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Performing Reliable Early Leak Detection on Storage Tank Terminals: Retrofitting of Existing Facilities and New Buildings



Author(s)

Raul Risi

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DOI:10.17265/2161-6221/2018.9-10.002

Oil & Gas Division Manager, TTK S.A.S., 75008 Paris, France

Liquid leak detection may represent a challenge for Oil & Gas operators, as indicated by operational feed-back and independent studies. Despite the availability of many different leak detection technologies, some systems may either fail to detect spills or generate frequent false alarms. In particular, possible soil contamination from pre-existing leaks and pollution carry-over by rain water is difficult to filter out by a leak sensing system. Typical case of false alarms relates to punctual sensors installed upstream the drain valve within the storage tank bunds, monitoring possible presence of leaks in rain water. Besides old soil contamination, other criteria should also be considered when selecting a spill detection technology, such as asset type to be monitored (storage tank, pipeline, …), system accuracy (minimum detectable quantity, ability to localize the leak), detection time, reliability over time, capital, installation and operating costs. The paper will include an evaluation of different external leak detection technologies with respect to the above-mentioned criteria, pointing out the capabilities and limitations of each system. Focus will be placed on reliability of leak monitoring systems in challenging environments. A new generation of digital, reusable sensing cables and probes, as well as the impact of sensitivity for different applications, will be discussed. Since leak sensor installation environment (positioning, adoption of special precautions, …) may significantly affect the system performance, different above ground and underground configurations will be presented, both for new builds and existing facilities.

Liquid leak detection, addressable system, storage tank, pipeline.