OptaSense pipeline intrusion system success

OptaSense, a QinetiQ company and global leader in Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology, has successfully prevented external threats to a natural gas pipeline in the republic of Yemen, according to a case study paper due to be presented by Total at ADIPEC, the oil and gas show in Abu Dhabi, 10 - 13 November 2014.

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.”

The OptaSense system was originally installed, as an integral part of the pipeline security operation in late 2013, on the 320 km long pipeline that runs liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Marib to Balhalf in the Republic of Yemen.

The pipeline had previously encountered a number of incidents that disrupted product supply. The paper, originally presented by Total at Rio Oil & Gas trade show in September 2014, adds that “no attempt at intrusion on the pipeline resulted in damage to the facilities” as a result of integrating OptaSense with other security measures.

Magnus McEwen-King, Managing Director at 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.”

The project requirements were to implement a security system to allow early detection of potential threats and to minimize the amount of new equipment installed in the field by making use of already installed fibre optic communications cable.

OptaSense will be demonstrating its Distributed Acoustic Sensing technology at ADIPEC, Hall 12, stand number 12334.

Edited from source by Elizabeth Corner

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/22102014/optasense-pipeline-intrusion-system-success/