LNG pipeline threats prevented

A pipeline intrusion detection system has helped to prevent external threats to a natural gas pipeline in the Republic of Yemen, according to a recent paper presented by Total at ‘Rio Oil and Gas’ in September 2014.

The detection system, supplied by OptaSense, a QinetiQ company, was installed on a 320 km pipeline that transports LNG from Marib to Balhaf. The pipeline had previously encountered a number of incidents that disrupted product supply.

As part of the project requirements, OptaSense implemented a security system to allow early detection of potential threats to the pipeline. The company was also tasked with minimising the amount of new equipment installed in the field by making use of already installed fibre optic communications cable.

The paper notes that “since the pipeline intrusion detection system was installed, there has been a significant improvement in pipeline availability and regular LNG shipments.”

Magnus McEwen-King, Managing Director, OptaSense, said: “We are extremely pleased to work with Total and its local partners to ensure the availability of their pipeline. This project demonstrates that through the implementation of OptaSense into operations, it enables pipeline operators to reduce damage resulting from third party interference to zero. Ensuring pipeline integrity and availability is essential to enabling a continuous supply of product and therefore revenue from their pipeline assets.”

Adapted from press release by Callum O'Reilly

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/lng-shipping/22102014/lng-pipeline-threats-prevented-1642/