PHMSA understands that embracing technology and innovation enhances its safety mission, especially as the Nation’s pipeline transportation sector continues to evolve. The Pipeline Research & Development program funds projects designed to contribute near-term safety, reliability, and efficiency solutions for the entire sector. Since 2002, PHMSA’s cumulative $44.5 million project investment has yielded 25 new technologies into the market and 22 U.S. Patents and Patent applications. Learn more about some of these safety technologies here.
Threat Prevention
Digital Mapping of Buried Pipelines with a Dual Array System DTRS56-02-T-0005 (12/31/2004)
Witten's patented technology is the first commercial system capable of producing highly accurate, three-dimensional maps and images efficiently and noninvasively(without digging) in conditions as much as ten feet underground and based on rapid computer analysis of radar images.
Acoustic-based Technology to Detect Buried Pipes DTPH56-10-T-000020 (7/31/2011)
This project improved the Ultra-Trac® APL acoustic pipe locator through multiple validation demonstrations at several urban utility sites. As part of the research an algorithm for improved locating of pipes without tracer wire (or broken wire) was developed and tested. The improvements will assist the pipeline operators in detecting buried metallic and non-metallic pipes, reduce excavation damages.
Hazardous Liquids Airborne Lidar Observation Study (HALOS) DTRS56-04-T-0012 (9/14/2007)This research enhanced the capability of the former ITT (ANGEL) technology to detect methane and liquid leaks. This technology has resulted in DIAL collection and data processing improving from 3-4 weeks to one day. In conclusion, Route Generation can now be accomplished in the field and requires only 1 hour of effort to generate 100 miles of pipeline routes. This is a 30X improvement in speed.
NoPig Metal-Loss Detection System for Non-Piggable Pipelines DTRS56-03-T-0006 (12/31/2004)
The sponsored research resulted in the NoPig inspection technique. The NoPig technique realizes a nondestructive testing method for unpiggable pipelines which uses above ground measurements for detecting wall thickness anomalies like corrosion. The method uses an applied current between two points on a pipeline up to 1 km apart.
Cathodic Protection Current Mapping In-Line Inspection Technology DTPH56-05-T-0005 (7/31/2006)
This project developed a commercially viable in-line inspection tool that measures current traveling in the pipe due to cathodic protection or stray current from sources other than the pipeline system's cathodic protection system. The data provides information used to diagnose problems with the cathodic protection system, coatings and others.
Enhancing Direct Assessment with Remote Inspection through Coatings and Buried Regions DTPH56-06-T-000009 (3/31/2007)
This NDT technology can inspect above ground piping coated with less than 3mm thick. Eliminating the need to strip the thin corrosion barrier coatings such as Polyken, Fusion Bonded Epoxy, Tapecoat, Mastic, etc. This technique continues to expand the miles of pipelines inspected by improving the economy of inspection. The second facet of project is a new technique capable of inspecting thick Coatings greater than 20mm.
Application of Remote-Field Eddy Current Testing to Inspection of Unpiggable Pipelines DTRS56-02-T-0001 (9/30/2009)
The new RFEC sensor configured and tested for application to the internal inspection of natural gas pipelines. Some of its capabilities are: (1) Detection and characterization of corrosion. (2) Operation in natural gas systems up to 750 psig. (3) Retraction and deployment of the sensor pads during launching procedures and negotiating obstacles in systems un-piggable by traditional technology.
Internal Corrosion Direct Assessment Detection of Water DTPH56-06-T-000010 (12/31/2008)
This effort designed, developed and validated the Sentinel Aqua wireless sensor system that can detect the presence and location of water in gas pipelines. The sensor system is in the form of a 1.5" diameter sphere that can roll along the pipe propelled by gas flow.
Long Term Monitoring of Cased Pipelines Using Long-Range Guided-Wave Technique DTPH56-06-T-000006 (3/31/2009)
The research mustered the following improvements on this technology: (1) Inspect inaccessible areas from a remote accessible pipeline location with or without product in the pipeline to detect erosion, corrosion. (2) Evaluate damage severity based on signal strength and characteristics. (3) Detect both ID/OD wall loss and circumferential cracks. (4) Detection of 2 to 5% change of cross-sectional area using the survey mode or 1% using the monitoring mode. (5) Defect Accuracy (2.5" per every 30 FT) (6) Test range - varies depending on piping conditions.
Completion of Development of Robotics Systems for Inspecting Unpiggable Transmission Pipelines DTPH56-10-T-000008 (12/31/2012)
This work led to the commercial deployment and deployment of the first ever robotic inspection platform (Explorer) and integrated Magnetic Flux Leakage sensor capable of internal unpiggable gas pipeline inspection through many internal obstructions including plug valves. Explorer is an untethered, modular, remotely controllable, self-powered inspection robot for the visual and nondestructive inspection of 20" and 26" natural gas transmission and distribution system pipelines.
A Quantitative Non-destructive Residual Stress Assessment Tool for Pipelines DTRT57-12-C-10054 (9/28/2014)
This inspection tool quantitatively measures residual stress in pipeline damage to determine the susceptibility of damaged regions to failure. The eStress™ system provide much more insight into the nature and severity of the stresses near dents and damage regions. This technology coupled with modeling will differentiate between good and bad amount of stress.
Advanced Welding Repair and Remediation Methods for In-service Pipelines DTRS56-03-T-0009 (6/1/2007)
The new automated system is approximately 2.3 times faster and 62% cheaper than manual welding. Work continues by Bug-O Systems to reduce the system mounting time in order to further improve cost effectiveness when compared to manual welding. Automated system time is 30-36 min for $176.00 estimated cost compered to around 2.5 hours for $ 280.85 per sleeve.
Alternative Fuels
Technical and Economic Feasibility of Preventing SCC through Control of Oxygen DTPH56-10-T-000004 (4/14/2012)
As part of the broader scope, the project validated the use of oxygen probes for measuring oxygen levels in pure ethanol and in fuel grade/neat ethanol. The project improved Polestar oxygen probes so that they could directly measure the oxygen concentrations in ppm rather than in a partial pressure environment common with legacy systems.
