Review and analysis of pipeline leak detection methods

A pipeline burst or rupture causing a leak may significantly impact the environment and the reputation of the company operating the pipeline. In recent years, oil and gas pipelines are expected to be equipped with leak detection systems for monitoring the operations and detecting the leaks. Although the leak detection methods used today may not prevent leaks from happening, they play a crucial role in limiting the impact of leak. There is a wide variety of leak detection methods developed and tested. This paper reviews these methods, analyze their advantages and limitations. It ends by highlighting the opportunities for future work to improve reliability and adaptability of leak detection methods in subsea region.