Q: How do operators know pipelines are not leaking?
A: Pipelines are equipped with sensors and gauges along their route. Sensors can detect a drop in pressure, potentially indicating a leak. Flow gauges monitor product passing through the pipeline ensuring everything remains inside the pipe. Pipeline sensors and gauges feed their data into central control rooms. Pipeline operators monitor their pipelines from a central control center 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Specially trained controllers keep a watchful eye over systems monitoring pipeline pressure, flow and volume. Operator personnel patrol along the pipeline route and personnel in airplanes or helicopters travel overhead the length of the pipeline on a regular schedule looking for signs of leaks. Read more.