Trans Mountain, a key player in Canada’s oil transportation infrastructure, has taken a significant step towards enhancing safety and operational efficiency. In collaboration with Hifi Engineering, the company has implemented a state-of-the-art High-fidelity Distributed Sensing (HDSTM) fiber optic network along its expanded pipeline system. This landmark achievement marks the world’s longest fully distributed fiber optic sensing deployment on a multi-product liquids pipeline.
The hybrid fiber optic network comprises a telecommunications cable paired with Hifi’s specialized optical sensing fiber and dual micro duct conduit. This advanced technology not only significantly enhances leak detection capabilities but also provides comprehensive monitoring for intrusion prevention, ground disturbance, and pipeline integrity.
“Trans Mountain is committed to continuous improvement in all facets of our operation,” said Jason Balasch, Vice President Business Development and Commercial Services at Trans Mountain. “Our pipeline system was already monitored around the clock by two leak detection systems through our control centre in Edmonton. This agreement with Hifi provides our system another layer of leak detection and comprehensive monitoring utilizing their state-of-the-art technology.”
Beyond the installation, Trans Mountain and Hifi have entered into a 10-year monitoring agreement. Under this agreement, Hifi will provide real-time monitoring support from its 24/7 operations center, ensuring continuous vigilance over the pipeline’s operation.
“We are honored to have this agreement with Trans Mountain to include 24/7 monitoring support of this multi-product infrastructure,” said Steven Koles, President and CEO, Hifi. “It represents a great showcase of the product agnostic distributed optical sensing and artificial intelligence and machine learning technology from Hifi which can be applied to all types of pipelines including conventional oil and gas, as well as carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and water.”
Hifi’s HDSTM system, now substantially complete, has been undergoing a progressive baselining and commissioning process since the completion of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project. This process utilizes new automation and machine learning developed by Hifi to thoroughly establish normal pipeline operations as a baseline for future monitoring. The deployment encompasses surveillance support for various operational applications including leak detection, ground disturbance, security integrity risks, right-of-way intrusion, strain monitoring, and pig tracking.
The fiber optic system’s capabilities are impressive. It can accurately measure vibrations, temperature, and pipe movement continuously and can pinpoint the location of a suspected leak or other event within meters. Further bolstering the safety measures, Trans Mountain’s pipeline system is also monitored by two computational systems, overseen by control centre operators and the leak detection group. Operators have the authority to shut down the pipeline in the event of a system alarm.
The innovative partnership between Trans Mountain and Hifi has earned recognition from the Fibre Optic Sensing Association (FOSA), receiving the Project of the Year award for this significant initiative. This collaboration not only highlights the commitment to safety and technological advancement in the oil and gas sector but also showcases the potential of fiber optic technology for enhanced pipeline monitoring and management.
About Trans Mountain
Trans Mountain Corporation operates Canada’s only pipeline system transporting oil products to the West Coast. The company delivers approximately 890,000 barrels of petroleum products each day through a dual pipeline system spanning over 1,150 kilometres in Alberta, British Columbia, and 111 kilometres in Washington state. Trans Mountain also operates Westridge Marine Terminal, a state-of-the-art loading facility with three berths providing tidewater access to global markets. As a federal Crown corporation, Trans Mountain continues to build on its strong foundation of operational and safety excellence, with over 70 years of experience. The expanded pipeline system provides enhanced direct access for Canadian crude oil to world markets.
About Hifi
Hifi is a privately held Canadian company specializing in the development, supply, and commercial operation of cutting-edge fiber optic sensing technologies and machine learning software. Primarily used for preventative monitoring of pipelines and other critical assets, Hifi’s technology is deployed across over 3.5 million meters of pipeline assets globally. Based in Calgary, Alberta, Hifi currently offers a range of commercialized services built on its high fidelity distributed sensing (HDSTM) technology platform. The company holds over 100 patents issued or pending and was recently awarded the 2023 Innovation award from Energy Connections Canada (ECC). Hifi was also recognized as one of SDTC’s Sustainability Changemakers for both 2022 and 2023, and has been awarded by the Fiber Optic Sensing Association for Innovation and Project of the Year (for the 1,200 km Trans Mountain Expansion pipeline project) in 2023, 2022, and 2021. Hifi has been listed as one of the Fastest-Growing Companies in North America on the 2021 and 2023 Deloitte Technology Fast 500.
