Pipeline Leak Detection Technologies Using Sensors and Robots

Winncy Y. Du*, Scott W. Yelich

San Jose State University, San Jose, USA
Accepted for publication on 18th April 2015
There are more than 185,000 miles of liquid petroleum pipelines, 320,000 miles of gas
transmission pipelines, 2 million miles of gas distribution pipelines, and countless miles of water
pipelines in America. America relies on these networks to safely and efficiently move energy
and water to fuel the nation's economic engine and meet peoples daily needs. Most of these
pipelines are underground. Over the years, they become corroded or damaged, causing
interruption to service, environmental contamination and even fatal accidents. Inspection of
these pipelines is critical, not only to ensure continuous service supply, but also to prevent fires,
explosions, and pollution from broken pipes.
This presentation reviews conventional and emerging technologies used in pipeline leak
detection with primary emphasis on sensor technologies. These technologies are discussed in
terms of the phenomena employed, principles, system design and applicability, along with the
positive and negative virtues of each when applied to pipeline defect detection. The sensor
technologies to be presented are follows. Leak detection cable is the simplest way to detect liquid
leaks. It is laid in probable leak sites and monitored for changes in impedance, conductivity or
refractive index. Acoustic leak detectors measure the noise generated at the leak location when a
pressurized fluid inside the pipe sprays through the rupture at a high speed. They can be used on
pipes that are buried or in open air. Magnetic flux leakage (MFL) is a practical method for
detecting leaks in steel pipes by measuring magnetic flux leaks at broken or cracked locations
in the pipes. Most Pipeline Inspection Gauges (or PIGs as known in the pipeline industry) are
MFL type. Infrared Thermal Imaging (IR Thermography) is a technique that converts invisible
heat energy emitted, reflected, or transmitted from a pipe and its surroundings into a visible
image to reveal defects. By utilizing an IR camera, thermal patterns along the inspected pipeline
can be recorded and shown in a color spectrum. Computerized IR Thermographic pipeline
inspection is now a refined process having been thoroughly proven to be an accurate, cost
effective, and efficient technology. The IR technique has been used in both aerial and ground
pipe inspection. The primary limitation is that it cannot be used on pipe systems that do not
exhibit a temperature differential. Fiber Optic Sensors (FOS) are attractive options for detecting
and locating the presence of leaking fluids. Distributed FOSs, in particular, are well-suited for
monitoring pipelines. FOSs have several advantages, including their ability to withstand shock
and high temperatures (>1000oC); immunity to electromagnetic interference and environmental
ruggedness; allowing data to be transmitted over long distances. Other detection techniques,
such as Ultrasonic Leak Sensors: Elastic Wave Vehicles (EWVs), Pressure Point Analysis (PPA),

Mass-balance Method, Volumetric Testing, Level Measurement Methods (e.g., Radio Frequency
Capacitance, Radar or Microwave, and Laser Level Transmitters) will also be discussed.
Due to the complexity, labor intensity and high costs involved in excavating pipes, robots have
been increasingly used to assist in pipeline inspection. Various designs and applications of pipe
climbing and crawling robots (for internal and external pipe inspection), equipped with cameras
and sensors, will be presented as well.