New Sensor Cable for the Detection and Location of Leaks in Pipelines for Transportation of Hydrocarbons

Abstract

At present, hydrocarbon leaks, generated mainly by corrosion of pipelines, cause large economic losses for Mexico.

These leaks constitute a problem of serious consequences in Mexico and in other countries in the world. This work

describes the results of the tests conducted on a new sensor cable for the detection and location of leaks in pipelines

for transportation of hydrocarbons. When a liquid or gas enters in contact with the wall of the sensor cable, it causes a

short circuit in the wires; changing the measurement of the resistance may detect and locate the leak. The new sensor

cable that is presented in this article has advantages over cables with similar characteristic made in other countries.

The use of this sensor cable in pipelines of PEMEX will avoid economic losses, environmental damage and risks of

possible explosions to the population. The experimental results demonstrate these advantages.