K9 Pipeline Leak Detection A NEW APPLICATION FOR A PROVEN TECHNOLOGY Utica Midstream June 2017
Outline Who we are Our dogs Why are dogs at a pipeline show? How does K9 leak detection work Responsive K9 inspections Proactive Maintenance K9 inspections Demo and questions
About us Parent 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 Dogs Bates Single purpose K9 Imprinted on odor as puppy Performed training in multiple states All siblings in the litter trained as pipeline dogs
Our Dogs LinQ Multi 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 1 st responder Lincoln Quappe, Rescue 2
Our Dogs Kavod In training for scent detection Bred for physical attributes ideal for working in rugged conditions Training includes: Scent work Physical fitness and capacity Socialization Exposure
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 Advantage Speed 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 Potential Over 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 situations Pipeline type Location Size of leak Weather/climate conditions Complementary and synergistic technologies Rapid, accurate leak detection is in everybody s best interest
K9 Odor Detection Criteria Is 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 Process Proprietary odorant CDIS 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 Process Rapid 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 Alert K9 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 1 st 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 characteristics Leak 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
Conclusion Pipelines 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?