Objective
- To create a cost-effective reliable Pipeline Leak Detection System (PLDS) to curb the losses
from fluids transmission and distribution systems - To create a continuous pipeline health monitoring system that could be integrated into the
distribution and support network of water - To safely transport fuels such as liquid natural gas and hydrogen and prevent losses by 30-40%
- Scale-up developed protocols to synthesize bioactive as well as commercial drug molecules
Project Description
Transportation of fluids such as water, oil, and natural gases through pipelines is crucial, with utmost precaution needed to be taken to avoid leakage or the bursting of these pipelines. Various hardware and software-based solutions are currently present but existing Pipeline Leak Detection Systems (PLDS) in the market are expensive and, sometimes, unreliable. Most detection systems have a
lower range. Also, an average of 30-40% of water is lost while they are transported. Currently, no such continuous pipeline health monitoring system has been integrated into the distribution and transport network of water. Therefore, the distribution or transport network needs a cost-effective,
and reliable solution that can continuously monitor the pipelines so the service area and quality may be increased. Moreover, no power supply arrangements can be made for the addition of commercially available sensors for the detection of leakage.
We have developed an ingenious monitoring technique to detect cracks in pipelines carrying flammable fluids. The technology works on the self-capacitance principle. Details can be found at Novel Method for Discontinuity Detection in Pipelines Carrying Oils and Gases | Journal of Pipeline
Systems Engineering and Practice | Vol 12, No 1 (ascelibrary.org). The novel composite strip requires no external supply for operation. The proposed novel technology can be implemented in both existing and new pipelines carrying water.
The cost of the novel sensor strip is only 10% of that of the existing solution with an accuracy of ± 0.04 m. The average establishment cost is 20% of that of the present detection system. For a length of 1 km, the cost of the composite strip attached to the surface of the pipeline will be $65. The
detection module will be $25. Single repair is less than $10. At present, the technology requires funding to make it market ready. We have already filed a patent and published a paper on this innovative technology.
This novel pipe-health diagnostic technology received the third prize in a conclave organized by North East Centre for Technology Application and Outreach (NECTAR), Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA), and Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA)at Shillong, Meghalaya.
Project Details
Principal Investigator: Prof. Sandip Kumar Saha
Cause Area/ Theme: Others
Budget: INR 47 Lakhs
Technology Readiness Level: 6
Project Duration: 2 Years
UN SGD No: 9
Expected Impact
The product can provide reliable, precise, and cost-effective long-range real-time health monitoring for pipelines carrying flammable fluids. It will help enhance the operational safety measures for the transportation of flammable fluids. The servicing and repair cost of leaked pipelines can be done promptly as it will identify the location of leakage accurately. Thus, this innovation reduces the breakdown time.
It is reported that the wastage of water during transmission in Delhi is 40%. In Mumbai, the amount of water wastage is 7.74%, and, if saved, it could have served 23,92,593 persons’ water requirements. Hence, this developed technology can reduce water leakage substantially, and many people will benefit from this. Implementing this technology will allow the gas pipeline operator to cover a good range of pipelines in the city/town distribution. Illegal distribution may also be detected. Overall, it will increase the safety of the common people. Finally, since the technology is novel and made in India, it will generate employment for Indians.