Pipeline Leak Detection Threshold Values

[PKEngineer]

As per regulatory compliance and safety concerns we need to set alarm setpoints for the maximum flow rate and response time if any leak detection occurs.

I read somewhere: In State of Washington, it is mandatory for all pipeline operators to be able to detect and locate leaks of 8 percent of maximum flow within 15 minutes or less.

Do we have any guideline for threshold imbalance limits from DOT in USA or API as general and for California State in specific.

Thanks in advance

 

[BigInch]

API 1149 Leak Detectability

http://www.techstreet.com/cgi-bin/detail?product_id=1516746

API 1130 Compliance of CPM’s (Computational Pipeline Monitoring) leak detection software.

http://www.techstreet.com/cgi-bin/detail?product_id=14530

Are you a regulated pipeline?
API 1130 has been added to CFR Title 49 Part 195 and, as such, is a legal mandate.
and,

http://www.epa.gov/EPA-GENERAL/1997/October/Day-29/g28135.htm

API 1155 Evaluation Methodology for Software Based Leak Detection Systems

http://www.techstreet.com/cgi-bin/detail?product_id=16124

A PPT Presentation by LOOP

http://www.utsi.com/papers/Presentations/april_2002/Nagala_Verret_2002.pdf

API Standard 1160
Managing System Integrity for Hazardous Liquid Pipelines

http://www.caldetection.com/api1160.html

http://consipio.com/doc/Selecting a pipeline leak detection system.pdf

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"Pumping accounts for 20% of the world’s energy used by electric motors and 25-50% of the total electrical energy usage in certain industrial facilities."-DOE statistic (Note: Make that 99% for pipeline companies)

http://virtualpipeline.spaces.live.com/

 

[dcasto]

It depends on the fluid. Getting an 8% at 15 minutes is not that bad on most fluids. lines carrying fluids near the criticle point are a differnt story.

 

[PKEngineer]

BigInch

Thanks a lot for providing this comprehensive list which is really helpful to start with.

dcasto
We have liquid butane service transporting through this 10 mile long line. Line is always packed and is in mild temperature area so relatively fast to get the steady state. I plan to use 5% and 5 minutes detection setpoints as guessing that we will have steady rate by this time and have micromotion installed on both ends to check any imbalance.

Working on the regulations to confirm the numbers.

Regards