used to be there or unusual growth patterns in the vegetation (outgassing from a leak will kill some plants and act as a fertilizer for others).

For oil lines, many people have good luck patrolling the lines from the air.  For gas lines, the success is much more limited.

David

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