API 1175 discusses the requirements for continuous improvement in pipeline leak detection and the culture required for an effective leak detection program.

The most commonly used internal based methods for leak detection are flow balance, negative pressure wave and Real Time Transient Model (RTTM). Several papers have been written on each type of method with their advantages and disadvantages being heavily discussed. However, improvements made to improve sensitivity, leak location, response time and reliability to these methods have previously not been significant.

This paper will discuss the improvements that Atmos International (Atmos) has made in the last few years to tackle some of the challenges often associated with the negative pressure wave and flow balance methods. The paper will discuss the introduction of fast scanning to flow balance technology allowing for dramatic improvements to leak location and new filters to improve detection time. It will also highlight the introduction of inexpensive non-intrusive hardware to provide additional instrumentation on a pipeline to improve sensitivity and reliability on the negative pressure wave method. In addition, the paper will cover Rupture and Nano-wave modules to help detect all scenarios such as leaks, thefts and ruptures. Finally, it will summarise how information is presented within new graphical user interfaces (GUIs) including web GUI interfaces and mobile applications.