Neptune Oceanographics - Subsea Pipeline Leak Detection
Subsea Pipeline Leak Detection
Neptune Oceanographics Ltd is a global leader in the field of detection of leaks from subsea pipelines, risers and control systems and has made, and continues to make, significant technical advances in this field.
The company operates from the UK with agents in several strategic locations around the world. Equipment is located in Aberdeen, Norway and Singapore ready for immediate deployment to anywhere in the world at very short notice.
Engineers and operators experienced in subsea leak detection can accompany the equipment to site and be available to mobilise onboard and provide operational instruction or, if required, stay onboard and direct the leak detection survey.
The methods used by Neptune Oceanographics include:
Fluorometry
Neptune Oceanographics has developed a family of subsea pipeline leak detectors that use "tuned" fluorometers that detect fluoresced light generated by excitation light impinging on leaked fluorescent dye. Submersible fluorometers are very sensitive and will detect dye at concentration levels so low as to be totally invisible to the naked eye or underwater camera.
During 2007 these fluorescent leak detectors were enhanced by the addition of "long range" leak sensors that detect tracer dyes remotely and without the need for contact with the dye. By operating both the long range and original short range leak detectors simultaneously, quick detection of leaks down to component level, such as flange bolts etc., is easily achieved. Significant advantages of the addition of the long range leak sensor include the detection of leaks from risers while working at safe operating distances and detecting leaks within confined structures such as manifolds where ROV access is not possible or too hazardous.
Neptune's family of fluorescent leak sensors can detect all widely accepted tracer dyes such as Castrol's SPF, Champion Clear Dye and other UV dyes, MacDermid's Oceanic range of fluids, Fluorescein, Rhodamine, Roemex's 9022 red dye, etc.
Passive Acoustics
In collaboration with Aquatec Group, Neptune Oceanographics has produced an acoustic leak detection sensor that listens for ultrasounds that are generated by fluid leaks. The sensors incorporate a directional hydrophone and high pass filters that significantly improve leak detection efficiency. The sensors have been tuned to respond in the range of frequencies known to be emitted by high pressure leaks through small apertures.
Typical applications are detection of leaks of gas from subsea installations, locating fluid leaks from buried pipelines and from pipe within pipe configurations.
Direct detection of hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons in liquid form such as crude oil can be detected using a Long Range UV leak detector, however a different method is required for gas. A direct reading electro-chemical hydrocarbon sensor has been added to the range of Neptune Oceanographics leak detection systems that can detect dissolved gaseous hydrocarbons.
Direct detection of Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG)
A new addition to Neptune's subsea leak detection capability is a MEG (Mono ethylene glycol) sensor. This sensor detects leaks of MEG from subsea pipeline systems without the need to add a tracer dye.
Differential temperature measurements
Under some circumstances such as with water injection flow lines, leaks can be identified using the temperature difference between the surrounding seawater and the water leaking from the flowline. The flowline water temperature is normally above ambient seawater temperature due to the high pressure pumping required. Neptune has developed a differential temperature technique that can detect very small temperature changes.
Neptune's growing list of agents includes established companies in Norway, Singapore, Houston, India and UAE.
Neptune Oceanographics Ltd
Sapharey House, Sturt Road
Charlbury, Oxon OX7 3SX
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)8453 707177
Fax: +44 (0)8704 581979
www.neptune.gb.com
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