Saep 747

Engineering Procedure
SAEP-747 15 September 2015

Pipelines Leak Detection Systems
Document Responsibility: Process Control Standards Committee
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Table of Contents
1 Scope............................................................. 2
2 Conflicts and Deviations…….……………..…. 2
3 References……………….………….…..…….. 2
4 Acronyms and Definitions………………......... 3
5 Instructions……………………………….…….. 7
6 Responsibilities.…………………………...…. 18
Previous Issue: 4 March 2014 Next Planned Update: 4 March 2019

Revised paragraphs are indicated in the right margin Page 1 of 20
Primary contact: Al-Anezi, Turki Khalifa (anezitk) on +966-13-8801835
Copyright©Saudi Aramco 2015. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Process Control Standards Committee SAEP-747
Issue Date: 15 September 2015
Next Planned Update: 4 March 2019 Pipelines Leak Detection Systems
1 Scope
This Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure defines the minimum mandatory

requirements and provides guidance for project management and engineering in the
design and selection of Pipelines Leak Detection Systems (PLDS). This procedure shall
be applied by the Responsible Organizations at Project FEED, DBSP, Project Proposal,
Detailed Design and execution of Pipeline Projects.
This procedure applies to all PLDS projects excluding pipelines inspection tools and
portable pipelines leak location tools of both pipeline external and internal types.
The procedures and standards listed herein are mandatory requirements for PLDS and shall
be applied by Process & Control Systems Department, Facilities Planning Department,
Project Management team and the Operating Organization (Pipelines Department).
2 Conflicts and Deviations
2.1 Any conflicts between this Procedure and other applicable Saudi Aramco
Engineering Procedures (SAEPs), Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards
(SAESs), Saudi Aramco Material Systems Specifications (SAMSSs), Saudi
Aramco General Instructions (GIs), or other applicable Company operating
instructions shall be resolved in writing through the Manager, Process & Control
Systems Department of Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.
2.2 Direct all requests to deviate from this Procedure in writing to the Company or
Buyer Representative, who shall follow internal company procedure SAEP-302
and forward such requests to the Chairman, Process Control Standards
Committee, Process & Control Systems Department, Dhahran.
3 References
The requirements contained in the following documents apply to the extent specified in
this procedure.
 Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedures

SAEP-16 Project Execution Guide for Process Automation
Systems
SAEP-302 Instructions for Obtaining a Waiver of a Mandatory
Saudi Aramco Engineering Requirement
 Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

SAES-B-064 Onshore and Near Shore Pipeline Safety
Page 2 of 20
SAES-Z-003 Pipelines Leak Detection Systems
4 Acronyms and Definitions
4.1 Acronyms
DBSP Design Basis Scoping Paper
DD Detail Design
DRA Drag Reducing Agent
FAT Factory Acceptance Test
FPD Facilities Planning Department
FEED Frond End Engineering Design
HMI Human Machine interface
MAOP Maximum allowable operating pressure
O&M Operations & Maintenance
PAT Performance Acceptance Test
P&CSD Process and Control Systems Department
PFD Process Flow Diagram
PLDS Pipelines Leak Detection System
PMT Project Management Team
PP Project Proposal
RTTM Real Time Transient Modeling
RVL Restricted vendor list
SAES Saudi Aramco engineering standards
SAT Site Acceptance Test
SME Subject matter expert
TIC Total Installed Cost
4.2 Definitions
Area of Interest: A specific performance, engineering, operational, maintenance

or economical feature of a PLDS product or pipeline leak detection technology
which can potentially benefit Saudi Aramco. An area of interest can be a subject
of RVL appraisal, verification during FAT, SAT and PAT or PLDS validation.
Page 3 of 20
Background Noise: An unwanted signal entering in leak detection system

created by non-leak sources (e.g., pumps, compressors, flares, relief valves,
jump-over valves, pressure control valves, etc.) and considered to be part of the
nuisances the LDS shall be able to manage in order to achieve the required
performance level in a pipeline project.
Complexity: The level of hardware & software requirements.
Creeping Leak: A pipeline leak which develops gradually over time,

commonly as a result of localized corrosion (e.g., pin-hole leaks) or pipe wall
cracking.
Data Collection Device: It is also referred as to field processor. A component

part of the PLDS, generally installed in the field, which is used to collect
process variable measurements and retransmit data to other components of the
PLDS for further data processing, ultimately with the purpose of detecting and
locating a pipeline leak. It can include means of built-in data processing, local
synchronization, etc.
Engineering Design Organization: Saudi Aramco PMT or contractor’s hired

by SAPMT to perform the engineering design of the pipeline leak detection
solution.
Field Proven: A PLDS shall be considered to be field proven when it has been
installed, commissioned, and operational in the field and operational for a period
of six months or longer (excluding beta test periods). It shall be possible for
Saudi Aramco to verify the field proven status of any equipment.
Flexibility: The ease of being scalable, adaptable, modifiable and interface-able.
Hydrocarbon: A hydrocarbon is an organic compound consisting entirely of

hydrogen and carbon. The majority of hydrocarbons found naturally occur in
crude oil.
Leak Location Method: A systematic process involving measuring and

processing of pipeline variables and associated parameters which specifically
address the location of a pipeline leak.
Leak Detection Technology: A family of PLDS’s products comprising a

collection of specific methods for detecting and locating pipeline leaks sharing
specific architecture, infrastructure requirements in field instrumentation, data
collection devices and communication. For example, pressure-based leak
detection and location technology and mass balance leak detection technology.
Leak Event: Physical leak occurrence.
Page 4 of 20
Leak Wave: A dynamic wave which is created by a sudden leak.
Maintainability: The ease of being serviceable, supportable and testable

(validation test).
Mass Balance Compensated: A leak detection method which addresses the

imbalance in mass conservation created by a leak by calculating the volumetric
or mass line-fill compensated by pressure and temperature measurements along
the pipeline and inlet and outlet flow-rate. A mass Balance compensated system
may include a relatively complex hydraulic pipeline model, in such case is
referred as to Model-based.
Mass Balance Un-compensated: A leak detection method which addresses the

imbalance in mass conservation created by a leak by calculating the volumetric or
mass line-fill and taking into account inlet and outlet flow-rate only. This method
utilizes correction factors to compensate errors in flow-rate measurements.
Networked Pipelines: Is a highly integrated transmission and distribution grid

that can transport hydrocarbon products.
Node Imbalance Location: A leak location method commonly used by

pipeline model leak detection systems which consists of estimating the location
of a leak by calculating the change in incoming and outgoing flow-rate ratio at a
given pipeline node.
Nuisance: An inevitable and undesirable measured signal, pipeline operating

condition, or environmental condition (e.g., transient operations, poor
availability of communication lines, measurement random measurement errors),
affecting the performance of a specific pipelines leak detection system.
PLDS products may handle certain types of nuisances while not other types.
A PLDS shall be able to manage nuisances of pre-determined conditions while
meeting the stipulated performance requirements in a pipeline project.
Operability: The ease of re-configuring, start-up, commissioning and operating

a PLDS at leak and non-leak conditions.
Operating Organization: The department responsible for operating a

production facility; also referred to as Proponent.
Parallel (Looped) Pipelines: Two pipelines parallel connected to each other’s

at extreme end in a pipeline corridor.
Pipelines Leak Detection Solution: The adopted PLDS architecture, pipeline

leak detection and location technology along with the specific type of
instrumentation, communication and data collection devices to meet the
requirements of a specific pipeline application.
Page 5 of 20
Pipelines Leak Detection System (PLDS): A system comprising field sensors,

means of communications, field data collection and processing devices capable
of:
a. Detecting and locating leaks along a pipeline
b. Generating leak events, leak alarms, displaying system status information
c. Being configured through on an operator screen
d. Managing nuisances without affecting performance for the specified PLDS
application.
An installed PLDS is an integration of PLDS hardware and software, including

sub-systems and component parts, which as a whole, is capable of meeting the
required performance level in compliance with SAES-Z-003 at the specific
conditions of operations, pipeline topology and infrastructure stipulated for a
pipeline project.
Pipeline Leak Detection System Product (PLDS Product): A specific PLDS

manufactured product delivered by a technology manufacturer.
Pipeline Model Leak Detection System: A family of various types of PLDS’s

which utilize a pipeline hydraulic model of various levels of complexity in order
to detect and locate pipeline leaks. (e.g., mass-balance compensated and RTTM
PLDS’s).
Pipeline Node: A software programming entity of a pipeline model leak

detection system representing a static point along the pipeline associated to
pipeline design parameters, such as elevation and pipe diameter, and fluid
dynamic mathematical expressions, such as inlet and outlet node estimated flow-
rate and equations of conservation of mass, momentum and energy.
Pipeline Types: The pipeline type determined by the type of fluid flowing in
the line, i.e., oil, gas or natural gas.
Pressure Analysis Detection: A leak detection method which addresses the

change in the total pressure value or in its parameters to detect a pipeline leak.
Pressure analysis detection may include statistical detection.
Pressure Gradient Location: A leak location method which determines leak

location by calculating the relative change in value of two adjacent measured
pressure points when a leak takes place in a point between them.
Pressure Wave Detection (Acoustic): A leak detection method which is

capable of measuring and processing leak waves signals resulting from a
pipeline leak.
Page 6 of 20
Pressure Wave Location: A leak location method which determines the travel
time of a leak wave departing from the leak point to adjacent pressure
measurement points of known location and the sound velocity in the pipeline
fluid to estimate leak location.
Prospective PLDS Vendor: A PLDS vendor which is considered for RVL

appraisal due to area of interest justifications.
Real Time Transient Model (RTTM): A computational hydraulic model of the

pipeline fluid dynamics that considers conservation of mass, momentum and energy
capable of functioning in both steady and transient operating conditions and
estimating hydraulic model variables in real-time basis. RTTM functionalities of
commercial products may include a portfolio of pipelines operations, integrity and
safety support software packages.
Responsible Organization: A department within the Saudi Aramco organization

which is responsible for conducting an activity or carrying out a specific task.
Sensitivity Study: It is a study to determine the level of sensitivity, accuracy,

reliability and robustness for pre-determined operating and installation conditions.
Statistical Detection: A family of methods for leak detection or location that

utilize a combination of statistical parameters of measured or estimated variables
for detecting or location pipeline leaks. (e.g., change in the standard deviation
of a finite time series of measured pressure values).
Sudden leak: A rapidly occurring pipeline leak, resulting generally from a

pipe-wall material fracture.
Total Installed Cost (TIC): The sum of the engineering, procurement,

installation and commissioning cost for an item in a project.
Workstation: A computer and its associated monitor(s), keyboards(s) and other

peripheral devices which is connected to the PCS and is used to provide Human -
Machine Interface functions and/or other maintenance and engineering functions.
5 Instructions
5.1 Overview
5.1.1 The pipelines leak detection technologies addressed in this procedure are
limited to the following technologies:
1. Mass Balance: compensated and uncompensated
2. Pressure-Based: pressure analysis and pressure wave detection
Page 7 of 20
3. Real Time Transient Model: conventional and advanced
5.1.2 A PLDS is an integrated system which is built on three layers architecture:

1. Field Layer: Field devices, including field instrumentation and data
collection devices or field processing unit.
2. Communication Layer: communication devices and links
(i.e., protocols and interface software)
3. HMI Layer: Central processing and display devices, including
associated software & security requirements.
5.1.3 The performance achieved by an installed PLDS depends on the

performance level of each of the three layer components indicated above.
5.1.4 The PLDS overall performance considers the following areas:

1. Functional Performance Parameters
 SAES-Z-003 sensitivity, reliability, accuracy and robustness.
2. Installed Performance Parameters
 Complexity
 Flexibility
 Susceptibility (Immunity)
3. Operation and Maintenance Performance Parameters
 Operability and Maintainability
4. Engineering
 The performance of the PLDS system depends on selected
technology and how it is designed and integrated together as a
complete solution.
5. Associated total installed costs
5.1.5 The technology selection of a pipeline leak detection system shall be

conducted in five steps as described below.
Page 8 of 20
Table 1 - Technology Selection and Responsibility

Project
Step Activity Responsibility
Stage
Evaluate Functional performance &
P&CSD/
1 suitability for the specific pipeline PP
Pipelines
application – “Fit-for-Purpose”.
Evaluate technology expected installed P&CSD/
2 PP
performance Pipelines
Evaluate technology expected operation P&CSD/
3 PP
and maintenance requirements Pipelines
P&CSD/
4 Evaluate engineering requirements PP
Pipelines
Determine estimated Total Installed Cost
5 PP PMT
(TIC)
5.2 Technology Suitability - “Fit-for-Purpose”
5.2.1 The technology suitability, or fit-for-purpose analysis, shall be conducted

as indicated herein for the specific pipeline fluid type and conditions, as
follows:
1. Gas Pipelines
2. Liquid Pipelines
3. Two-Phase and Multiphase Pipelines
5.2.2 New technology that is field proven and documented to handle the
pipeline operating conditions can be evaluated by all parties for use on a
case by case basis with prior written approval from Pipelines Dept. and
P&CSD.
5.2.3 A sensitivity study based on P&CSD, SME’s and Operating

Organization shall be conducted in order to determine the expected
PLDS performance for the pipeline conditions:
1. Sensitivity
2. Accuracy
3. Robustness
4. Reliability
5.2.4 Gas Pipelines
For gas pipeline applications, three PLDS technologies are recommended:
Page 9 of 20
5.2.4.1 Pressure Wave (Acoustic) / Pressure Analysis
Pressure wave / Pressure analysis technology is recommended

for single phase gas pipelines as described below:
1. This technology shall only be used in a single phase gas
pipelines with less than 5% liquid content
2. Pipeline sizes up to and including 16 inches and pressures
equal or greater than 300 PSIG
3. Pipeline sizes above 16 inches and pressures equal or
greater than 600 PSIG
4. Pipeline sizes up to and including 16 inches and pressures
less than 300 PSIG and pipeline sizes above 16 inches and
pressures between 300 and 600 PSIG are permitted if the
following conditions are met:
a. Distance between two sensors must be less than 20 km
provided that the infrastructure is in place to support
the addition sensor installations
b. In cases where communication and power
infrastructure are not available the SAES-Z-003
performance requirements must be re-evaluated in line
with proponent risk management practices.
Commentary Note:
Pressure wave / Pressure Analysis is not recommended for

pipelines greater than 16 inches and less than 300 PSIG
due to the difficulties in detecting the leak signal.
5. Offshore/Subsea pipelines if instrumentation can be

installed at each end of the pipeline and the results of the
pipeline sensitivity study comply with Saudi Aramco
standards.
6. This technology shall not be used for Offshore/Subsea
pipelines where instrumentation cannot be installed.
7. Lines longer than 15 km in length and larger than
16 inches and operating at 100 PSIG or less shall not use
this technology.
5.2.4.2 Mass Balance
Un-compensated Mass Balance technologies shall not be used
Page 10 of 20
for gas pipeline applications. Compensated Mass Balance

technology can be utilized if the following conditions are met:
1. Compensated Mass Balance technology is permitted for
use in gas pipelines whenever Pressure wave/Pressure
analysis cannot be utilized, such as Offshore/Subsea
pipeline sections where sufficient pressure instrumentation
cannot be installed (e.g., at mid points in sub-sea sections)
to meet SAES-Z-003 performance requirements.
2. The instrument type and model used for mass balance is
preferred to be from the same manufacturer as the Mass
Balance application which are suitable for the operating
and process conditions. However, other manufacturer
instruments may be used provided they meet the operating
condition and performance criteria.
3. In case that Compensated Mass Balance is chosen and the
sensitivity study shows deviations from SAES-Z-003
requirements; P&CSD, proponent, and FPD shall agree on
the performance level for this application based on the risk
management practices and applicable GI-0002.401, risk
assessment studies.
5.2.4.3 Real Time Transient Modelling (RTTM)

1. RTTM technology can be utilized when inherent transient
operating conditions are anticipated at the early stages of
the project (DBSP), such as;
a. High levels of plant noise
b. Pump start/stop
c. Compressors
d. Pressure variations
e. Flaring
2. This technology can be considered if, in addition to
pipeline leak detection, the project specification requires
more than one of the following additional functionalities:
a. Scraper tracking
b. Two phase flow monitoring
c. What if scenario simulations
Page 11 of 20
d. Corrosion forecasting (fluid velocity monitoring)

e. Operation advisory functions
3. This technology should only be used for pipelines that
cannot use Pressure wave/Pressure analysis technology
such as Offshore/Subsea pipeline sections where
instrumentation cannot be installed.
4. This technology can be chosen for Class I pipelines as per
SAES-B-064.
5.2.5 Liquid Pipelines
For liquid pipeline applications, three PLDS technologies are

recommended:
5.2.5.1 Pressure Wave (Acoustic) / Pressure Analysis

1. Pressure wave / Pressure analysis technology is permitted
for use when pipeline supply pressures are greater than
100 PSIG.
 Pipelines with pressures below 100 PSIG is not
permitted due to excess hot tapping of pipelines and
installation of sensors.
2. For pipelines equipped with pumps, the system design
shall consider the detection mechanisms required to filter
out transient noise due to pump switchover, control valves,
oil samplers in order to eliminate false alarms.
3. The distance between sensors shall be determined based on
the estimated leak signal to noise ratio.
4. Operating conditions and specifications for pumps, control
valves, oil samplers and other equipment installed on the
pipeline must be acquired to determine pressure wave/
pressure analysis use for PLDS.
5.2.5.2 Mass Balance
Either Compensated or Un-Compensated Mass Balance

technologies may be used for liquid pipeline applications as
described below:
Page 12 of 20
1. Compensated Mass Balance

a. Installation can be used for pipelines up to 36 inches
and a maximum length of up to 100 km.
b. Compensated Mass Balance may be used for Creeping
Leaks.
2. Un-Compensated Mass Balance
a. Installation can be used for up to 16 inch diameter
pipelines and a maximum length of up to 100 km.
Measurement error will prevent accurate detection of a
leak for pipelines greater than this.
b. Leak location will be determined based on standard
requirements defined in SAES-Z-003.
5.2.5.3 Real Time Transient Modeling (RTTM)

1. Installation can be used for liquid pipelines up to 48 inches
and a maximum length of up to 300 km.
2. RTTM may be used for leak detection on pipelines larger
than 48 inches and longer than 300 km, provided a
sensitivity study justifies installation and expected
performance level based on operating conditions.
5.3 Operation and Maintenance Evaluation
5.3.1 The Operating Organization shall evaluate the operability and

maintainability of the PLDS products available for the selected pipeline
leak detection technology. Table 2 below can be used as indication for
evaluation purposes.
Table 2 - Operation and Maintenance Performance Parameters
INDICATOR DESCRIPTION SCORING UNITS

OPERABILITY
Start-Up Configuration & Test Average man-hours / year Man-hours/year
Periodic Configuration & Test Average man-hours / year Man-hours/year
Special tools for Configuration &
Special equipment Y/N
Tuning
Operation under leak-condition Tasks to be executed Man-hours
HMI Interface features Parameters accessible? Y/N
Page 13 of 20
INDICATOR DESCRIPTION SCORING UNITS

MAINTAINABILITY
Serviceable Repairable? Y/N
Supportable Worth repairing? Y/N
Testable Provides testing tools? Y/N
Training for the minimum team Man-Hours
Expected MTTR Mean time to repair Hours
Local Support Mfr. local support? Y/N
Parts availability Spare parts available? Y/N
5.3.2 Results of the O&M evaluation shall be considered during the

technology selection phase and shall be used as one of the main factors
to determine the performance of the selected technology.
5.4 Total Installed Cost (TIC) Evaluation
5.4.1 As part of the technology selection process, the Engineering Design

Organization shall consider that, due to specific PLDS product
requirements and performance capabilities, the utilization of specific
PLDS products belonging to a pre-selected pipeline leak detection
technology may impact significantly the Total Installed Cost (TIC).
5.4.2 Total Install Cost shall be used to determine the most cost effective
technology which will meet the minimum performance requirements for
the selected area classification.
5.4.3 The Engineering Design Organization shall determine and evaluate

expected TIC for PLDS products available. For technology and product
selection purposes, special attention shall be paid to:
1. Instrumentation, data collection devices and communication
infrastructure requirements: large amount of sensors for the entire
pipeline length, specific type of instrumentation, large
communication bandwidth, polling time, centralized
synchronization, specific unconventional communication protocols.
2. Pipeline operating conditions, such as specific limits for the
magnitude and the frequency of transient operation, absence of or
limitation concerning DRA injection, limitations to use of flare or
relief station operations.
3. Pipeline topology, such as absence of or limitations concerning
interconnecting lines, tie-lines, lack of relief stations or burn pits.
Page 14 of 20
I.e., mass balance may need more flow measurements rather than
other technique.
4. Installation, such as hot-tapping for instrumentation, non-conventional
costly instrument installations, use of HVAC shelters.
5.5 Engineering Design
5.5.1 The overall engineering design process of a pipeline leak detection

solution for a PLDS application shall be conducted in 5 steps as
described in the table below.
Table 3 - PLDS Engineering Workflow
Project
# Activity Responsibility
Stage
1 Determine location Class SAES-B-064 PP Loss Prevention Dept.

Determine PLDS performance requirements Engineering Contractor,
2 PP
per SAES-Z-003: high, medium, low. Pipelines Dept.
Engineering Contractor,
3 Select Technology PP
Pipelines Dept., P&CSD
Engineering Contractor /
4 Conduct Engineering Design PP
vendor
5.5.2 Prior to PLDS engineering design, the Engineering Design Organization

shall determine the pipeline leak detection technology to be used based
on the specific PLDS application as detailed in this procedure.
5.5.3 The engineering design of a PLDS shall be structured in two sections:

 Pipeline Application Specification
 Pipeline Leak Detection System Specification
5.5.4 The Pipeline Application Specification shall contain the following, as a

minimum:
5.5.4.1 Pipeline operations: expected operating conditions such as

batch operation, frequency of batching per year,
coupled/decoupled mode with facilities, pipelines or pipeline
networks, frequency of flaring and relief operations, steady
state, transient operating conditions, control narratives, and
other actual operating modes. Transient condition
specifications shall include:
 Pump start/stop, steady state detailed description
Page 15 of 20
 Compressors start/stop, steady state detailed description

 Pressure variations detailed description
 Flaring, venting operations detailed description
5.5.4.2 Instrumentation, data collection and communication

infrastructure: specifications of available infrastructure, location,
current performance and on-going or future planned facilities.
5.5.4.3 Pipeline topology: interconnecting architecture of the pipeline

with other pipelines or pipelines network, indicating flow
direction, MAOP, normal operating pressure and maximum
and minimum flow rates. This shall be indicated on a diagram
based on PFD’s.
5.5.4.4 Pipeline equipment: specification of pumps, pump curves,

compressors, control valves, relief valves, flaring facilities.
5.5.5 The Pipeline Leak Detection Systems specification shall contain the
following, as a minimum:
1. Detailed specification of the performance requirements per
SAES-Z-003
2. Detailed description of leak detection method(s)
3. Detailed description of false-alarm rejection method(s)
4. Detailed specifications of field instrumentation, data collection
devices, communication devices and interfaces with other systems.
5.5.6 Specific Considerations
This section provides specific considerations to be taken into account

during engineering design for a PLDS.
5.5.6.1 Pipeline Topology

1. Networked Pipelines: the PLDS engineering design shall
provide sufficient instrumentation at every tie-in point,
incoming and outgoing pipeline in order to meet
performance requirements.
2. Parallel (“Looped”) Pipelines: the PLDS engineering
design shall be equipped with instrumentation on
interconnecting lines between looped pipelines and
specific PLDS functionalities to allow the operator to
select among the specified pipeline operating modes.
Page 16 of 20
3. Pipelines equipped with Flare Lines: the PLDS design

shall consider instrumentation on flare lines of high yearly
frequency operation, such as NGL pipelines burn-pit
lines. Otherwise, flare line PLDS instrumentation shall be
avoided.
4. Jump Over Lines: the PLDS design shall consider
instrumentation on jump/over lines of high yearly
frequency operation, such as specific flow diversion
jump/over lines. Otherwise, PLDS instrumentation shall
be avoided.
5.5.6.2 Operating Conditions

1. Scraping Operation: the PLDS engineering design shall
consider instrumentation to detect scraping operation only
if required by the PLDS product vendor. Otherwise, PLDS
instrumentation shall be avoided.
2. Flow Diversion: the PLDS engineering design shall
include means to detect flow diversion operations, either
implemented by additional instrumentation or as software
functionality. In both cases, the flow diversion
functionality is considered to be false-alarm rejection and
shall be subject of RVL appraisal. The PLDS vendor
shall provide information in order to verify correct
functionality of false-alarm methods.
3. Normal Operation Background Noise: the PLDS
engineering design shall include requirements for
false-alarms rejection methods against background noise
at normal operating conditions. The PLDS vendor shall
provide information in order to verify correct
functionality of false-alarm methods.
4. Transient Background Noise: the PLDS engineering
design shall include requirements for false-alarms rejection
methods against background noise at transient conditions.
The PLDS vendor shall provide information in order to
verify correct functionality of false-alarm methods.
5. Relief Systems: the PLDS shall be equipped with specific
field instrumentation or software features to identify relief
operations.
Page 17 of 20
5.5.7 Existing Infrastructure
5.5.7.1 The Engineering Design Organization shall consider utilizing

existing PLDS infrastructure against other alternatives for
adopting the pipeline leak detection solution for a pipeline
project.
5.5.7.2 The engineering organization shall consider utilization of the

equipment below where technology viable and cost effective:
 Instrumentation
 Data collection devices
 Communication lines
 Master processors, if any
 PLDS Computers and application software
5.5.7.3 Figure 1 shows the main components of the PLDS architecture

and the various modes of integrating the PLDS into the existing
facilities.
Figure 1 - PLDS Architecture Main Components
Page 18 of 20
6 Responsibilities
6.1 Process and Control Systems Department (P&CSD)

1. Review and provide guidance and support during the PLDS project phases.
2. Lead the technical evaluation of the PLDS products.
3. Support FPD during DBSP in terms of O&M, and Engineering requirements.
4. Participate in FAT/SAT and regular field validation test activities as
applicable.
6.2 Facilities Planning Department (FPD)

 Refer to SAEP-16, Section 5.1.
6.3 Engineering Design Organizations

1. Evaluate and select PLDS technology along with operating organization
and P&CSD.
2. Conduct sensitivity study.
6.4 Operating Organizations

1. Allocate budget and entering into annual technical support agreements with
vendors.
2. Work with Material Supply to ensure adequate spare parts are available.
3. Ensure adequate training for personnel to maintain the continuity of the
PLDS systems.
4. Record failure rates for PLDS components.
5. Support in conducting reliability mitigation studies.
6. Fully involve and consult with P&CSD in all PLDS project stages and
technical issues.
7. Support FPD during DBSP in terms of O&M, and Engineering requirements.
6.5 Material Supply

1. Procure the required quantities of spare parts to maintain the systems
throughout the period of lifecycle.
2. Support and participate in conducting reliability mitigation studies.
Page 19 of 20
6.6 Loss Prevention

 Determine location Class SAES-B-064.
Revision Summary
4 March 2014 New Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure.
15 September 2015 Editorial revision to clarify that Pressure Wave Technology is also referred to as Acoustic.
In addition, paragraph 5.2.4.1 typographical error was corrected to reflect the correct
pipeline sizes / pressures which are applicable.
Page 20 of 20

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Engineering Procedure

SAEP-747 15 September 2015

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Previous Issue: 4 March 2014 Next Planned Update: 4 March 2019

Copyright©Saudi Aramco 2015. All rights reserved.

This Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure defines the minimum mandatory

2 Conflicts and Deviations

 Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedures

 Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

SAES-Z-003 Pipelines Leak Detection Systems

4 Acronyms and Definitions

Area of Interest: A specific performance, engineering, operational, maintenance

Background Noise: An unwanted signal entering in leak detection system

Complexity: The level of hardware & software requirements.

Creeping Leak: A pipeline leak which develops gradually over time,

Data Collection Device: It is also referred as to field processor. A component

Engineering Design Organization: Saudi Aramco PMT or contractor’s hired

Flexibility: The ease of being scalable, adaptable, modifiable and interface-able.

Hydrocarbon: A hydrocarbon is an organic compound consisting entirely of

Leak Location Method: A systematic process involving measuring and

Leak Detection Technology: A family of PLDS’s products comprising a

Leak Event: Physical leak occurrence.

Leak Wave: A dynamic wave which is created by a sudden leak.

Maintainability: The ease of being serviceable, supportable and testable

Mass Balance Compensated: A leak detection method which addresses the

Mass Balance Un-compensated: A leak detection method which addresses the

Networked Pipelines: Is a highly integrated transmission and distribution grid

Node Imbalance Location: A leak location method commonly used by

Nuisance: An inevitable and undesirable measured signal, pipeline operating

Operability: The ease of re-configuring, start-up, commissioning and operating

Operating Organization: The department responsible for operating a

Parallel (Looped) Pipelines: Two pipelines parallel connected to each other’s

Pipelines Leak Detection Solution: The adopted PLDS architecture, pipeline

Pipelines Leak Detection System (PLDS): A system comprising field sensors,

An installed PLDS is an integration of PLDS hardware and software, including

Pipeline Leak Detection System Product (PLDS Product): A specific PLDS

Pipeline Model Leak Detection System: A family of various types of PLDS’s

Pipeline Node: A software programming entity of a pipeline model leak

Pressure Analysis Detection: A leak detection method which addresses the

Pressure Gradient Location: A leak location method which determines leak

Pressure Wave Detection (Acoustic): A leak detection method which is

Prospective PLDS Vendor: A PLDS vendor which is considered for RVL

Real Time Transient Model (RTTM): A computational hydraulic model of the

Responsible Organization: A department within the Saudi Aramco organization

Sensitivity Study: It is a study to determine the level of sensitivity, accuracy,

Statistical Detection: A family of methods for leak detection or location that

Sudden leak: A rapidly occurring pipeline leak, resulting generally from a

Total Installed Cost (TIC): The sum of the engineering, procurement,

Workstation: A computer and its associated monitor(s), keyboards(s) and other

3. Real Time Transient Model: conventional and advanced

5.1.2 A PLDS is an integrated system which is built on three layers architecture:

5.1.3 The performance achieved by an installed PLDS depends on the

5.1.4 The PLDS overall performance considers the following areas:

5.1.5 The technology selection of a pipeline leak detection system shall be

Table 1 - Technology Selection and Responsibility

5.2 Technology Suitability - “Fit-for-Purpose”

5.2.1 The technology suitability, or fit-for-purpose analysis, shall be conducted

5.2.3 A sensitivity study based on P&CSD, SME’s and Operating

5.2.4 Gas Pipelines

For gas pipeline applications, three PLDS technologies are recommended:

5.2.4.1 Pressure Wave (Acoustic) / Pressure Analysis

Pressure wave / Pressure analysis technology is recommended

Pressure wave / Pressure Analysis is not recommended for