Leak detection in sub sea pipelines

An article mentions the use of fiber optics to detect sub sea pipeline leaks based on Joule Thompson effect. Many sub sea pipelines transfer LNG, ammonia etc and any leak in these pipelines will have a catastrophic effect. The article mentions the following: "Fibre Optic Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) methods have been successfully applied to many processes in the oil & gas industry. This non-intrusive sensing system proves invaluable in the monitoring of LNG pipelines both for cool down at commissioning, for temperature profiling during operation and as a leak detection system. There is ongoing work in the use of fibre optic DTS systems in the development of smart cryogenic hoses for the transfer of LNG and storage and piping systems aboard floating LNG vessels. Developments in LNG pipes include multi-layer insulated piping systems. This contribution presents recent studies in the use of fibre optic distributed sensors for temperature profiling and leak detection in multi-layer insulated LNG pipes". Read the article in this link.