Leakwise oil-on-water monitoring systems are yet another example of the valuable products from which our oil and gas customers benefit, as a result of our synergistic technology development with other parts of the global GE organisation.

The Leakwise systems are manufactured by GE Water & Process Technologies, Analytical Instruments, and provide reliable early detection and build-up monitoring of hydrocarbon leaks and spills in dry sumps and on water. Leakwise provides local and remote alarm and control capabilities to alert operators and managers, open and/or close pumps and valves, and more. Each system consists of a wired or wireless signal processor and one or more sensors, depending on the application.

The systems can:

• Detect hydrocarbons on water in real time
• Monitor hydrocarbon build-up
• Measure oil layer thickness ranging from 1-200 mm
• Alert facility operators of any desired level of oil presence
• Control skimmers, pumps and other equipment

Leakwise sensors use patented high-frequency electromagnetic absorption to detect the presence and monitor the build-up of free or emulsified non-soluble hydrocarbons on water and other aqueous solutions. No other oil-detection system does this.

Key Leakwise system applications include:

Pipeline leak detection
Pipeline companies often monitor for oil leaks by installing oil collection sumps near rivers, groundwater drinking wells, or other sensitive locations along the pipeline. A Leakwise Model ID-223 sensor installed in an oil collection sump can provide early detection of oil leaks and set off an alarm in a remote location. The ID-223 WL system can be installed in unmanned locations without power and communication lines, since it can be equipped with a solar or battery operated, wireless PTP communication system.

Pumping station monitoring
The Leakwise ID-223 provides continuous monitoring of water discharge from oil-water separators, water collection retention tanks, and storm water run-offs. If an oil sheen is detected, Leakwise can trigger an alarm or turn off the water discharge pump. The ID-223 also has the unique capability of monitoring oil layer build-up. This is especially important in unmanned locations since Leakwise can alert the pipeline control center of the status of large spills or leaks.

Emergency shut-off station monitoring
Leakwise systems provide continuous monitoring of unmanned shut-off stations and can trigger alarms to pipeline operations and management in remote locations. Leakwise can be extremely effective in detecting equipment leaks in underground and above-ground shut-off valve containment areas.

Terminal and tank farm monitoring
Leakwise systems can immediately detect hydrocarbon leaks in wet or dry secondary containment areas, from broken seals in floating roofs, in floating roof storm drainage systems, and groundwater intrusion.

Competitive advantages
Many facilities try to detect oil leaks by relying on sporadic visual inspection or detector systems that often set off false alarms upon contact with dirt or non-oil substances. Leakwise, however, is a superior and economical solution that provides reliable coverage 24/7 with no false alarms. Other benefits include:

• Operates almost maintenance free for years (semi-annual inspection recommended)
• Measures oil layer thickness in addition to detecting oil sheen presence
• Plays an integral role in Spill Prevention and Control Countermeasure (SPCC) plans

For more information about Leakwise monitoring systems:

Click here to see a 4-minuts Flash movie

Click here to read more online.

Or contact the Analytical Instruments team at geai@ge.com