Hot Tap Detection
Accurately locate hot taps for pipeline safety, integrity, and operational efficiency
How INGU Pipers® Localize Hot Taps
Theft of oil or water from illegal hot taps impacts revenue, and compromises pipeline safety and integrity across the world. The detection of hot taps poses technical, financial, and human challenges, which together make solving this problem extraordinarily difficult for pipeline operators.
Pipers® measure the Magnetic Flux Density (MFD) in a pipeline (see also Magnetic Inspection) using passive tri-axial magnetic flux sensors. During the analysis of ferromagnetic pipelines, spools exhibiting a magnetic flux density that deviates from surrounding spools are classified as outlier spools. By comparing these outlier spools against reference data, the locations of hot taps can be ascertained.
The Petrobras and Transpetro case study demonstrates that Pipers® are an effective and economical solution for ongoing monitoring for illegal hot taps. See our case study.
Advantages of Using Pipers® for Hot Tap Detection
Detecting illegal hot taps is crucial because they pose a significant safety risk, lead to substantial financial losses due to product theft, and can cause environmental damage by releasing hazardous materials from pipelines. Pipers® and their ease of use sets them apart from existing detection methods that can be damaged due to illegal activity above ground.
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Maintain pipeline safety
Because Pipers® are a free-floating in-line total, they can pass by hot taps unhindered allowing for an accurate localization.
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Non-intrusive inspection
Pipers® do not require any modifications to your pipeline or interruptions of your pipeline operation, making the inspection process seamless and non-intrusive.
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Visualized insights
Inspection results can be presented in the INGU Interactive Pipeline Viewer, making it easier to locate and address any detected leaks.
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Comprehensive data analysis
Our AI-powered data analytics deliver precise and reliable results, transforming raw sensor data into meaningful insights for proactive maintenance.
Applications in High Consequence Areas
Leak detection is especially crucial in high consequence areas such as river crossings, road crossings, and pipelines passing through or under lakes or cities. In these sensitive environments, even minor leaks can lead to significant environmental damage and regulatory penalties. Pipers® provide the reliable and accurate detection needed to safeguard these areas. Their ability to pinpoint leaks ensures that repairs can be made quickly and efficiently, minimizing any potential impact. At INGU, we are committed to enhancing pipeline safety and reliability. By integrating advanced sensor technology with AI-driven analytics and user-friendly visualization tools, we provide pipeline operators with the insights they need to maintain the integrity of their infrastructure. Choose INGU’s Pipers® for a smarter, safer approach to leak detection.
What else can INGU Pipers® do?
Leak Detection
Pipers® record all sounds while moving with the flow through the pipeline making them sensitive to even the smallest leaks.
Air/Gas Pocket Detection
Pipers® use an acoustic sensor to identify the unique data signatures of air/gas pockets within the pipeline.
Confirmation of Containment
Pipers® inspect the pipeline under operational conditions, making them an ideal tool to confirm containment without disrupting operations.
Deposit Inspection
Pipers® take 100 pressure measurements per second while moving through the pipeline allowing for accurate deposit localization.
Hydraulic Grade Line Inspection
Pipers® continuously measure the pressure providing a highly detailed method for determining the hydraulic grade line.
Magnetic Inspection
Pipers® serve as an in-between solution between hydrostatic testing and conventional in-line inspection tools (i.e. smart pigs), helping operators keep their pipelines safe.
Magnetic Feature Detection
Pipers® measure the magnetic flux density in a pipeline allowing for the localization of any metallic fittings and casings in a non-metallic pipeline.
Hot Tap Detection
Hot taps, particularly illegal ones, pose significant risks to pipeline integrity, safety, and operational efficiency.
Bend Detection
When combined with off-the-shelf cleaning pigs, Pipers® provide the bend angle, radius, and direction.
Want to see INGU Pipers® in action?
Ensure Pipeline Safety & Efficiency with INGU Pipers®
Trust INGU’s Pipers® for pipeline inspection under operational conditions, safeguarding your pipeline’s integrity and optimizing its performance.
INGU’s Pipers® in-line inspection solution offers an efficient and economic way to safeguard your pipeline’s integrity and fostering optimized performance. The Pipers® technology provides operators full insight in all pipeline assets under all conditions allowing them to make well informed decisions to keep their pipelines safe and efficient.
