FAQs

1. Is the LDS (Leak Detection Software) based on simulation or statistical data analysis?

LDS is a simulation-based application.

2. Is the LDS based on steady state simulation or transient simulation?

LDS is based on transient simulation of any network. The simulation is phenomenological and based on state-of-art knowledge of physics of fluid flow through pipes.

3. Is the simulator applicable to gas networks or liquid networks or both?

The simulator is applicable to gas transportation networks as well as liquid transportation networks. It should thus be applicable for transport of crude oil, petroleum products (petrol, diesel, kerosene, aviation turbine fuel, naphtha, etc.), water, natural gas etc.

4. Is the simulator useful in networks or is it applicable to dedicated lines only?

It is applicable to both.

5. What is the underlying technology?

PAnORaMA LDS is based on transient simulation of network flow as per fundamental physics of pipe hydraulics. Once a representative simulator of the network is developed, it acts as an hawk eye on the actual network performance. Any deviation is indicative of a fault in the network. It is then further diagnosed and classified as instrument malfunctioning, partial choking of one or more sections of the network or pipe leak. The symptoms of leakage are distinct as compared to other faults and signal processing of deviation between simulated performance and actual performance helps pinpoint the leak location and leak quantity.

The technology is thus different than simplistic volume balancing method, or acoustic method or negative pressure method etc.

Also see Document.

6. Does the simulator perform data quality check, good or bad, or does it assume that SCADA data is of good quality?

No, the simulator expects incoming data to be validated by SCADA. The simulator expects live data from SCADA to be of good quality and reliable.

7. What is the platform on which the LDS can be installed?

It is developed for Windows platform. It can sit alongside any SCADA system as long live operating data can be shared with our LDS station.

8. What pressure drop correlation is used by the simulator?

We prefer Colebrook White correlation as it is known to be the best for pipe hydraulics. However, any choice the client makes (such as say Panhandle A, Panhandle B, Blazius, etc.) can be easily supported by us.

9. Does the simulator have any limitations on number of users and sources?

No. The mathematics of simulation becomes more complex and computational effort increases with number of sources and users supported by the network as well as total pipe length. A more powerful computer is required for more complex networks involving more sources and users and longer pipe lengths.

10. Is the simulator valid for networks with loops or only for tree networks?

The simulator supports tree networks as well as loop networks.

11. Is it applicable for any incrementally expanding network which adds sources and users with time?

Yes. The network definition has to be changed as the network changes. This is supported in AMC.

12. What operator options does it offer after it identifies the leak?

The LDS, after detecting a leakage merely announces it with a visual or voice alert. It then waits for operator interrupt and action. The operator has two options: he/she can ask the LDS to ignore the leakage by accepting it in its simulation and continue with the task of leak detection, or suspend simulation till further order. The interim can be used by the operator to take action on leakage. When he/she completes that, the simulator has to be asked to start again.

It is possible to include other options as per client's requirement and SOP.

13. Does the implementation of PAnORaMA LDS require any other third party software license?

Our LDS is standalone and does not require any other third party software such as AutoCAD etc. it does require data base server such as SQL and Microsoft studio etc.

14. Can the same installation be used for several different networks?

LDS is customized for a given network. Each network will require a separate LDS installation.

15. Are future upgrades of the basic software included in the sale?

It will have to be a part of AMC.

16. If the client changes the SCADA system, does the same installation of LDS work?

The LDS needs a handshake with SCADA and depends on live sharing of operating data. LDS will need some reworking if SCADA changes. This also can be covered in AMC.

17. Does the software installation demand provision or new instrumentation such as pressure/flow monitors or up gradation of existing monitors?

Our LDS works on real time pressure-flow measurements made on the network for its normal operation/maintenance. It is not based on technologies which demand installation of additional hook-ups such as required in copper wire technology or negative pressure technology etc.

We do not make any additional demand on monitoring instrumentation. However, for new networks, we could advice on location and accuracy of pressure/flow monitors for desired leak detection accuracy.

18. What is the mandatory expectation from existing SCADA?

It must allow us to tap live operational data continuously to share with LDS computer station. It is possible with most modern day SCADA systems. Old installation may not be open in that sense and the client will have to facilitate live data share in consultation with the SCADA system provider.

19. Is the source code of PAnORaMA included in the sale?

No. You get only the executable capable of simulating the specific network. For other capabilities of PAnORaMA simulator, PAnORaMA Design will have to be purchased.

Please see the Document.

20. Is the LDS done in real time or on historical data?

It is done preferably in real time. However, 'delayed' data with a time lag (of say 10 minutes) can also be used. Leak detection will be delayed that much after the actual leak event.

21. Is it necessary to install LDS in the control room or can the leak detection be done remotely?

Operators prefer it to be in the control room. However, if operating data can be transmitted over web or otherwise to a remote location, LDS can work equally well there. LDS depends only on live data.

22. Can it handle multiple batches flowing through the petroleum product network?

Batch tracking feature of PAnORaMA will need to be used in such cases. The feature is available only for dedicated pipeline. It is possible to do leak detection for pipelines used for transporting different petroleum products one after another by a dedicated pipeline.

23. Is AMC necessary?

It is recommended.

24. Can the LDS take the necessary action itself after the leak is detected or is the operator intervention a must?

It will require two-way connectivity with SCADA as action will need the Supervisory Control (SC in SCADA) feature. Our LDS is basically advisory in nature. However, it can be modified to implement control feature through SCADA if it permits to do so.

25. Is the application available on rental basis without buying it upfront?

It can be negotiated for some minimum period of rental.

26. What is the initial input from the client to setup the simulation and LDS?

Please see Document for the details.

27. How is FAT designed?

We demonstrate Leak Detection by creating a simulation on one machine as virtual network. Leakage can be created on this simulation. The data with leakage is used by LDS on another machine to check if it detects the leakage created on the virtual network.

This is used for rigorous testing of the LDS by us.

28. Does the application suffer from spurious alarm?

Since the LDS is based on transient simulation, occurrence of spurious alarms should be minimal as compared to other technologies.

Spurious alarms can be further reduced by testing with real leaks periodically and upgrading leakage signature library.

29. Is there a lower and upper limit on pipe size?

No. All pipe sizes are possible.

30. What is the smallest leak that can be detected?

It will be governed by the accuracy of instrumentation.

31. What other services the network simulator can offer?

See the PAnORaMA features in Document.

32. Will it detect leak in a shut-in network?

In gas networks, such leakage will alter pressures over a long time and this can be done. In liquid networks, it is difficult as pressures equate very fast in shut-in conditions.

33. What are the other technologies available for leak detection?

Please see the Document.