INGRID Project
Distributed opto-acoustic system for monitoring the structural integrity of pipelines and the risks of intrusion into oil and gas transmission networks - INGRID
Innovative technological project for less developed regions
Project code 121426
Techno Volt runs, starting with 27.09.2021 until 31.12.2023 the project "Opto-acoustic-distributed system for monitoring the structural integrity of pipelines and risks of intrusion into oil and gas transmission networks - INGRID", Code SMIS 2014+: 121426, in partnership with INCDT COMOTI and the Polytechnic University of Bucharest, co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund, based on the financing contract concluded with the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digitization, as Intermediate Body, on behalf of the Ministry of European Funds, as Managing Authority for the Competitiveness Operational Program 2014-2020.
The general objective of the development projects is to implement a system based on the opto-acoustic detection of cracks in the oil and gas transmission pipelines and on the monitoring of intrusion risks, which would satisfy the need of potential beneficiaries to minimize losses in the transmission network, thus increasing the degree of security of critical infrastructures.
Therefore, the project addresses the main problems that occur in large gas or oil transmission networks, namely leakage from pipelines caused by corrosion, geological movements of the ground, imperfections of material or assembly, or unauthorized intrusions. Early detection of these conduct defects ensures the protection of the environment by avoiding local contamination, reducing the likelihood of environmental disasters and reducing the consumption of fuel and natural resources.
Transport systems in the oil and gas industry run over very long distances and on hard-to-reach terrain, which makes monitoring by classical techniques difficult. Opto-acoustic leak detection and measurement methods, compared to other methods used in the field, have the advantages of high sensitivity, good spatial accuracy and detection possibilities over very long lengths and in real time, with a low percentage of false alarm. They can also be integrated into automated processes. The necessary and useful equipment in the project will be new, according to the latest technologies on the market.
Another advantage of the fiber optic monitoring and detection system developed by the project is that this can be done with the same sensor and in the same interrogation cycle, both checking the structural integrity of the technological installation and monitoring against intrusions.
The economic factor should not be ignored either, as it proves opportune to develop modern alternative systems that meet the needs of a constantly developing and expanding industry.
The total value of the project is 17,262,477.43 lei, of which the non-reimbursable financial assistance is 10,879,071.17 lei from the ERDF and 1,919,836.14 lei from the National Budget. The project is being implemented in Argeș County, for a period of 27 months.