Theft of oil, refined product and gas is a major problem in some parts of the world. It concerns oil and gas pipeline operating companies for the following reasons:
- Loss of revenue up to several million dollars per year
- Loss of lives due to safety breaches such as explosions
- Damage to the environment if oil is spilled.
Theft detection is a more challenging task than leak detection as the thieves are often experienced and equipped with sophisticated equipment to avoid being identified. The size and duration of each theft is usually kept below the flow meter detection limit, making it impossible for flow balance based leak detection systems to work.
In addition to the standard leak detection capability, ATMOS Wave has a unique module called Post Leak Indication Buildup (PLIB) that can detect thefts and corrosion induced pinhole leaks accurately. ATMOS Wave has the following main features for theft detection:
- Detection of the opening or closing of theft valves
- Detection of slowly opening theft valves
- Location of thefts within ± 100 to ± 400 metres.
The accurate location of thefts makes it much easier for pipeline operating companies to identify illegal tapping points, thus rapidly preventing further loss of product.
