The oil business is unimaginable without the existence of pipelines. The transport of oil or its derivatives through this type of kilometre-long pipelines is carried out in a convenient, simple and economical way. But it is not all advantages. Fires can occur in oil pipelines (especially on land, the most abundant) due to: environmental or natural factors, human error or fuel theft.
These fires are catastrophic, not only because of the environmental damage they cause, but also because of the loss of raw materials and the impossibility of transporting them back for repair. Moreover, even with the most modern extinguishing methods, they are almost impossible to extinguish. In addition, the location of the pipelines is usually remote and far from any population.
Therefore adequate fire protection is required to minimise risk and damage. The main risks in this type of infrastructure are:
– The pipeline itself.
– Pumping stations.
– Valves, flanges and other elements where liquid leakage may occur.
TASC, with its advanced fire detection systems, has a specific solution for each of these risks.
The best and most cost-effective way to detect a fire along the entire length of a pipeline is by sensor cable. Either of the two technologies available to TASC (fibre optic sensor cable or digital sensor cable) are suitable, although for long lengths fibre optic is the best option (see GA-110 Difference between FO and DC). With a single linear fibre optic detection system we could monitor up to 24 km of pipeline.
The best detection for pumping stations are IR3 flame detectors.
Liquid leaks, the biggest source of fires, can be detected before they cause major damage with TASC’s liquid leak detection system. This preventive measure is very effective and avoids potential disasters after the leak. Once a fire or leak has been detected, it will be necessary to close sectoring valves and stop pumping. Therefore, reliable and well-maintained detection systems are required so that the productivity of oil transportation is not affected by false alarms.
Like in all types of critical infrastructure, good maintenance and upkeep of the systems that comprise it will minimise the risk of fires and breakdowns.
Here are some examples of technologies that you could apply with our help:
Fiber optic linear heat detection
Digital sensor cable linear heat detection
Infrared (IR) Flame Detection
Ultraviolet (UV) Flame Detection
Combined Flame Detection (IR+UV)
Special Installation Accessories
For any questions or clarification about our guides or products and requests for prices and references, please contact us.