Point-to-Point Pipelines
Point-to-point pipelines are the lifeline of fluid transportation, moving oil, natural gas liquids (NGLs), produced water, and aviation fuel between two fixed locations. Whether transporting crude from a production facility to a refinery, fuel from a terminal to an airport, or water for industrial operations, these pipelines must operate without leaks, unplanned downtime, or regulatory violations.
Leak detection in point-to-point pipelines is often overlooked due to the simplicity of the system. However, these pipelines are still vulnerable to small, undetected leaks that can lead to major environmental, financial, and regulatory consequences. Many traditional monitoring methods rely on manual inspections or outdated mass balance systems, which fail to detect leaks quickly enough or produce excessive false alarms, making it difficult for operators to trust their data and respond proactively.
Pipewise’s VBX-LDS and RTX-LDS leak detection systems provide real-time, high-sensitivity monitoring that eliminates uncertainty, ensuring precise, immediate detection for single-phase liquid point-to-point pipelines.
Pipewise Solutions for Point-to-Point Pipelines
VBX-LDS for Highly Accurate Volume Balance Leak Detection
VBX-LDS is the ideal solution for point-to-point pipelines that require precision leak detection without unnecessary complexity. This system continuously tracks inlet and outlet flow rates, using compensated volume balance methodologies to detect even the smallest leaks.
Many operators rely on mass balance systems that only detect leaks above 1-2% of total flow. VBX-LDS improves detection sensitivity down to 0.5% of flow, providing a significantly faster and more reliable leak detection solution.
For pipelines transporting crude oil, produced water, condensate, or NGLs, VBX-LDS ensures that even small leaks are identified before they become significant failures, allowing operators to maintain full regulatory compliance and operational integrity.
RTX-LDS for High-Risk and High-Consequence Pipelines
For point-to-point pipelines operating in high-risk areas, RTX-LDS provides enhanced leak detection and rapid localization. This system is particularly valuable for pipelines that cross rivers, environmentally sensitive zones, or densely populated areas, where even a minor leak could result in significant fines and environmental damage.
By combining volume balance methodologies with real-time transient modeling, RTX-LDS detects leaks within two to four minutes and pinpoints the exact location within one to three percent of the pipeline length. This level of accuracy reduces downtime, ensures compliance, and minimizes operational risk.
Health, Safety, and Environmental Compliance
Point-to-point pipelines often operate in environmentally sensitive areas, making leak prevention and rapid response critical to minimizing risk. Regulatory agencies have increased oversight on pipeline monitoring, requiring operators to demonstrate compliance with industry standards such as API RP 1130, CSA Z662 Annex E, and DOT PHMSA 49 CFR Part 195.
Proactive Monitoring and Incident Prevention
Pipewise’s real-time monitoring technology ensures that even the smallest anomalies are detected and investigated before they escalate. This reduces the risk of catastrophic pipeline failures, prevents environmental contamination, and minimizes operational disruptions.
Automated Compliance Reporting
Operators must be able to provide auditable proof of leak detection and incident response capabilities. Pipewise systems include automated compliance reporting, real-time data logging, and system performance validation, allowing operators to maintain full transparency with regulators while minimizing the administrative burden of compliance tracking.
Operator and Environmental Safety
Pipeline leaks pose significant safety risks to personnel, infrastructure, and surrounding communities. Whether the pipeline is transporting crude oil, produced water, or high-pressure fuel, early detection is the best way to mitigate potential hazards. Pipewise ensures that leaks are detected before they reach critical levels, preventing accidents, fires, or hazardous spills that could put workers and nearby populations at risk.
How Pipewise Solves the Biggest Challenges in Point-to-Point Pipelines
Small Leaks Are Often Undetected for Too Long
Most mass balance leak detection systems struggle to detect small leaks, meaning a slow, continuous leak can persist for weeks before being identified. By the time an issue is noticed, significant damage has already occurred.
Pipewise provides continuous, real-time monitoring that identifies leaks as small as 0.5% of total flow. By detecting these issues immediately, operators can take corrective action before major pipeline failures occur.
False Alarms Lead to Operator Complacency
High false alarm rates create distrust in leak detection systems, leading to operators ignoring alerts or delaying investigations. This increases the risk of missing a real leak when it happens.
Pipewise uses advanced filtering algorithms and machine learning-driven data processing to distinguish between normal flow fluctuations and actual leaks. This ensures that when an alert is triggered, it is reliable and requires immediate action.
Regulatory Compliance Is Becoming More Demanding
Pipeline operators are now required to provide detailed documentation of their leak detection capabilities and demonstrate that they have the ability to respond to leaks in real time. Failure to meet these requirements results in fines, shutdowns, and costly litigation.
Pipewise systems are designed to exceed all industry compliance requirements while offering automated reporting and full integration with SCADA and compliance monitoring systems, ensuring that operators stay ahead of regulatory expectations.
Point-to-Point Pipelines Need a Proven Leak Detection Solution
With the increasing risk of regulatory fines, environmental liabilities, and operational disruptions, pipeline operators can no longer rely on outdated leak detection systems that fail to detect small leaks or produce unreliable alerts.
VBX-LDS and RTX-LDS provide real-time, highly sensitive leak detection, ensuring that every drop of product is accounted for, every anomaly is investigated, and every leak is addressed immediately.
For point-to-point pipelines transporting crude oil, condensate, produced water, or aviation fuel, Pipewise delivers the most advanced, reliable, and compliance-ready monitoring solutions available.
Legacy systems often struggle to detect small leaks. Pipewise provides real-time monitoring to ensure precise and immediate response. Contact Pipewise today to discuss how VBX-LDS and RTX-LDS can protect your pipelines, ensure compliance, and reduce operational risk.