Investigation of systems for the detection of third-party impact on high-pressure gas pipelines

Construction activities may cause damage to pipelines and thus present a potential risk to pipeline integrity. Existing organizational measures such as regular pipeline patrols by vehicle or pipeline surveys by plane as well as rules and regulations to be observed by outside companies performing work in a pipeline's right-of-way help to reduce this risk effectively. Appropriate technical monitoring methods are an additional means to protect pipelines against external influences. Under a comprehensive research project DVGW examined new methods for monitoring high-pressure gas pipelines and preventing third-party impact (TPI). The project focused on the TPI systems available on the market for continuous pipeline monitoring to ensure prompt detection of third-party activity. The TPI systems considered most suitable for the purpose were selected and tested in the field. The project also included an evaluation of the systems tested and recommendations for action.