Leak Detection

Barring some external influence, such as anchor drag, jack-up deployment or storm activity, major leaks in operating oil and gas pipeline systems usually start out very small. Typically caused by corrosion or material defects, these small leaks are often overlooked during initial construction.

The Weatherford suite of leak detection systems provides the means to detect very small leaks in newly constructed pipeline systems during hydrotesting and also in systems already in service. By identifying small leaks early on, Weatherford can help prevent catastrophic events typically accompanied by suspended production, environmental damage and associated cleanups costs, expensive repairs, loss of revenue and public image issues. Identification of very small leaks in the initial precommissioning phase of any subsea system is the first step towards system integrity.

Weatherford offers multiple, independently operated systems that can be effectively utilized to locate leaks in systems already in operation and/or during the hydrotesting of new construction in water depths. All systems are capable of optimal performance regardless of water column clarity. These systems are available to support highly active oil and gas production and construction markets worldwide.

Dye Detectors

Identify traces of fluorescein dye as small as 1 parts per billion (ppb) in the water column.

Acoustic Sensors

Passive Acoustics (hydrophone) detects the acoustic energy generated (sound) that a liquid or gas makes as it seeps through whatever defect or leak path that might exist.

Active Acoustics (dual-frequency identification sonar [DIDSON]) detect the presence of tiny bubbles or streams of tiny bubbles in the water column, regardless of water column clarity. This system outputs near video quality for the operator to view at the surface.

Programmable Mass Spectrometer (PMS)

Takes samples along a pipeline route or near a subsea assembly and determines the presence of specific compounds in the sampling area that have an atomic mass unit of 1 to 150. Light hydrocarbons and their associated gases fall within this range of compounds.