Evaluation on the Ultrasonic Technique for Lekeage Detection in Onshore Oil and Gas Pipelines

Abstract

Pipelines are currently considered the safest means of transporting hydrocarbons. However, accidents with leaks in pipelines are still recurrent, despite safety regulations. Therefore, there is a need to detect these leaks efficiently and adapt to the environment. This article evaluates the possibilities that the ultrasonic technique presents for leaks detection in pipelines. An algorithm was used to divide into steps of importance, concepts such as technical feasibility, suitability, and capability. The method proves to be quite versatile and promises to be very accurate, an alternative for detecting leaks in long pipelines.