Enhancing Offshore Pipeline Safety: Application of Vibroacoustic Technology for Impact & Leak Detection

Abstract Vibroacoustic Technology is an effective tool for detecting leakages and third-party interferences in pipelines. It operates on the principle of identifying pressure, sound, and vibration patterns generated by leaks or various activities near the pipeline, both above and below ground. These activities can include excavator digging, landslides, construction work, impact or anchor drags on offshore pipelines, and other potentially harmful actions. Beyond detecting third-party activities and leaks, Vibroacoustic Technology provides precise and timely localization of these events, enabling rapid intervention and repair. This capability is particularly valuable in remote areas where accessing the site for repairs may be challenging. Furthermore, precise localization of detected events minimizes the time and resources needed for repairs. The technology's deployment is non-invasive. Vibroacoustic sensors are equipped with static pressure sensors, hydrophones, and accelerometers, can be installed both onshore and on offshore pipelines, can be placed on existing derivations, spaced tens of kilometers apart. The data collected by these sensors are transmitted to a central processing server where core processors analyze it, performing noise removal, detection, and localization algorithms. Upon detecting an impact, the software modules search for vessels sailing in the impact area using an automatic identification system (AIS). This information is then added to the alarm database. In summary, Vibroacoustic Technology is versatile, capable of detecting various potentially harmful activities, and serving as an effective leak detection system. Its precise and timely event localization helps minimize repair time and resources, ensuring the safety and integrity of gas pipelines while reducing maintenance and repair costs.