On December 23, 2016, a gas pipeline leak near the intersection of Guanzhuang Road and Changying Road in Chaoyang District, Beijing, resulted in a serious fire.
The incident highlights the potential safety consequences associated with gas pipeline leaks in densely populated urban environments.
Gas distribution pipelines form an important part of urban energy infrastructure. A pipeline leak can create serious safety risks, particularly in areas where pipelines run close to roads, buildings, utilities, and other public infrastructure.
Pipeline safety therefore depends on multiple measures, including proper design and construction, routine inspection and maintenance, operational management, emergency response, and appropriate monitoring technologies.
Early identification and localization of abnormal conditions can help pipeline operators investigate potential problems and respond more efficiently.
For long-distance pipelines and other linear infrastructure, continuous monitoring technologies can complement conventional inspections by providing additional information about conditions along the monitored route.
Distributed fiber optic pipeline leak monitoring can provide continuous monitoring along extended pipeline routes.
Depending on the sensing method, system configuration, pipeline type, and installation conditions, fiber optic sensing technologies can be used to detect and locate abnormal signals associated with pipeline operation.
DEAN Technology's current Long Haul Pipeline solution portfolio includes distributed fiber optic pipeline leak monitoring as well as vibration/anti-excavation and steam-pipeline monitoring solutions.
Monitoring technology should be considered one part of a broader pipeline integrity and safety management strategy rather than a substitute for inspection, maintenance, operating procedures, and emergency response
