Non-intrusive integral system for pipelines monitoring in real time

Abstract

The present disclosure integrates several methodologies for the detection and location of leaks in pipelines that transport hydrocarbons in liquid or gaseous phase. Detection is achieved through the management and processing of the data obtained by various measuring devices installed at strategic points on the pipeline infrastructure, this system does not alter neither structure nor mechanics of pipe and in case of a leak or flow caused by unauthorized actions, sensor system collect information on the physical variables of the fluid. This system may be made up of acoustic monitoring techniques, detection of negative pressure waves, as well as methods of mass and energy balance, integrated by multiple sensors, which are managed and controlled by electronic systems that process the information to determine the point of occurrence of a leak in digital maps. The system operates autonomously through the integration of solar cells for power supply and has satellite communication systems between the inspection sites and a monitoring center. It also can be remotely linked with SCADA systems (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) in real time. Additionally, it also has the technological integration of a motion sensor and a video and/or infrared camera together with a satellite modem whereby it sends images and video to the monitoring center, at the time of an unauthorized intrusion occurred on the pipeline in the area protected by a remote pipeline monitoring terminal (RPMT).