Maintenance and Inspections
Operators use high-tech tools to detect ever-smaller issues in pipelines during regular inspections.
Pipeline operators have multiple ways to detect leaks, from computer-based leak detection systems to regular patrols of the pipeline right-of-way. Pipeline operators conduct physical inspections through regular aerial surveillance by airplane, unmanned aircraft systems or helicopter. On the ground, inspectors conduct visual evaluations by walking the line, performing maintenance and inspecting equipment and valves.
The video above shows pipeline operators conducting routine inspections using unmanned aircraft systems.
Pipeline engineers keep a constant watch over their pipelines in centralized control centers to know exactly what is happening along the pipeline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Pipeline sensors and gauges feed data into central control rooms where operator personnel constantly monitor operations on computer displays, similar to Mission Control at NASA. These specially-trained professionals monitor pipeline pressure, flow and volume and can quickly react to equipment malfunctions, leaks, or other unusual activity along the pipeline. They are trained to shut down their systems if they suspect a leak and to not restart the pipeline until they can determine the pipeline is safe.
Ongoing inspection and maintenance are the reasons pipeline incidents are so rare. Learn more about how pipeline operators prevent leaks here.
Pipeline control rooms monitor safety indicators like changes in pressure, flow and volume along the pipeline. Control room personnel are trained to immediately shut down the affected portion of a pipeline if monitoring technology indicates a potential leak. Seventy-four percent of pipeline incidents are contained within operators’ facilities, such as pump stations or tank farms, without affecting people or the environment. In the event of a pipeline incident, operators deploy their emergency response plans and pipeline field technicians contact local emergency responders to begin coordination. Learn more about Emergency Response here.
If you see signs of a pipeline problem including dead vegetation, discoloration of the ground or sunken soil over a pipeline, please call 911 and report it to the pipeline operator listed on the pipeline marker. If you see suspicious activity such as someone turning a valve or attempting to damage a pipeline, contact local law enforcement immediately.