April 2018 Vol. 73 No. 4
General
Fiber Optic Sensing Association Releases Installation Considerations for Pipelines
The Fiber Optic Sensing Association (FOSA), the world’s premier trade association for distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS), released FOSA Installation Considerations for Pipelines, offering guidance on the selection and positioning of fiber optic cables to maximize the benefits of DFOS along pipelines. Download the publication from the website: fiberopticsensing.org and select Installation Considerations from the “Resources” tab in the top/right menu.
Fiber optic sensing is an emerging and key technology for advancements in the safe and efficient operation of pipelines throughout the world.
“As the market learns of the benefits provided by distributed fiber optic sensing, a natural extension is to ask about the make-up and installation of installed sensing solutions. This document provides a primer for those considering adoption of this capable technology to advance the operation and safety of their pipeline assets,” said Dr. Chris Minto, chair of the FOSA Technology Committee, which produced the publication.
The document addresses three of the primary DFOS technologies that are often used in monitoring pipelines, each providing unique insights into the operational characteristics, asset health, and environmental conditions of the pipeline:
Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) is used to sense both leaks and third-party intrusion by monitoring vibrations near the pipeline.
Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) monitors the subtle temperature variations that occur from product escaping from the pipeline. Release of high-pressure gas will lower the surround temperature due to the sudden reduction in pressure as it leaves the pipeline, where oil typically has a higher temperature than the surrounding soil.
Distributed Strain Sensing (DSS) is deployed along or on the pipelines to monitor changes in strain that might be caused by shifts in the soil near the pipeline. If the strain from these soil shifts gets large enough, it could cause the pipeline to shift, possibly buckle and even break, allowing product to escape.
“FOSA Installation Considerations for Pipelines condenses considerable technical information into an 11-page primer providing guidance to end users, installation contractors, regulators and other industry bodies,” said Mark Uncapher, director of FOSA. “Federal and state pipeline regulators will benefit from this guidance, as well. As they work to ensure the safe operation of U.S. pipeline infrastructure, basic knowledge on the proper installation of fiber optic sensing technology should assist them.”
FOSA is a non-profit organization with the mission of educating industry, government and the public on the benefits of fiber optic sensing to securing critical facilities, enhancing public safety and protecting the environment.
Comments