Fiber Optic DAS Implementation - Alberta Energy Corridor
Challenge
A major transmission pipeline operator managing 2,400 kilometers of NPS 36 crude oil pipeline across central Alberta faced increasing regulatory pressure to enhance leak detection capabilities. Traditional computational pipeline monitoring (CPM) provided adequate detection for significant leaks but lacked sensitivity for small releases. The pipeline traversed environmentally sensitive areas including river crossings, wetlands, and proximity to populated communities requiring rapid detection and response.
Existing aerial patrol programs conducted quarterly flights but could not provide continuous monitoring. The operator sought a technology solution providing:
- Continuous monitoring along entire pipeline length
- Detection of leaks below CPM sensitivity threshold (< 1% flow rate)
- Rapid alerting (under 2 minutes) enabling immediate response
- Integration with existing SCADA and emergency response systems
- Minimal operational disruption during installation
Solution Implementation
Following comprehensive technology evaluation, the operator selected distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) based on fiber optic cables. The implementation proceeded in phases:
Phase 1: Pilot Installation (150 km segment, 4 months)
Fiber optic cables were installed along a representative pipeline segment including multiple terrain types, two major river crossings, and sections through agricultural and forested areas. Cables were attached to pipeline coating using specialized clamps at 2-meter intervals. Interrogation units at segment endpoints transmitted laser pulses analyzing backscattered light for acoustic signatures.
Phase 2: Algorithm Training (6 months)
Machine learning algorithms were trained using six months of operational data to establish baseline acoustic signatures for normal operations. The training dataset included pump starts/stops, pressure transients, pigging operations, and environmental conditions (weather, wildlife, third-party construction). Controlled release tests validated leak detection sensitivity and location accuracy.
Phase 3: System Integration (3 months)
DAS monitoring platform integrated with existing SCADA system and emergency response protocols. Operators received training on system interpretation, alarm response procedures, and verification techniques. Mobile applications provided field personnel with real-time DAS data and alert notifications.
Phase 4: Full Deployment (18 months)
Following successful pilot validation, fiber optic installation expanded across remaining pipeline segments. Installation progressed at approximately 15 kilometers per week using specialized crews minimizing disruption to pipeline operations.
Results and Outcomes
The DAS system achieved operational status in March 2024. Performance over the first operating year demonstrated significant improvements:
Compared to 4.5 hours with previous methods
Averaging 45 L/hr, below CPM threshold
Decreased unnecessary field investigations
Enabled rapid crew deployment to incident sites
Incident Example: August 2024 Detection
On August 17, 2024, the DAS system detected acoustic anomalies at kilometer marker 1,247.3 at 03:42 local time. Control room operators received automated alerts within 45 seconds. SCADA data showed no significant pressure changes indicating a small leak below CPM detection threshold. Emergency response crews deployed to the location within 35 minutes, discovering a 3mm crack in a girth weld releasing approximately 60 liters per hour. The pipeline segment was isolated within 90 minutes of initial detection. Total product release was estimated at 180 liters. Without DAS detection, the leak would likely have continued undetected until the next quarterly aerial patrol scheduled three weeks later, potentially releasing 70,000+ liters.
Lessons Learned
- Algorithm Training Critical: Initial false alarm rates were elevated until ML algorithms completed training on site-specific conditions. Operators should plan for 6-9 month training period with expected higher false positive rates.
- Operator Training Essential: Effective response requires operators understanding DAS acoustic signatures and verification procedures. Comprehensive training programs prevent both missed detections and unnecessary field mobilizations.
- Integration Complexity: SCADA integration required careful planning to ensure DAS alerts appropriately prioritized within existing alarm management workflows without causing operator overload.
- Environmental Factors: Heavy equipment operation near pipelines, severe weather events, and wildlife activity can generate acoustic signatures requiring algorithm refinement to maintain low false alarm rates.