Development of novel low-cost sensors as a leak detection system (Phase 1)

在加拿大，石油管道泄漏是一个令人担忧的问题，原因有很多，也有很多方面。尽管相对罕见，但泄漏仍可能产生巨大影响，这取决于它们未被发现的时间长短，以及是否没有安装二次密封系统。快速和灵敏的泄漏检测将减少泄漏的危险。将快速泄漏检测与二次密封相结合，将从根本上消除危险。 我们最近展示了一个原型传感装置，可以很容易地集成到一个商业的二级安全壳系统。该装置价格低廉，使得在安全壳系统内以大阵列分布传感器成为可能。该项目的目标是将该原型开发成商业上可行的产品，准备部署进行现场测试。具体而言，我们将完善传感器制造工艺，以提高产品的一致性;为传感器阵列设计“电源+通信”网络;优化传感器的板载软件，以实现泄漏检测和信号发送;并与我们的行业合作伙伴一起为集成系统的中试规模演示做准备。通过这个拟议的项目，我们预计将以每公里不到100美元（比其他技术便宜约1000倍）的价格将传感器技术推向市场，该技术在接触一滴碳氢化合物后几秒钟内就会发出警报。

In Canada leaks from oil pipelines are a concern for many reasons and from many perspectives. Though relatively rare, leaks can nevertheless have large impact, depending on how long they go undetected, and if no secondary containment system has been installed. Rapid and sensitive leak detection would reduce the hazard of leaks. Combining rapid leak detection with secondary containment would essentially eliminate the hazard. We have recently demonstrated a prototype sensing device that can be easily integrated with a commercial secondary containment system. The device is inexpensive, making it feasible to distribute sensors in a large array within the containment system. The goal of this project is to develop this prototype into a commercially viable product ready to deploy for field testing. Specifically, we will refine the sensor fabrication process for greater product consistency; design a 'power + communication' network for a sensor array; optimize the sensor's on-board software for leak detection and signaling; and prepare for a pilot scale demonstration of the integrated system with our industry partner. With this proposed project, we anticipate bring a sensor technology closer to market for less than $100 per kilometer (about 1000 times cheaper than other technologies) that alarms within seconds upon contact with just one drop of hydrocarbon.