k9 pipeline leak detection - canton chamber

K9 Pipeline Leak Detection

A NEW APPLICATION FOR A PROVEN TECHNOLOGY

(844)K9PIPES WWW.K9PIPES.COM

Utica Midstream June 2017

OutlineWho we areOur dogsWhy are dogs at a pipeline show?How does K9 leak detection workResponsive K9 inspectionsProactive Maintenance K9 inspectionsDemo and questions


About usParent Company‐WGC Established in 1998

Specialize in utilizing the talents of working K9s for environmental purposes

Total of over 30 dogs working in the field

Staff trainers, handlers, biologists, construction crew, kennel crew, admin support

Scent detection division‐CDIS developed from existing skill set

Pipeline division‐smaller subset of ideal candidates‐K9 and human


Our DogsBatesSingle purpose K9

Imprinted on odor as puppy

Performed training in multiple states

All siblings in the litter trained as pipeline dogs


Our DogsLinQMulti purpose K9

Co‐op breeding between PennVet and TSA

Bred and trained for general detection ability and fitness starting from puppy

All puppies from the litter are working in scent detection fields

Named after FDNY 1st responder Lincoln Quappe, Rescue 2


Our DogsKavodIn training for scent detection

Bred for physical attributes ideal for working in rugged conditions

Training includes:Scent workPhysical fitness and capacitySocializationExposure


Why Are Dogs at Utica Midstream?Dogs are the best mobile detection tools on the market

Wired Magazine: “$19 Billion Dollars Later, Pentagon’s Best Bomb Detector is a Dog”

Multiple projects are in the works trying to replicate the capabilities of dogs when it comes to vapor/odor detections

Dogs have the capability to detect odors on a level of parts per trillion, most mechanical instruments top out at parts per million

Dogs have the ability to differentiate and catalog many odors

A new application for a proven technology—Military, Police, Emergency Responders, Medical, Conservation, Pest Management, Customs and Border Patrol etc.


The K9 AdvantageSpeed— normal walking pace

Mobility—carry everything needed

Precision—leak location within feet of source

Accuracy—very low false positive rate

Reliability—very low miss rate

Sensitivity—identify up to parts per trillion concentrations of odor

Flexibility—work in wide variety of conditions, terrain, and situations


Increasing Leak Risk PotentialOver 2.4 million miles of pipeline in US

INGAA estimates $250 billion+ investment in North America infrastructure 2011‐2035

60% of active infrastructure is 40+ yrs old

Increasing occurrence of extreme weather events

Increase in human development in remote areas

Rapid, accurate leak detection is in everybody’s best interest


Consequences

Pipeline down‐time and product loss

Increased government regulations and fines???

Court of public opinion

Higher insurance premiums and damage payouts

Potential civil and criminal liability

Tarnished corporate brand value


Public Opinion“My mind is made up. Don’t confuse me with

the facts”

Hot media topic

Sensationalized headlines

PHMSA Advisory bulletin reminds operators of “the importance of prompt and effective leak detection capability in protecting public safety and the environment”

GPAC‐ public meeting regarding the proposed rule “Safety of Gas Transmission and Gathering Pipelines”


Fill The Toolbox


K9 Inspection‐another tool in the toolbox

Multiple technologies

Different modes of action

Different methods for different situationsPipeline typeLocationSize of leakWeather/climate conditions

Complementary and synergistic technologies

Rapid, accurate leak detection is in everybody’s best interest

K9 Odor Detection CriteriaIs it acutely hazardous/toxic for the dog?

Is it difficult to find?

Is it accessible to a dog?

Is it difficult for other technologies to access?

Does it have an odor?

Is the odor novel/unique and consistent?

Is there an inherent value in detection?

Is precise location important?

Can it be simulated in training?


Our ProcessProprietary odorantCDIS‐LDC (Leak Detection Compound)

Novel, unique, and consistent odor for K9

Pipeline K9s imprinted and regularly tested for consistent performance on CDIS‐LDC

Specially formulated compound designed for odor to migrate through substrate to surface above source point

Travel path of released liquid does not effect odor availability


Our ProcessRapid deployment

Senior technician meets with site manager to review line and injection point

CDIS‐LDC is injected in to frac tanks to load the line

24 hour wait period for odor saturation

K9 teams inspect entire length of injected line

K9 teams are alternated to maintain freshness of working dog

Alerts are marked and recorded by handler

Support tech maintains standby on nearest access path


After the AlertK9 alerts and is rewarded

Handler physically marks‐flag/paint location

Handler sets and records waypoint

Digging begins and leak is repaired

Handler K9 team continues to inspect remainder of line…1st leak is not always only leak

Site manager decides whether to release K9 teams or have them standby to inspect after line is pressurized


What We Need:Location of inspection

Length of pipeline to be inspected

Diameter of pipeline to be inspected

Signed SOW

Site manager’s contact info

Injection site‐frac tanks and water

Number of tanks to be used

Clearly marked pipeline path

Pipeline representative to walk with


Responsive Inspection

Leak is suspected based on electronic monitoring—meter out vs meter in, CPM etc.Released product is located away

from point of leak due to terrain characteristicsLeak is identified but unable to be

accurately pinpointed Other technologies haven’t or

wouldn’t be effective


Proactive Maintenance Inspections

As part of a comprehensive integrity management program

Areas where in‐line inspection has identified corrosion/weak points

Additional monitoring for HCAs

Post extreme weather or seismological events

Recurrent pipeline inspections


ConclusionPipelines are a critical part of America’s

infrastructure

Millions of pipelines of various ages cross the continent, more to come

Leaks are unavoidable

Public opinion is often biased against pipelines regardless of facts

“NIMBY” is the prevailing sentiment amongst most Americans

Rapid, accurate leak detection is critical

FILL THE TOOLBOX


Questions?


k9 pipeline leak detection - canton chamber

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