A Novel Liquid and Gas Pipeline Leak Detection System

Methane is one of the most serious greenhouse gases contributing to irreversible climate change. The contribution of methane emissions from leaking pipelines and the expected increased throughput through the pipelines prompted the natural gas industry to set a goal of reducing emissions by 50% by 2010. The integrity of the pipelines is critical to the safety of the gas transportation infrastructure. The U.S. natural gas pipeline industry spends approximately $50 million annually to comply with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s increasingly stringent inspection regulations. Current legislation requires that more than 300,000 miles of transmission pipeline be inspected at least once a year. The reduction of detrimental greenhouse gas emissions and the compliance with pipeline integrity management regulations may be attained by using a device to detect liquid and gas pipeline leaks.