How Gas Pipeline Leak Detection Has Changed Through Time

The history of the modern pipeline system is an interesting one. In America, oil and gas pipeline systems can be sourced back to the efforts of Edwin Drake. 

In 1859, Drake used his unique drilling technique to drive pipe sections into the ground in an attempt to reach oil deposits. In August of 1859, he succeeded—at 69 feet, he hit oil and natural gas deposits. 

Other notable examples of pipelines can be found in the implementation of natural gas streetlights in London. In fact, archaeologists in 1994 uncovered the remains of what once was a copper plumbing system in Ancient Egypt. 

Suffice it to say, civilizations throughout history have benefited from the innovative pipeline system. 

As the technology to create pipeline systems has evolved, so has the technology we use to maintain them. 

Pipeline leak detection systems have evolved alongside our understanding of safety measures around natural gas.

How?

If a natural gas pipeline leaks, it can be dangerous to the workers or citizens nearby. Having safe and comprehensive detection tools has been a must for many years. 

How Gas Pipeline Leak Detection Has Changed Over Time

Coal Miners & Early Gas Detection Methods 

The most memorable method for detecting natural gas can be traced back to the Industrial Revolution. Thanks to his research on carbon monoxide, John Scott Haldane, the father of oxygen therapy, recommended using canaries to detect methane in coal mines, which eventually came to an end in 1986.

A second renowned portable gas detection method was the safety lamp developed by Humphry Davy in 1815. Davy was asked to create a safer way to illuminate the miner’s environment after a series of fatal explosions in coal mines. The result was the safety lamp, which worked as a source of light and a natural gas detector. 

The Birth of the Catalytic Sensor

In 1926, Dr. Oliver Johnson invented a catalytic sensor meant to detect combustible natural gases in the atmosphere around it. This sensor is the first modern portable gas detection device. 

As more research on the use of natural gas took place, the uses for this resource expanded. By the 20th century, more effective pipelines were being manufactured, which allowed natural gas to heat homes and even generate electricity. 

Today’s Natural Gas Pipeline Leak Detection Systems

Over half of the energy that residential and commercial customers use today comes from natural gas.

And, as the use of natural gas became more prominent, so do natural gas pipeline regulations. 

Monitored by both federal and state agencies, these regulations are used to ensure newly built, and existing pipelines are safe to operate.  

While there are numerous methods of pipeline leak detection companies use to inspect pipelines, there are two main categories these methods fall under: continuous and non-continuous methods. 

Companies tend to use both continuous and non-continuous methods, including hydrostatic pressure testing and even smart pigging tools. 

The Future of Pipeline Leak Detection: The i2i Smart Pigging Device 

A pipeline pig is used for a variety of reasons. It is used to inspect the pipeline’s condition, but it is also used for cleaning the pipeline. 

The smart pig gathers data as it moves through your pipeline. Once it reaches the receiver, technicians use the collected data to identify any problems.

An example of an innovative smart pig is the i2i smart pig tool. This pig was created to make the pipeline inspection process easier. The i2i smart pig offers a low risk, low cost, and non-disruptive method for gathering data on pipeline conditions. 

By combining the technology of typical cleaning pigs and conventional ILI, you can inspect your pipelines without disrupting your daily operations. 

Additionally, the i2i smart pig comes at a fraction of conventional ILI tools without sacrificing the beneficial data the tool gathers.  

Other benefits of this smart pig device include its sensitivity. The i2i smart pig is sensitive to pits, internal metal loss, and circumferential cracking in your pipes. Thus, you can easily detect these factors and fix them before they end up creating a bigger issue in your pipes. 

To find the best solution for your pipeline, contact American Pipeline Solutions today to learn more about testing services and the i2i smart pig!