Algerian state energy company Sonatrach and Chinese tech giant Huawei showcased a new smart solution for oil and gas pipeline inspection at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2024.

The technology utilizes distributed fiber optic sensing to enable real-time, automated monitoring of pipelines, improving efficiency and security compared to traditional manual inspection methods.

Sonatrach operates a vast network of pipelines in Algeria, stretching over 14,000 kilometers and accompanied by fiber optic cables helping increase efficiency and cut on monitoring costs. 

Previously, manual inspections were costly, time-consuming, and unable to provide continuous monitoring.

The new solution leverages Huawei's OptiXsense EF3000 device, which continuously analyzes vibrations detected by the fiber optic cables alongside the pipelines for:

• Precise event identification: The system can distinguish between various events like fiber cuts, manual excavation, and mechanical digging, enabling targeted responses.
• High alarm accuracy: The solution boasts a low false positive rate of 0.012 incidents per kilometer per day, minimizing unnecessary site visits.
• Accurate positioning: With an average error of less than 10 meters, the system can pinpoint the location of pipeline issues with high accuracy.

"The Fiber Sensing Inspection Solution addresses the challenges of manual inspections and slow risk identification," said Sana Lallali, manager of Sonatrach's Joint Innovation Center. 

"We are pleased with this collaboration with Huawei and look forward to further cooperation in advancing the oil industry's intelligent transformation."

This joint innovation exemplifies the growing trend of using advanced technologies like fiber optic sensing for critical infrastructure monitoring, aiming to enhance safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.