Eni and SLB have formed an alliance to deploy Eni Vibroacoustic Pipeline Monitoring System (e-vpms) technology, both companies announced July 26 in a press release.
Eni subsidiary Enivibes, established in March, is bringing the pipeline integrity technology to the global market through its alliance with SLB. The e-vpms technology monitors the transport of hydrocarbon or water in pipelines and is aimed at protecting system integrity and detecting external events such as attempted product theft or accidental impact, corrosion related leak events and land movement events caused by earthquakes or landslides. The vibroacoustic wave detection system provides real-time analysis, monitoring and leak detection for onshore and offshore pipelines and can be retrofitted on existing pipelines.
“The e-vpms technology will equip operators with the ability to extract real-time data from even their oldest assets,” Ziad Jeha, business line director of midstream production systems at SLB, said in a release. “Operators will be able to receive reliable and specific real-time information, allowing for focused and timely responses, especially in instances of an environmental nature.”
With e-vpms, sensors are deployed at discrete distances up to 31 miles apart along a pipeline to monitor the fluid behavior within the pipe and acoustic waves traveling along the pipe wall. The sensors have low bandwidth and power requirements and use existing facilities or fit-for-purpose power and communication solutions.
The technology has been installed to monitor more than 1,240 miles of installations in Africa, Europe and South America. According to SLB, the sensor package provides accurate event monitoring within 82 ft.
The e-vpms has been deployed on block valve stations for buried pipelines, as well as on exposed pipelines transporting crude oil, refined products and injection water. For subsea pipelines, the system is installed topside.
Recommended Reading
TC Energy's Keystone Oil Pipeline Offline Due to Operational Issues, Sources Say
2024-03-07 - TC Energy's Keystone oil pipeline is offline due to operational issues, cutting off a major conduit of Canadian oil to the U.S.
Early Startup of Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion Surprises Analysts
2024-04-04 - Analysts had expected the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion to commence operations in June but the company said the system will begin shipping crude on May 1.
TC Energy’s Keystone Back Online After Temporary Service Halt
2024-03-10 - As Canada’s pipeline network runs full, producers are anxious for the Trans Mountain Expansion to come online.
Energy Transfer Asks FERC to Weigh in on Williams Gas Project
2024-04-08 - Energy Transfer's filing continues the dispute over Williams’ development of the Louisiana Energy Gateway.
Waha NatGas Prices Go Negative
2024-03-14 - An Enterprise Partners executive said conditions make for a strong LNG export market at an industry lunch on March 14.