DNV GL established a new Joint Industry Project (JIP) on Offshore Leak Detection where twenty key industry players will collaborate to develop a best practice for designing and implementing offshore leak detection systems.
There are various leak detection sensors available but they all have limited coverage and application areas. The challenge is to integrate these into a complete system that provides the required coverage and sensitivity while at the same time avoiding frequent false alarms. In addition, leak detection methods and techniques have been available in the market for several years, but there are still gaps to be closed concerning the design, engineering, commissioning and operation of these systems to ensure their proper performance.
The overall aim of the project is to ensure safe and environmentally sound operations by limiting hydrocarbon spills through detecting acute discharges, with a high level of certainty, at the earliest possible stage. A planned outcome will be a DNV GL Recommended Practice that addresses the leak detection system through all the lifecycle phases of offshore development projects. The project will define relevant functional requirements and general specifications for a leak detection system as well as developing a methodology for designing an integrated system, including surface and subsea technologies.
