High Accuracy In Pipeline Leak Detection

Hifi Engineering announced test results of its High-fidelity dynamic sensing technology, claiming 100% accuracy in pipeline leak detection performance used in fluid flow, with no false positives in real time. 

Hifi Engineering Inc. ("Hifi"), a developer and supplier of leading edge fiber optic sensing technologies used to monitor gas and fluid flow in pipelines and oil and gas wells, today announced results of its High-fidelity dynamic (acoustics, temperature, strain) sensing HDS™ technology as part of their testing with C-CORE, a Canadian research and development (R&D) corporation.

The program was funded by LOOKNorth, a national Centre of Excellence for Commercialization and Research hosted by C-CORE.

The C-CORE results proved the Hifi HDS system successfully detected all leaks generated during this testing program, with no false positives in real time. Operating pressures ranged from 195psi down to 3psi, for both liquids and gas, in both offshore and land applications.

"We are very pleased with the performance of our HDS technology", said John Hull, Hifi's Founder and Chief Technology Officer. "To achieve 100% performance with no false positives proves our technology is world class, and ready to assist the industry in achieving 100% pipeline safety. These results reaffirm the performance also demonstrated through Hifi's many field pilots and commercial installations."

Hifi's HDS high definition technology monitors every centimeter of a pipeline, 24 hours per day, and can detect flows less than a liter within seconds. It includes proprietary, fiber optic cables optimized for sensing, as well as optical hardware and software for permanent deployment and continuous monitoring. The patented software algorithms are designed to correlate acoustic, temperature and vibration / strain data in real-time to discern operating conditions such as excessive strain, thermal events, and security intrusions, which if left unaddressed, could evolve into a leak in the pipeline.

The HDS system can also detect extremely low flow and pinhole sized leaks, with the ability to alarm and notify the pipeline operator in seconds, through a control room software powered by GE Predix™.

The positive performance of Hifi's HDS system comes on the successful completion of the previously announced project investment between Hifi and Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), on behalf of the Government of Canada. The project from SDTC's SD Tech Fund, was $2.0M as part of a $6.0M development initiative of Hifi's next generation HDS technology for preventative pipeline leak detection.

"SDTC is proud to see the investment into this innovative pipeline leak detection technology result in this successful demonstration. The HDS technology has the potential to reduce the incidence of leaks, and increase the confidence of the public in our pipeline system in Canada. We are encouraged by this, and remain optimistic in the success of this project with Hifi Technologies", said Leah Lawrence, president and CEO, Sustainable Development Technology Canada.

"HiFi Engineering's technology is proof of the importance of investing in energy innovation", said Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. "Our Government is proud to support Canadian companies that are focused on developing clean technologies. These companies will create new products and services that are more energy efficient, emit lower carbon emissions and promote healthier communities. Clean technology producers will also create entirely new jobs and business opportunities for Canadians. That's how innovation makes a better Canada."

Source: Market Wired