CA2176065C - Aerial pipeline surveillance system - Google Patents
Aerial pipeline surveillance system Download PDFInfo
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- CA2176065C CA2176065C CA 2176065 CA2176065A CA2176065C CA 2176065 C CA2176065 C CA 2176065C CA 2176065 CA2176065 CA 2176065 CA 2176065 A CA2176065 A CA 2176065A CA 2176065 C CA2176065 C CA 2176065C
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- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 38
- 239000000523 sample Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 35
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 230000002596 correlated effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 239000003570 air Substances 0.000 claims description 46
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000012080 ambient air Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 125000001183 hydrocarbyl group Chemical group 0.000 claims 2
- 230000005236 sound signal Effects 0.000 claims 2
- 241001504505 Troglodytes troglodytes Species 0.000 claims 1
- 230000008014 freezing Effects 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000007710 freezing Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 9
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 3
- NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulfur Chemical compound [S] NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- RAHZWNYVWXNFOC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulphur dioxide Chemical compound O=S=O RAHZWNYVWXNFOC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 2
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052717 sulfur Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000011593 sulfur Substances 0.000 description 2
- VVQNEPGJFQJSBK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methyl methacrylate Chemical compound COC(=O)C(C)=C VVQNEPGJFQJSBK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920005372 Plexiglas® Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013500 data storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009313 farming Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003345 natural gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003208 petroleum Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000035945 sensitivity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000011664 signaling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010998 test method Methods 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
- G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
- G01M3/04—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point
- G01M3/20—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using special tracer materials, e.g. dye, fluorescent material, radioactive material
- G01M3/22—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using special tracer materials, e.g. dye, fluorescent material, radioactive material for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves; for welds; for containers, e.g. radiators
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01V—GEOPHYSICS; GRAVITATIONAL MEASUREMENTS; DETECTING MASSES OR OBJECTS; TAGS
- G01V9/00—Prospecting or detecting by methods not provided for in groups G01V1/00 - G01V8/00
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geophysics (AREA)
- Examining Or Testing Airtightness (AREA)
Abstract
A method of pinpointing pipeline chemical leaks from an aircraft is disclosed. The method works best when wind speeds are under 10 knots and for liquid chemical leaks when temperatures are above freezing. The method comprises flying the aircraft over the pipeline; continuously collecting an air sample from the exterior of the aircraft; feeding the collected air sample into an air analyzer which tests for high concentrations of the chemical potentially leaking from the pipeline; inputting the output signal from the analyzer to a computer; concurrently inputting a global positioning system receiver output to the computer; programming the computer to correlate the outputs from the air analyzer and the receiver; and checking the correlated output from the computer to locate high concentrations of the chemical and thereby identify pipeline chemical leaks. An apparatus for aircraft surveillance of pipelines is disclosed comprising: an air analyzer to measure concentrations of the potentially leaking chemical connected to an air sample probe outside the aircraft; a computer electrically connected to the output of the air analyzer; and, a GPS receiver electrically connected to the computer. In a preferred embodiment the apparatus further comprises a video camera mounted in the nose of the aircraft, and a VCR in the instrument platform inside the aircraft to monitor the pipeline and surrounding terrain beneath the aircraft to facilitate location of the leaks in the pipeline.
Description
2~7s~s~
.
AERIAL PIPELINE SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM
This invention relates to detection of chemical leaks in pipelines. More particularly this invention relates to detection from an aircraft of such chemical leaks.
The problem of locating leaks of chemicals in pipelines has been a problem existent since such chemicals were transported in pipelines. The laborious method of testing ground air samples taken along the length of a pipeline and looking for dead vegetation in summer still offers advantages to state of the art infrared systems.
In an infrared system heat dissipated by the leaking chemical is searched for by an aircraft. The problem with an infrared system is that it yields poor results if the leak is small, on the underside of a pipeline, if the pipeline is submerged in water, or where the pipeline is surrounded by vegetation. Another limitation of this technology is the length of time required to develop an image. Recent environmental legislation creates demandifor a more effective means of locating chemical leaks in pipelines.
It is an object of this invention to disclose a more effective means of detecting a chemical leak from a pipeline.
It is an object of this invention to disclose a system which can 2~7sns~
more quickly and inE~xpensively, pinpoint the location of small leaks previously unperceptible from a fast moving aircraft. It is yet a further ob=ject of this invention to disclose a data storage and retrieval method and apparatus which allows fast access and physical identification of problematic points along a system of pipelines.
One aspect of this invention provides for a method of aircraft surveillance of pipelines for chemical leaks comprising the following steps: flying the aircraft over the pipeline;
continuously collecting an air sample from the exterior of the aircraft; feeding t:he collected air sample into an air analyzer which tests for high concentrations of the chemical potentially leaking from the pipeline; inputing the output signal from the analyzer to a computer; concurrently imputing a GPS receiver output to the computer; programming the computer to correlate the outputs from the: air analyzer and the receiver; and checking the correlated output from the computer to locate high concentrations of the fluid and thereby identify pipeline chemical leaks. In one aspect of this invention the computer is programmed to graphically display the correlated outputs on its monitor, in another aspect of this invention a video camera monitors and a VCR records the pipeline and surrounding terrain beneath the aircraft.
An apparatus to perform the above described method is provided. A preferred aspect of this apparatus provides for an air analyzer which is set up to output differences between _ . 2~~sos5 chemical concentrations in the collected air sample and the ambient air. This rep>ults in a focus on the pipeline, rather than on high levels of: chemicals in the background generated from other sources.
Various other objects, advantages and features of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
FIGURES OF THE INVENT7:ON
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a schematic diagram of the aerial pipeline: surveillance system.
Figure 2 is a graphical summary of results taken along a length of pipeline.
The following is a discussion and description of the preferred specific embodiments of this invention, such being made with reference to the drawings, wherein the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts and/or structure. It should be noted that such discussion and description is not me~~nt to unduly limit the scope of the invention.
.
AERIAL PIPELINE SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM
This invention relates to detection of chemical leaks in pipelines. More particularly this invention relates to detection from an aircraft of such chemical leaks.
The problem of locating leaks of chemicals in pipelines has been a problem existent since such chemicals were transported in pipelines. The laborious method of testing ground air samples taken along the length of a pipeline and looking for dead vegetation in summer still offers advantages to state of the art infrared systems.
In an infrared system heat dissipated by the leaking chemical is searched for by an aircraft. The problem with an infrared system is that it yields poor results if the leak is small, on the underside of a pipeline, if the pipeline is submerged in water, or where the pipeline is surrounded by vegetation. Another limitation of this technology is the length of time required to develop an image. Recent environmental legislation creates demandifor a more effective means of locating chemical leaks in pipelines.
It is an object of this invention to disclose a more effective means of detecting a chemical leak from a pipeline.
It is an object of this invention to disclose a system which can 2~7sns~
more quickly and inE~xpensively, pinpoint the location of small leaks previously unperceptible from a fast moving aircraft. It is yet a further ob=ject of this invention to disclose a data storage and retrieval method and apparatus which allows fast access and physical identification of problematic points along a system of pipelines.
One aspect of this invention provides for a method of aircraft surveillance of pipelines for chemical leaks comprising the following steps: flying the aircraft over the pipeline;
continuously collecting an air sample from the exterior of the aircraft; feeding t:he collected air sample into an air analyzer which tests for high concentrations of the chemical potentially leaking from the pipeline; inputing the output signal from the analyzer to a computer; concurrently imputing a GPS receiver output to the computer; programming the computer to correlate the outputs from the: air analyzer and the receiver; and checking the correlated output from the computer to locate high concentrations of the fluid and thereby identify pipeline chemical leaks. In one aspect of this invention the computer is programmed to graphically display the correlated outputs on its monitor, in another aspect of this invention a video camera monitors and a VCR records the pipeline and surrounding terrain beneath the aircraft.
An apparatus to perform the above described method is provided. A preferred aspect of this apparatus provides for an air analyzer which is set up to output differences between _ . 2~~sos5 chemical concentrations in the collected air sample and the ambient air. This rep>ults in a focus on the pipeline, rather than on high levels of: chemicals in the background generated from other sources.
Various other objects, advantages and features of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
FIGURES OF THE INVENT7:ON
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a schematic diagram of the aerial pipeline: surveillance system.
Figure 2 is a graphical summary of results taken along a length of pipeline.
The following is a discussion and description of the preferred specific embodiments of this invention, such being made with reference to the drawings, wherein the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts and/or structure. It should be noted that such discussion and description is not me~~nt to unduly limit the scope of the invention.
Turning now to the drawings and more particularly to figure 1 we have a s~~hematic diagram of the Aerial Pipeline Surveillance System :20, hereinafter referred to as the APSS.
The APSS 20 is housed in the nose baggage compartment of an aircraft 26. It ha;s been found that both the Piper Seneca and the Navajo twin engine aircraft have adequate room to house the APSS 20, two pilots and a systems operator. Two pilots are required because the aircraft 26 is usually flown at the high stress altitudes of less than two hundred feet above ground and at speeds of about one hundred knots.
The APSS 20 comprises a sample probe 22 and an optional video camera 24 which is housed in the nose baggage compartment of the aircraft 26. The video camera 24 sees outside through a plexiglass aperture 23 in the nose baggage compartment of the aircraft 26. The sample probe 22 is a half inch diameter stainless steel pipe which extends 18 inches into the undisturbed air beyond the aircraft 26 nose. It is made of stainless steel to minimize hydrocarbon absorption. The video camera 24 is positioned to display about a 30 degree view of the flight path.
The APSS 20 also comprises an instrument platform 30 and a tube 28 extending thereto from the sample probe 22. The instrument platform 30, housed in the cabin of the aircraft 26 measures 3.5 ft wide by 2.5 ft high by 2.5 ft deep and weighs less than 200 pounds. The instrument platform 30 comprises an air analyzer 32 which most typically is a hydrocarbon analyzer 32 aerodynamically connecaed to the sample probe 22 by the tube 28, and a computer 34 which receives inputs from the hydrocarbon analyzer 32 and a global positioning system (GPS) 33; and, outputs to a video recorder 36 which is connected to the video camera 24.
A continuous; stream of air flows through the air sample probe 22 at a high speed. A portion of this air stream, the air sample 21 is drawn through the tube 28 to the air analyzer 32 where it is measured continuously for changes in chemical content relative to previously drawn air samples 21. This relative chemical air content measurement of the air sample 21 is inputed to the computer 34 in a digital form (some chemical analyzers 32 output a digital signal, others output an analog signal which must be subsequently converted to a digital signal). The computer 34 is also fe:d an input from a global positioning system (GPS) 33 which outputs. exact longitudinal and latitude coordinates determined from satellite signals every two seconds.
The computer 34 is programmed to correlate the chemical content in the air measurements read every half second with the GPS 33 coordinates received every two seconds. The computer 34 stores this correlated data an its hard drive.
Alternatively, or additionally the GPS 33 and chemical content data may be outputted through a video mixer 35 to the video recorder 36 where it may be recorded concurrently with the view of the pipeline a.nd surrounding terrain so that the video cassette recording contains a complete record of the longitude and latitude, the local terrain and landmarks, and associated relative chemical level. The monitor of the video recorder 36 allows the system operator to view the pipeline (not shown) as it is travelled and identify any obvious chemical sources such as farming feedlots, compressor stations, valves etc. (all not shown). The video may be later reviewed to try to identify any chemical anomalies that were revealed by the analysis of the data that were not readily apparent during the survey. As well, the video is useful when planning the logistics of responding to maintenance or repair of the leak site.
Where a known leak is being searched for, it is also useful to output the computer 34 data live to its monitor together with an audible alarm signalling relatively high chemical content. The computer 34 used is a DOS based laptop. A
software program was written to capture and organize output data in an ASCII text file protocol. The program has defaults which can be changed to accommodate alternate file names, sample speeds and other communications parameters. With the use of the ASCII
data file the output data is then able to be plotted using a popular off the shelf land survey drafting program such as Autocad T.M. by Autodesk Inc. Figure 2 shows a printed 3-D
graphical image of relative chemical measurements taken every half second, correlated with longitude and latitude coordinates taken every two seconds. The difference between the chemical content in the air sample 21 drawn from outside the aircraft 26 and previous readings thereof is what is plotted. Addition of artificial zero gas data points 217s~s~
are installed a few :hundred feet on either side of the pipeline (not shown). This 'results in a focus on the pipeline (not shown) and not on high levels of hydrocarbons in the background generated from other sources.
The APSS 20 will operate with different hydrocarbon analyzers 32 currently available; however, the AE 2420 analyzer manufactured by Airwave Electronics Ltd. in Calgary, Canada is preferred for its sensitivity, a five second response time (to read 90% of signal strength), high reliability, and low maintenance. This analyzer 32 has improved temperature stability, and radio frequency interference reduction. Response time is critical.with taking measurements in an aircraft 26 flying at 100 knots. This analyzer 32 employs an external vacuum pump (not shown) to draw sample air 21 into its detector (not shown). The analyzer 32 outputs an analog signal accurate to less than .1 ppm 'which is proportional to the concentration of hydrocarbons present in the sample air 21. The analyzer 32 is setup to output the difference between hydrocarbon concentrations in the sample air 21 and prior measurements taken thereof.
Typically the aircraft 26 is only in the leak plume for 1-3 seconds and there is insufficient time to achieve 100 percent instrument response to the elevated hydrocarbon levels.
However, it is only necessary to qualitatively identify a larger than background hydrocarbon anomaly to determine the presence of a potential leak source. Response time, not accuracy is the critical issue. None the less, prior to each use of the analyzer 32, it is recommended that the analyzer's calibration be 217~nr~
a verified with a known concentration of chemical to verify proper operation.
The APSS 20 may also utilize different types of air analyzers 32. Airwave Electronics Ltd. of Calgary, Canada has a model Flame Photomei:ric Sulfur Analyzer which has a fast response time and is suitable: for the monitoring of sulfur dioxide or other sulfur gases.
Optimal weai~her conditions for pipeline surveillance are when wind speed is under 10 knots. When surveilling a pipeline carrying liquid petroleum it is preferable to operate in above freezing weather since warmer temperatures are required to promote a suitable evaporization rate in order to yield a well defined plume. Te:~ts have shown clearly defined detection of natural gas released at a rate of 1 cfm with a 5 knot wind. In another test 20 gal:Lons of fuel, placed in a 100 square foot shallow pan at free;aing temperatures with a 10 knot wind, was clearly pinpointed.
The APSS 20 is a commercial success. In its first months of use more 'than ten thousand miles of transmission systems have been s~srveyed, in typically less than 10 percent of the time and with a few percent of the labor, previously expended for the surveillance thereof.
While the invention has been described with preferred specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that this 2I7u065 s description is intended to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the invention, wh:Lch is defined by the following claims.
I CLAIM
The APSS 20 is housed in the nose baggage compartment of an aircraft 26. It ha;s been found that both the Piper Seneca and the Navajo twin engine aircraft have adequate room to house the APSS 20, two pilots and a systems operator. Two pilots are required because the aircraft 26 is usually flown at the high stress altitudes of less than two hundred feet above ground and at speeds of about one hundred knots.
The APSS 20 comprises a sample probe 22 and an optional video camera 24 which is housed in the nose baggage compartment of the aircraft 26. The video camera 24 sees outside through a plexiglass aperture 23 in the nose baggage compartment of the aircraft 26. The sample probe 22 is a half inch diameter stainless steel pipe which extends 18 inches into the undisturbed air beyond the aircraft 26 nose. It is made of stainless steel to minimize hydrocarbon absorption. The video camera 24 is positioned to display about a 30 degree view of the flight path.
The APSS 20 also comprises an instrument platform 30 and a tube 28 extending thereto from the sample probe 22. The instrument platform 30, housed in the cabin of the aircraft 26 measures 3.5 ft wide by 2.5 ft high by 2.5 ft deep and weighs less than 200 pounds. The instrument platform 30 comprises an air analyzer 32 which most typically is a hydrocarbon analyzer 32 aerodynamically connecaed to the sample probe 22 by the tube 28, and a computer 34 which receives inputs from the hydrocarbon analyzer 32 and a global positioning system (GPS) 33; and, outputs to a video recorder 36 which is connected to the video camera 24.
A continuous; stream of air flows through the air sample probe 22 at a high speed. A portion of this air stream, the air sample 21 is drawn through the tube 28 to the air analyzer 32 where it is measured continuously for changes in chemical content relative to previously drawn air samples 21. This relative chemical air content measurement of the air sample 21 is inputed to the computer 34 in a digital form (some chemical analyzers 32 output a digital signal, others output an analog signal which must be subsequently converted to a digital signal). The computer 34 is also fe:d an input from a global positioning system (GPS) 33 which outputs. exact longitudinal and latitude coordinates determined from satellite signals every two seconds.
The computer 34 is programmed to correlate the chemical content in the air measurements read every half second with the GPS 33 coordinates received every two seconds. The computer 34 stores this correlated data an its hard drive.
Alternatively, or additionally the GPS 33 and chemical content data may be outputted through a video mixer 35 to the video recorder 36 where it may be recorded concurrently with the view of the pipeline a.nd surrounding terrain so that the video cassette recording contains a complete record of the longitude and latitude, the local terrain and landmarks, and associated relative chemical level. The monitor of the video recorder 36 allows the system operator to view the pipeline (not shown) as it is travelled and identify any obvious chemical sources such as farming feedlots, compressor stations, valves etc. (all not shown). The video may be later reviewed to try to identify any chemical anomalies that were revealed by the analysis of the data that were not readily apparent during the survey. As well, the video is useful when planning the logistics of responding to maintenance or repair of the leak site.
Where a known leak is being searched for, it is also useful to output the computer 34 data live to its monitor together with an audible alarm signalling relatively high chemical content. The computer 34 used is a DOS based laptop. A
software program was written to capture and organize output data in an ASCII text file protocol. The program has defaults which can be changed to accommodate alternate file names, sample speeds and other communications parameters. With the use of the ASCII
data file the output data is then able to be plotted using a popular off the shelf land survey drafting program such as Autocad T.M. by Autodesk Inc. Figure 2 shows a printed 3-D
graphical image of relative chemical measurements taken every half second, correlated with longitude and latitude coordinates taken every two seconds. The difference between the chemical content in the air sample 21 drawn from outside the aircraft 26 and previous readings thereof is what is plotted. Addition of artificial zero gas data points 217s~s~
are installed a few :hundred feet on either side of the pipeline (not shown). This 'results in a focus on the pipeline (not shown) and not on high levels of hydrocarbons in the background generated from other sources.
The APSS 20 will operate with different hydrocarbon analyzers 32 currently available; however, the AE 2420 analyzer manufactured by Airwave Electronics Ltd. in Calgary, Canada is preferred for its sensitivity, a five second response time (to read 90% of signal strength), high reliability, and low maintenance. This analyzer 32 has improved temperature stability, and radio frequency interference reduction. Response time is critical.with taking measurements in an aircraft 26 flying at 100 knots. This analyzer 32 employs an external vacuum pump (not shown) to draw sample air 21 into its detector (not shown). The analyzer 32 outputs an analog signal accurate to less than .1 ppm 'which is proportional to the concentration of hydrocarbons present in the sample air 21. The analyzer 32 is setup to output the difference between hydrocarbon concentrations in the sample air 21 and prior measurements taken thereof.
Typically the aircraft 26 is only in the leak plume for 1-3 seconds and there is insufficient time to achieve 100 percent instrument response to the elevated hydrocarbon levels.
However, it is only necessary to qualitatively identify a larger than background hydrocarbon anomaly to determine the presence of a potential leak source. Response time, not accuracy is the critical issue. None the less, prior to each use of the analyzer 32, it is recommended that the analyzer's calibration be 217~nr~
a verified with a known concentration of chemical to verify proper operation.
The APSS 20 may also utilize different types of air analyzers 32. Airwave Electronics Ltd. of Calgary, Canada has a model Flame Photomei:ric Sulfur Analyzer which has a fast response time and is suitable: for the monitoring of sulfur dioxide or other sulfur gases.
Optimal weai~her conditions for pipeline surveillance are when wind speed is under 10 knots. When surveilling a pipeline carrying liquid petroleum it is preferable to operate in above freezing weather since warmer temperatures are required to promote a suitable evaporization rate in order to yield a well defined plume. Te:~ts have shown clearly defined detection of natural gas released at a rate of 1 cfm with a 5 knot wind. In another test 20 gal:Lons of fuel, placed in a 100 square foot shallow pan at free;aing temperatures with a 10 knot wind, was clearly pinpointed.
The APSS 20 is a commercial success. In its first months of use more 'than ten thousand miles of transmission systems have been s~srveyed, in typically less than 10 percent of the time and with a few percent of the labor, previously expended for the surveillance thereof.
While the invention has been described with preferred specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that this 2I7u065 s description is intended to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the invention, wh:Lch is defined by the following claims.
I CLAIM
Claims (19)
1. A method of aircraft surveillance of pipelines for chemical leaks comprising the following steps:
flying the aircraft over the pipeline;
continuously collecting an air sample from the exterior of the aircraft;
feeding the collected air sample into an air analyzer which tests for high concentrations of the fluid potentially leaking from the pipeline;
inputing the output signal received from the analyzer to a computer;
concurrently inputing a GPS receiver output to the computer;
programming the computer to correlate the outputs from the air analyzer and the receiver; and checking the correlated output from the computer to locate high concentrations of the chemical and thereby identify pipeline chemical leaks.
flying the aircraft over the pipeline;
continuously collecting an air sample from the exterior of the aircraft;
feeding the collected air sample into an air analyzer which tests for high concentrations of the fluid potentially leaking from the pipeline;
inputing the output signal received from the analyzer to a computer;
concurrently inputing a GPS receiver output to the computer;
programming the computer to correlate the outputs from the air analyzer and the receiver; and checking the correlated output from the computer to locate high concentrations of the chemical and thereby identify pipeline chemical leaks.
2. A method as in claim 1 wherein the analyzer is set up to output only differences between chemical concentrations in the sample air in ambient air.
3. A method as in claim 2 wherein the computer includes a hard drive, and the computer is programmed to store the correlated outputs on the hard drive.
4. A method as in claim 3 wherein the computer includes a monitor and the computer is programmed to graphically display the correlated outputs on the monitor.
5. A method as in claim 4 wherein the computer is programmed to produce an audio signal wren the measured relative concentration exceeds a predetermined level.
6. A method as in claim 2 further comprising a video camera monitoring and a VCR recording of the pipeline and surrounding terrain beneath the aircraft.
7. A method as in claim 6 wherein the air analyzer output is mixed with the video camera output prior to the video cassette recording.
8. A method as in claim 6 wherein the GPS output is also mixed with the video camera output prior to video cassette recording.
9. A method as in claim 2 wherein the air analyzer is a hydrocarbon analyzer.
10. An apparatus for aircraft surveillance of pipelines for finding chemical leaks comprising:
an air analyzer to measure concentrations of the potential leaking chemical;
an air sample probe to collect air from outside the aircraft;
a tube having one end connected to the air sample probe and the other end connected to the air analyzer to conduct sample air drawn from outside the aircraft to the air analyzer;
a computer electrically connected to the output of the air analyzer;
and a GPS receiver electrically connected to the computer.
an air analyzer to measure concentrations of the potential leaking chemical;
an air sample probe to collect air from outside the aircraft;
a tube having one end connected to the air sample probe and the other end connected to the air analyzer to conduct sample air drawn from outside the aircraft to the air analyzer;
a computer electrically connected to the output of the air analyzer;
and a GPS receiver electrically connected to the computer.
11. An apparatus as in claim 10 wherein the air analyzer is set up to output only differences between chemical concentrations in the sample air and in ambient air.
12. An apparatus as in claim 11 wherein the air analyzer is equipped with a pump to increase the velocity of air received from the air sample probe.
13. An apparatus as in claim 12 wherein the computer includes a hard disk, and the computer is programmed to correlate data inputs received from the GPS receiver and the air analyzer outputs said correlated data to the hard disk for storage.
14. An apparatus as in claim 13 wherein the computer includes a monitor and the computer is programmed to graphically display the correlated data on the monitor.
15. An apparatus as in claim 11 wherein the computer is programmed to produce an audio signal when the measured relative chemical concentration exceeds a predetermined level.
16. An apparatus as in claim 11 further comprising a video camera and a VCR to monitor the pipeline and surrounding terrain beneath the aircraft.
17. An apparatus as in claim 16 wherein the air analyzer output is mixed with the video camera output prior to video cassette recording.
18. An apparatus as in claim 17 wherein the GPS output is also mixed with the video camera output prior to video cassette recording.
19. An apparatus as in claim 11 wherein the air analyzer is a hydrocarbon analyzer.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US47472395A | 1995-06-07 | 1995-06-07 | |
| US08/474,723 | 1995-06-07 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2176065A1 CA2176065A1 (en) | 1997-01-25 |
| CA2176065C true CA2176065C (en) | 2000-01-04 |
Family
ID=23884699
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2176065 Expired - Lifetime CA2176065C (en) | 1995-06-07 | 1996-05-08 | Aerial pipeline surveillance system |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU5994296A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2176065C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1996041097A1 (en) |
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| US10234354B2 (en) | 2014-03-28 | 2019-03-19 | Intelliview Technologies Inc. | Leak detection |
| US10373470B2 (en) | 2013-04-29 | 2019-08-06 | Intelliview Technologies, Inc. | Object detection |
| US10943357B2 (en) | 2014-08-19 | 2021-03-09 | Intelliview Technologies Inc. | Video based indoor leak detection |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1997020167A1 (en) * | 1995-11-29 | 1997-06-05 | Horace Rekunyk | Infrared gas detection method and apparatus |
| AU3401499A (en) * | 1998-04-20 | 1999-11-08 | Horace Rekunyk | Infrared remote monitoring system for leak |
| GB2338072A (en) * | 1998-06-04 | 1999-12-08 | Aea Technology Plc | Leak detection |
| DE19941157C2 (en) * | 1999-08-24 | 2001-07-26 | Dirk Frach | Method and device for obtaining ground data from the air near the ground by means of an ultralight aircraft or hovercraft |
| WO2001046689A1 (en) * | 1999-12-22 | 2001-06-28 | Propulsion Controls Engineering | Method and system for tracking engine emissions as a function of geographical location |
| US6750467B2 (en) | 2002-05-14 | 2004-06-15 | John Tulip | Vehicle mounted gas detector |
| US20050007450A1 (en) * | 2002-12-13 | 2005-01-13 | Duane Hill | Vehicle mounted system and method for capturing and processing physical data |
| DE602005016283D1 (en) | 2005-12-01 | 2009-10-08 | Pergam Suisse Ag | Mobile remote detection of fluids by laser |
| DE102007035932A1 (en) * | 2007-07-31 | 2009-02-05 | Inficon Gmbh | Leak Detector |
| US20090245581A1 (en) * | 2008-03-31 | 2009-10-01 | Sean Dey | Airborne terrain acquisition and processing system with fluid detection |
| CN105518377B (en) * | 2014-10-31 | 2018-10-26 | 深圳市大疆创新科技有限公司 | A kind of processing method, device and the aircraft of gas leakage |
| CN105156902B (en) * | 2015-08-13 | 2018-01-05 | 广州杰赛科技股份有限公司 | A kind of spherical detection means and gas detection method |
| US11175679B2 (en) | 2019-07-18 | 2021-11-16 | International Business Machines Corporation | Drone elastic map |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS59108933A (en) * | 1982-12-15 | 1984-06-23 | Toshiba Corp | Device for detecting gas leakage from current collecting ring |
| US4853543A (en) * | 1983-09-13 | 1989-08-01 | Phillip Ozdemir | Method and apparatus for detecting a tracer gas using a single laser beam |
| US5045937A (en) * | 1989-08-25 | 1991-09-03 | Space Island Products & Services, Inc. | Geographical surveying using multiple cameras to obtain split-screen images with overlaid geographical coordinates |
| RU1815467C (en) * | 1990-04-06 | 1993-05-15 | А. Г. Нечаев | Device for detecting gas leakage out of pipe-line |
| DE4127543A1 (en) * | 1991-08-20 | 1993-02-25 | Werner Ratfisch | Trolley mounted gas leak detection unit for monitoring gas pipelines - in which analyser is built into housing having at least 2 rollers and suction pump draws in gases via funnel inlet and supplies them to analyser |
-
1996
- 1996-05-08 CA CA 2176065 patent/CA2176065C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-06-07 WO PCT/CA1996/000385 patent/WO1996041097A1/en active Application Filing
- 1996-06-07 AU AU59942/96A patent/AU5994296A/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US10373470B2 (en) | 2013-04-29 | 2019-08-06 | Intelliview Technologies, Inc. | Object detection |
| US10234354B2 (en) | 2014-03-28 | 2019-03-19 | Intelliview Technologies Inc. | Leak detection |
| US10943357B2 (en) | 2014-08-19 | 2021-03-09 | Intelliview Technologies Inc. | Video based indoor leak detection |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2176065A1 (en) | 1997-01-25 |
| AU5994296A (en) | 1996-12-30 |
| WO1996041097A1 (en) | 1996-12-19 |
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