WO2018156898A1

WO2018156898A1 - Systems and methods for pipeline leak detection

Info

Publication number: WO2018156898A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/019426
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jared Markes; Sam Marsh STRODER
Original assignee: General Electric Company
Priority date: 2017-02-24
Filing date: 2018-02-23
Publication date: 2018-08-30

Abstract

A leak detection system includes a signaling device and a receiving device. The signaling device includes a signal generating portion configured to generate an electrical signal, and a transmitting portion coupled to the signal generating portion. The transmitting portion is configured to be disposed within a transmission point of a pipeline that transports an electrically conductive fluid. The transmitting portion is also configured to transmit the electrical signal through the electrically conductive fluid. The receiving device includes a signal receiving portion configured to be disposed within a receiving point of the pipeline. The signal receiving portion is also configured to receive the electrical signal transmitted through the electrically conductive fluid.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PIPELINE LEAK

DETECTION

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/463,287 filed on February 24, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems and methods for pipeline leak detection.

[0003] At least some oil and gas reservoirs include production wells, from which subsurface oil and gas are retrieved. As oil and/or gas are removed, the injected water may also be removed from the reservoir at the production wells. This "produced water" may include a variety of minerals and other subsurface contaminants and may therefore be diverted via a produced water pipeline to a produced water management facility for treatment. During transportation, it is desirable that any leaks within the produced water pipeline are detected as soon as possible.

[0004] In some cases, conventional leak detection systems operate based upon an analysis of the physical pipeline system. For instance, some conventional systems may analyze the produced water entering the pipeline in comparison to the produced water exiting the system. If a discrepancy is observed between the quantity of water entering the pipeline system and the quantity of water exiting the pipeline system, the system may include a leak.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0005] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems and methods for pipeline leak detection and, more particularly, to systems and methods for pipeline leak detection in which an interruption in an electrical signal within the fluid is detected to identify a leak in the pipeline. In one aspect, a leak detection system is provided. The leak detection system includes a signaling device and a receiving device. The signaling device includes a signal generating portion configured to generate an electrical signal and a transmitting portion coupled to the signal generating portion. The transmitting portion is configured to be disposed within a transmission point of a pipeline that transports an electrically conductive fluid. The transmitting portion is also configured to transmit the electrical signal through the electrically conductive fluid. The receiving device includes a signal receiving portion configured to be disposed within a receiving point of the pipeline. The signal receiving portion is also configured to receive the electrical signal transmitted through the electrically conductive fluid.

[0006] In another aspect, a leak detection system is provided. The leak detection system includes a pipeline that transports an electrically conductive fluid, a signaling device, and a receiving device. The pipeline has a transmission point, a receiving point, and a body extending therebetween. The signaling device includes a signal generating portion configured to generate an electrical signal and a transmitting portion coupled to the signal generating portion. The transmitting portion is configured to be disposed within a transmission point of a pipeline that transports an electrically conductive fluid. The transmitting portion is also configured to transmit the electrical signal through the electrically conductive fluid. The receiving device includes a signal receiving portion configured to be disposed within a receiving point of the pipeline. The signal receiving portion is also configured to receive the electrical signal transmitted through the electrically conductive fluid.

[0007] In yet another aspect, a method for pipeline leak detection is provided. The method includes generating, by a signaling device disposed at a transmission point of a pipeline, an electrical signal, and transmitting, by the signaling device, the electrical signal through an electrically conductive fluid that is transported within the pipeline. The method also includes receiving, by a receiving device disposed at a receiving point of the pipeline, the electrical signal. A controller coupled to the receiving device detects an interruption in the electrical signal, and determines that the electrically conductive fluid is leaking from the pipeline. DRAWINGS

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a cutaway schematic view of an exemplary pipeline leak detection system;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for pipeline leak detection using the system shown in FIG. 1;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a cutaway schematic view of a first alternative pipeline leak detection system; and

[0012] FIG. 4 is a cutaway schematic view of a second alternative pipeline leak detection system.

[0013] Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings provided herein are meant to illustrate features of embodiments of the disclosure. These features are believed to be applicable in a wide variety of systems comprising one or more embodiments of the disclosure. As such, the drawings are not meant to include all conventional features known by those of ordinary skill in the art to be required for the practice of the embodiments disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to pipeline leak detection systems in which an electrical signal is transmitted through an electrically conductive fluid transported by a pipeline. As described above, the electrically conductive fluid is, in the exemplary embodiment, produced water, or water produced as a byproduct along with oil and gas, flowing within a produced water pipeline between a production well and a produced water treatment facility. A receiving device disposed at a receiving point of the pipeline is configured to receive the signal transmitted within the pipeline. If the signal is received unaffected (e.g., the received signal is not reduced in strength, received intermittently, or received with a reduced or changed amplitude or frequency), a controller coupled to the receiving device determines that the pipeline is not leaking. If the signal is not received, is only received intermittently, or is received at a reduced strength, and/or with a reduction or change in amplitude or frequency, the controller determines that the pipeline is leaking and generates an alarm.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary pipeline leak detection system 100. System 100 includes a pipeline 102, a signaling device 104, a first controller 106 coupled to signaling device 104, a receiving device 108, and a second controller 110 coupled to receiving device 108. In some embodiments, signaling device 104 includes a first wireless device 112, such as a wireless transmitter and/or receiver, and receiving device 108 includes a second wireless device 114, such as a wireless transmitter and/or receiver.

[0016] Pipeline 102 is any electrically non-conductive or substantially electrically non-conductive pipeline that is configured to transport an electrically conductive fluid 116 between a first location, such as an oil or gas production well (not shown), and a second location, such as a produced water treatment facility (not shown). Pipeline 102 includes a transmission point 118, a receiving point 120, and a body 122 disposed therebetween. Transmission point 118 may be located at a first end of pipeline 102, a second end of pipeline 102, or any point therebetween. Similarly, receiving point 120 may be located at a first end of pipeline 102, a second end of pipeline 102, or any point therebetween. In the exemplary embodiment, pipeline 102 is buried under the ground 124. Electrically conductive fluid 116 is any fluid that is capable of conducting an electrical signal between transmission point 118 and receiving point 120. For example, electrically conductive fluid can be any high salinity fluid, such as high salinity water, or produced water.

[0017] Signaling device 104 is any device that is configured to generate and transmit any repeating or non-repeating analog or digital electronic signal 126, such as an electrode configured to generate an electric current within the electrically conductive fluid. In some embodiments, signal 126 is an electrical current. In addition, in some embodiments, signaling device 104 is only configured to generate and transmit signal 126. In other embodiments, signaling device 104 is configured to generate, transmit, and/or receive signal 126.

[0018] In the exemplary embodiment, signaling device 104 includes a signal generating portion 128 and/or a signal transmitting portion 130. Signal generating portion 128 can be a circuit or electronic component that is configured to generate signal 126, such as a current or voltage source or any other electronic signal producing circuit or electronic component. In some embodiments, signal generating portion 128 can include a signal generator, such as a function generator, an RF or microwave signal generator, a pitch generator, any waveform generator, any digital pattern generator, and/or any frequency, current, and/or voltage generator.

[0019] Signal transmitting portion 128 can be a circuit or electronic component, such as an antenna transmitter, receiver, or transceiver, that is configured to transmit and/or, in some cases, receive signal 126. In some embodiments, signal transmitting portion can be an electrode, such as a cathode or anode. In the exemplary embodiment, signal transmitting portion 130 is configured to be at least partially disposed or inserted within transmission point 118 of pipeline 102.

[0020] Receiving device 108 is any device that is configured to receive signal 126. For example, receiving device 108 is a circuit or electronic component, such as an antenna transmitter, receiver, or transceiver, that is configured to receive and/or, in some cases, transmit signal 126. In the exemplary embodiment, receiving device 108 includes a signal receiving portion 132, such as an electrically conductive portion of wire or antenna, that is configured to be at least partially disposed or inserted within receiving point 120 of pipeline 102. In some embodiments, signal receiving portion 132 is an electrode, such as a cathode or anode. For example, where signal 126 is an electrical current, signal receiving portion 132 is an electrode configured to collect and/or receive the electrical current.

[0021] First controller 106 and second controller 110 can be any controller or microcontroller, any computer processor or plurality of computer processors, any arithmetic logic unit (ALU), or any other system on a chip (SoC). In some embodiments, first and second controllers 106 and 110 can be coupled to any tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium, such as any RAM or ROM. In such embodiments, controllers 106 and 110 can be configured to read or receive one or more instructions from the computer-readable storage medium as well as to execute those instructions to perform the pipeline leak detection operations described herein.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 200 for pipeline leak detection. Accordingly, in operation, signaling device 104 can be activated by first controller 106, generates 202 signal 126, and transmits 204 signal 126 through electrically conductive fluid 116 within pipeline 102. More particularly, signaling device 104 transmits signal 126 from transmission point 118 of pipeline 102, and signal 126 is conducted via electrically conductive fluid 116 within pipeline 102. For example, signal generating portion 128 generates signal 126, and signal transmitting portion 130 transmits signal 126 through electrically conductive fluid 116 within pipeline 102. In the exemplary embodiment, the conductive properties of high salinity water are used to transmit signal 126. In some embodiments, signaling device 104 is not activated by first controller 106 but is always in an "on" or signal 126 generating and transmitting state.

[0023] In some embodiments, first wireless device 112 transmits a wireless signal 134 to second wireless device 114 indicating that signal 126 is being transmitted to receiving device 108 via electrically conductive fluid 116 within pipeline 102. In such an embodiment, second wireless device 114 can receive wireless signal 134 and, in response, communicates with second controller 110 to indicate that signal 126 has been (or is being) transmitted by signaling device 104 within pipeline 102.

[0024] Accordingly, receiving device 108, which is disposed at receiving point 120 of pipeline 102, receives 206 signal 126. Specifically, signal receiving portion 132 receives signal 126. Signal 126 is communicated from receiving device 108 to second controller 110, and second controller 110 determines, based upon receipt of signal 126, that pipeline 102 is not leaking. In other words, second controller 110 determines that pipeline 102 is not leaking, because signal 126 is received unaffected or uncorrupted. In the exemplary embodiment, received signal 126 is affected or corrupted when receiving device 108: (1) does not receive signal 126; (2) intermittently receives signal 126; (3) receives a reduced strength signal 126; (4) receives signal 126 with a reduced or changed amplitude or frequency; and/or (5) receives signal 126 that is changed or altered by a leak in pipeline 102. In addition, in some embodiments, second controller 110 determines that pipeline 102 is not leaking based upon receipt of wireless signal 134 and subsequent receipt of signal 126.

[0025] However, in the event that pipeline 102 is leaking, signal 126 is pulled to ground 124 before reaching receiving device 108. More particularly, as electrically conductive fluid 116 flows out of pipeline 102 (e.g., through a damaged portion 136 of pipeline 102, such as a crack or rupture), signal 126 flows to ground 124 through damaged portion 136 and does not reach, or only intermittently reaches, receiving device 108. Thus, signal 126 is drawn to ground 124 before reaching receiving device 108. In response to non-receipt of signal 126 by receiving device 108 or detection 208 of an interruption or break in receipt of signal 126 by receiving device 108, second controller 110 determines 210 that electrically conductive fluid 116 is leaking from pipeline 102.

[0026] As described above, in some embodiments, second controller 110 can determine that electrically conductive fluid 116 is leaking from pipeline 102 based upon receipt of wireless signal 134 indicating that signal 126 has been or is being transmitted and non-receipt, by receiving device 108, of signal 126. In the exemplary embodiment, first controller 106 and/or second controller 110 generates an alarm, such as an audible and/or visible alarm, in response to detection of the leak in pipeline 102.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first alternative pipeline leak detection system 300 that includes an elongated conductive element 302. System 300 is similar to system 100, except that system 300 includes elongated conductive element 302. In the exemplary embodiment, elongated conductive element 302 is an electrically conductive wire or strip that is disposed adjacent or proximate to pipeline 102. For example, elongated conductive element 302 is disposed under pipeline 102 or installed on an underside of pipeline 102. In addition, in some embodiments, elongated conductive element 302 can be electrically coupled to receiving device 108 and/or second controller 110.

[0028] During operation, if pipeline 102 is damaged such that electrically conductive fluid 116 is able to leak from damaged portion 136, electrically conductive fluid 116 is drawn through damaged portion 136 and, by gravity, down into contact with elongated conductive element 302. As electrically conductive fluid 116 is drawn in to contact with elongated conductive element 302, signal 126 is diverted through damaged portion 136 and flows into contact with elongated conductive element 302 (as opposed to within pipeline 102). Thus, as described above with respect to system 100, signal 126 is interrupted or otherwise prevented from reaching receiving device 108, and second controller 110 determines that pipeline 102 is leaking. In the exemplary embodiment, first controller 106 and/or second controller 110 generates an alarm, such as an audible and/or visible alarm, in response to detection of the leak in pipeline 102.

[0029] In some embodiments, receiving device 108 and/or second controller 110 measure an electrical potential between elongated conductive element 302 and electrically conductive fluid 116 within pipeline 102 to determine that pipeline 102 is leaking. For example, a decrease in the electrical potential between elongated conductive element 302 and electrically conductive fluid 116 indicates that pipeline 102 is leaking and that signal 126 is flowing, at least partially or intermittently, through damaged portion 136 of pipeline 102 to elongated conductive element 302.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second alternative pipeline leak detection system 400. System 400 is substantially similar to system 100, except that system 400 does not include receiving device 108. Rather, signaling device 104 can be coupled at transmission point 118 of pipeline 102, as described above, and signal 126 is generated and transmitted through electrically conductive fluid 116 within pipeline 102. In the circumstance that pipeline 102 is damaged and begins to leak electrically conductive fluid 116, signal 126 is pulled to ground 124 (substantially as described above). As signal 126 is pulled to ground 124, an electrical potential between signal transmitting portion 130 and ground 124 fluctuates or changes, and first controller 106 detects the change in electrical potential to register a leak in pipeline 102. In some embodiments, first controller 106 and/or second controller 110 generates an alarm, such as an audible and/or visible alarm, in response to detection of the leak in pipeline 102.

[0031] A plurality of pipeline leak detection systems 100, 300 and/or 400 can be disposed along a section or length of pipeline 102. For example, a pipeline leak detection system 100, 300, and/or 400 can be disposed at intervals along pipeline 102, such as at one kilometer intervals, such that pipeline 102 can be monitored over long distances. In the exemplary embodiment, a signaling device 104 is disposed at a distance from a receiving device 108 that can be traversed by signal 126 without boosting or otherwise buffering signal 126 between signaling device 104 and receiving device 108. A subsequent signaling device 104 can be disposed adjacent to receiving device 108 to monitor a subsequent length of pipeline 102. Thus, the entire length of pipeline 102 between, for example, a production well and a treatment facility can be monitored.

[0032] Embodiments of the pipeline leak detection system, as described above, facilitate detection of a leak (or leaks) within a pipeline that transports an electrically conductive fluid, such as produced water. To this end, an electrical signal is transmitted through the electrically conductive fluid to receiving device disposed at a receiving point of the pipeline. If the signal is received, a controller coupled to the receiving device determines that the pipeline is not leaking. If the signal is not received, or is only received intermittently, the controller determines that the pipeline is leaking and generates an alarm.

[0033] Specifically, embodiments of the pipeline leak detection system include a transmission device and a receiving device attached to non-conductive produced water pipelines for the detection of leaks. Utilizing the conductive property of high salinity water, a signal is transmitted through the fluid from the transmission device to the receiving device. If the signal is not received, or is affected or corrupted, it is assumed that the pipeline has a leak that is pulling the signal to ground. Once a possible leak is detected, a notification will be sent to the pipeline operator. The pipeline leak detection system detects leaks without a long, expensive sensing cable because the system uses the inherent electrical conductivity of the high salinity water as the conductive medium.

[0034] The pipeline leak detection system is capable of detecting minor leaks which reduces costs and provides environmental benefits. Additionally, the pipeline leak detection system lowers the risk of produced water spills, which reduces the potential for damage to the environment and reduces the potential for fines levied by regulatory agencies. Furthermore, the pipeline leak detection system lowers equipment and/or installation costs because the system does not need a wire to be laid over long distances. Finally, the pipeline leak detection system lowers leak detection monitoring costs because it is easy to operate and lowers training costs for operators. As such, the pipeline leak detection system provides an eco-friendly opportunity for growth in the growing pipeline sector.

[0035] Exemplary technical effects of the pipeline leak detection systems described herein include, for example: (a) detection of one or more leaks within a pipeline that transports an electrically conductive fluid; (b) continuous monitoring of a pipeline for pipeline leak detection; and (c) monitoring of a length of pipeline between a first location, such as a production well, and a second location, such as a treatment facility, by a plurality of pipeline leak detection systems.

[0036] Exemplary embodiments of a pipeline leak detection system and related components are described above in detail. The system is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of systems and/or steps of the methods may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. For example, the configuration of components described herein may also be used in combination with other processes, and is not limited to practice with the systems and related methods as described herein. Rather, the exemplary embodiment can be implemented and utilized in connection with many applications where pipeline leak detection is desired. [0037] Although specific features of various embodiments of the present disclosure may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

[0038] In the specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which are defined to have the following meanings.

[0039] The singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0040] "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event occurs and instances where it does not.

[0041] Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as "about" and "substantially", are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged, such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.

[0042] As used herein, the terms "processor" and "computer," and related terms, e.g., "processing device," "computing device," and "controller" are not limited to just those integrated circuits referred to in the art as a computer, but broadly refers to a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), and application specific integrated circuit, and other programmable circuits, and these terms are used interchangeably herein. In the embodiments described herein, memory may include, but it not limited to, a computer-readable medium, such as a random access memory (RAM), a computer-readable non-volatile medium, such as a flash memory. Alternatively, a floppy disk, a compact disc - read only memory (CD-ROM), a magneto- optical disk (MOD), and/or a digital versatile disc (DVD) may also be used. Also, in the embodiments described herein, additional input channels may be, but are not limited to, computer peripherals associated with an operator interface such as a mouse and a keyboard. Alternatively, other computer peripherals may also be used that may include, for example, but not be limited to, a scanner. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, additional output channels may include, but not be limited to, an operator interface monitor.

[0043] Further, as used herein, the terms "software" and "firmware" are interchangeable, and include any computer program storage in memory for execution by personal computers, workstations, clients, and servers.

[0044] As used herein, the term "non-transitory computer-readable media" is intended to be representative of any tangible computer-based device implemented in any method of technology for short-term and long-term storage of information, such as, computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules and sub-modules, or other data in any device. Therefore, the methods described herein may be encoded as executable instructions embodied in a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium, including, without limitation, a storage device and/or a memory device. Such instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform at least a portion of the methods described herein. Moreover, as used herein, the term "non-transitory computer-readable media" includes all tangible, computer-readable media, including, without limitation, non-transitory computer storage devices, including without limitation, volatile and non-volatile media, and removable and non-removable media such as firmware, physical and virtual storage, CD-ROMS, DVDs, and any other digital source such as a network or the Internet, as well as yet to be developed digital means, with the sole exception being transitory, propagating signal.

[0045] Some embodiments involve the use of one or more electronic or computing devices. Such devices typically include a processor, processing device, or controller, such as a general purpose central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microcontroller, a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic circuit (PLC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processing (DSP) device, and/or any other circuit or processing device capable of executing the functions described herein. The methods described herein may be encoded as executable instructions embodied in a computer readable medium, including, without limitation, a storage device and/or a memory device. Such instructions, when executed by a processing device, cause the processing device to perform at least a portion of the methods described herein. The above examples are exemplary only, and thus are not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term processor and processing device.

[0046] The techniques described herein can be implemented using one or more modules. As used herein, the term "module" refers to computing software, firmware, hardware, and/or various combinations thereof. At a minimum, however, modules are not to be interpreted as software that is not implemented on hardware, firmware, or recorded on a non-transitory processor readable recordable storage medium (i.e., modules are not software per se). Indeed "module" is to be interpreted to always include at least some physical, non-transitory hardware such as a part of a processor or computer. Two different modules can share the same physical hardware (e.g., two different modules can use the same processor and network interface). The modules described herein can be combined, integrated, separated, and/or duplicated to support various applications. Also, a function described herein as being performed at a particular module can be performed at one or more other modules and/or by one or more other devices instead of or in addition to the function performed at the particular module. Further, the modules can be implemented across multiple devices and/or other components local or remote to one another. Additionally, the modules can be moved from one device and added to another device, and/or can be included in both devices.

[0047] This written description uses examples to disclose the embodiments of the present disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the embodiments described herein is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A leak detection system comprising: a signaling device comprising: a signal generating portion configured to generate an electrical signal; and a transmitting portion coupled to said signal generating portion, said transmitting portion configured to be disposed within a transmission point of a pipeline that transports an electrically conductive fluid, said transmitting portion further configured to transmit the electrical signal through the electrically conductive fluid; and a receiving device comprising a signal receiving portion configured to be disposed within a receiving point of the pipeline, said signal receiving portion further configured to receive the electrical signal transmitted through the electrically conductive fluid.

2. The leak detection system of Claim 1 further comprising a first controller coupled to said signaling device, said first controller configured to activate said signaling device.

3. The leak detection system of Claim 1 further comprising a second controller coupled to said receiving device, said second controller configured to detect receipt of the electrical signal by said receiving device.

4. The leak detection system of Claim 1 further comprising a second controller coupled to said receiving device, said second controller configured to detect an interruption of the electrical signal received by said receiving device.

5. The leak detection system of Claim 1 further comprising an elongated conductive element that is configured to be disposed proximate to the pipeline.

6. The leak detection system of Claim 5, wherein said receiving device is coupled to said elongated conductive element.

7. The leak detection system of Claim 6 further comprising a second controller coupled to said receiving device, said second controller configured to detect a voltage between the electrically conductive fluid within the pipeline and said elongated conductive element.

8. The leak detection system of Claim 1 further comprising a first wireless transmitter coupled to said signaling device.

9. The leak detection system of Claim 8 further comprising a second wireless transmitter coupled to said receiving device.

10. The leak detection system of Claim 9, wherein said first wireless transmitter is configured to transmit a wireless signal to said second wireless transmitter that indicates that said transmitting portion of said signaling device is transmitting the electrical signal.

11. A leak detection system comprising: a pipeline that transports an electrically conductive fluid, said pipeline having a transmission point, a receiving point, and a body extending therebetween; a signaling device comprising: a signal generating portion configured to generate an electrical signal; and a transmitting portion coupled to said signal generating portion, said transmitting portion configured to be disposed within said transmission point of said pipeline, said transmitting portion further configured to transmit the electrical signal through the electrically conductive fluid; and a receiving device comprising a signal receiving portion configured to be disposed within said receiving point of said pipeline, said signal receiving portion further configured to receive the electrical signal transmitted through the electrically conductive fluid.

12. The leak detection system of Claim 11 further comprising a first controller coupled to said signaling device, said first controller configured to activate said signaling device.

13. The leak detection system of Claim 11 further comprising a second controller coupled to said receiving device, said second controller configured to detect receipt of the electrical signal by said receiving device.

14. The leak detection system of Claim 11 further comprising a second controller coupled to said receiving device, said second controller configured to detect an interruption of the electrical signal received by said receiving device.

15. The leak detection system of Claim 11 further comprising an elongated conductive element that is configured to be disposed adjacent to said pipeline.

16. The leak detection system of Claim 15, wherein said receiving device is coupled to said elongated conductive element.

17. The leak detection system of Claim 16 further comprising a second controller coupled to said receiving device, said second controller configured to detect a voltage between the electrically conductive fluid within said pipeline and said elongated conductive element.

18. The leak detection system of Claim 11 further comprising a first wireless transmitter coupled to said signaling device and a second wireless transmitter coupled to said receiving device.

19. The leak detection system of Claim 19, wherein said first wireless transmitter is configured to transmit a wireless signal to said second wireless transmitter that indicates that said transmitting portion of said signaling device is transmitting the electrical signal.

20. A method for pipeline leak detection comprising: generating, by a signaling device disposed at a transmission point of a pipeline, an electrical signal; transmitting, by the signaling device, the electrical signal through an electrically conductive fluid that is transported within the pipeline; receiving, by a receiving device disposed at a receiving point of the pipeline, the electrical signal; detecting, by a controller coupled to the receiving device, an interruption in the electrical signal; and determining, by the controller and in response to the detecting, that the electrically conductive fluid is leaking from the pipeline.

21. The method of Claim 20 further comprising generating, by the controller and in response to the determining, an alarm.