Pipeline companies invest in oil leak detection research

Enbridge and TransCanada are to carry out research into the prevention of oil leaks from pipelines in a bid to improve safety. Both companies are providing funding to research that could see the development of new technologies to reduce the occurrence of leaks and result in updated pipelines. 

Not only could this result in better safety for workers and the general public, it could also lessen the environmental impact of oil drilling and transportation.

The companies are investing in new research into the development of enhanced external leak detection. This research is taking place at a facility in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and is making use if a pipeline simulator that was developed by Enbridge. 

The simulator, called the External Leak Detection Experimental Research (ELDER) testing equipment, will help researchers to test the performance of any new technology.

Any developments in this field are likely to be beneficial for the oil and gas industry as well as the pipeline industry. The improvement of safety aspects will also help to assuage the public's concerns over the future development of the energy sector. 

Any advancements or knowledge that is garnered by this new research will be shared equally between Enbridge and TransCanada and anything that can be applied to systems immediately will be done so in order to improve operations.

“Enbridge has said repeatedly as a company that we don’t compete in the area of safety, and this partnership with TransCanada represents clear proof of that approach," said Kirk Brytus, Enbridge's vice president of pipeline control. 

"Enbridge has invested considerable time and resources into building a world-class leak detection testing apparatus, but we believe that working together with committed partners to discover the best technology on the market is in everyone’s best interest." 

Tests will be performed during 2014 on four different types of leak-detecting technology in order to ascertain which give the best results. The ELDER equipment enables the technology to be tested in an environment that is very close to that in which liquid pipelines are installed, meaning that results will be incredibly accurate.