Challenges with Inland Waterways Leak Detection
Effective technologies for detecting and recovering hydrocarbon releases in inland waterways can reduce response times and minimize impacts on the environment. These technologies also allow spill response resources to be strategically deployed, leading to higher recovery rates and reduced remediation costs.
However, there are limited opportunities to test and optimize these technologies with real hydrocarbon products in representative, controlled conditions. Ultimately, these challenges reduce the identification, development and implementation of leak detection and spill counter-measures.
Simulating Liquid Hydrocarbon Releases to Detect Submerged Oil
To address these gaps, C-FER Technologies managed a Joint Industry Project (JIP) to develop a large-scale flume tank to simulate liquid hydrocarbon releases in flowing or still water.
This is the first step to providing the information energy companies, technology developers, responders, regulators and government organizations need for effective inland leak detection.
The Inland Waterway Simulator (IWS) is constructed from corrosion-resistant materials. The primary channel is built using polyurea-lined concrete, and stainless steel for the ducting/piping.
It is capable of testing at flow speeds up to 0.2 m/s at water depths of 1.5 m. Higher flow velocities are achievable at lower water depths. The tank is 20 m long, 3 m wide, and 2.4 m deep.
In addition, there is the ability to expand to higher flow velocities in the future with a converging channel, and increased pump capacity.
Dye Test in the Inland Waterway Simulator
The IWS can accommodate releases of a broad range of hydrocarbon products in both saltwater and freshwater environments. The test program focused on diluted bitumen.
The IWS was used to validate and accelerate the development of technologies for detecting submerged oil in inland and marine environments.
Detection of submerged oil is significantly more challenging and less established than methods for detecting hydrocarbons floating on the water surface. Some challenges include:
- Lack of visibility of submerged product compared to surface oil spills
- Formation of discrete globules during weathering which may negatively impact tracking
- Behavior and submergence of product changes over time
Ultimately, the goal is to minimize the environmental impact of hydrocarbon releases into waterways by understanding the factors that affect the performance of various leak detection technologies.
This information will be used by pipeline operating companies to enhance their monitoring and emergency response plans.
