Pipelines are essential infrastructure used to transport fluids such as oil, gas, water and chemicals over long distances. Built both above and below ground, they provide a safe, efficient and cost-effective means of moving large volumes of product between production facilities, processing plants, storage terminals and end users.
In industrial and utility sectors, pipelines play a crucial role in energy distribution, supplying homes, businesses and power stations. Their main purpose is to ensure a continuous, controlled flow of materials, minimising the need for manual handling and reducing the risk of environmental impact compared to alternative transport methods like road or rail.
Risks
While pipelines are generally safe and well-regulated, they are not without risks, especially when it comes to fire. Fires can have devastating consequences for pipeline infrastructure, the environment and surrounding communities. Some risks include:
- Leakage of Flammable Materials
- Even small leaks in pipelines carrying oil, gas or chemicals can lead to the accumulation of flammable vapours, which can ignite with a spark or heat source.
- External Heat Sources
- Nearby industrial activity, wildfires or even hot work like welding can pose a fire hazard if heat is introduced near a vulnerable section of pipeline.
- Mechanical Damage
- Accidental strikes from construction equipment or ground movement can rupture a pipeline, releasing combustible contents and potentially sparking a fire.
- Electrical Faults
- Faulty grounding or lightning strikes can lead to electrical discharges that ignite flammable vapours, particularly in areas where pipelines are above ground or pass near electrical infrastructure.
- Arson or Sabotage
- In rare but serious cases, pipelines may be deliberately targeted, resulting in fire or explosion. This is of particular concern in high-risk or politically unstable regions.
Challenges
Designing a fire detection solution for pipelines comes with unique challenges due to the nature of the environment and the materials involved. Some challenges engineers and safety professionals must address include:
- Long Distances
- Pipelines often stretch for tens or even hundreds of kilometres. Detecting fire along such extensive routes requires a continuous monitoring system that can maintain high sensitivity across the entire length.
- Harsh Environmental Conditions
- Pipelines are frequently exposed to extreme temperatures, humidity, dust and vibration. Detection systems must be rugged, weather-resistant and capable of performing reliably in these demanding environments.
- Remote Locations
- Many pipelines run through isolated or inaccessible areas, making it difficult to install, maintain and monitor conventional detection equipment. Systems must be low-maintenance and able to communicate data over long distances.
- Rapid Fire Spread
- In the event of a leak, fires can escalate quickly. A detection solution must be able to identify temperature rises in real time to enable fast response before a fire becomes uncontrollable.
- False Alarms and Accuracy
- Distinguishing between normal environmental temperature fluctuations and actual fire conditions is critical. A reliable system must minimise false alarms while maintaining high accuracy to ensure a timely and appropriate response.
DTSX1 Fiber Optic Linear Heat Detection
The Yokogawa DTSX1 is a state-of-the-art fiber optic linear heat detection system designed for accurate, real-time temperature monitoring over long distances. Using Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) technology, it detects temperature changes along a single optical fibre with pinpoint precision, making it ideal for applications like pipeline fire detection.
The DTSX1 offers continuous coverage, high spatial resolution and fast response times, allowing operators to quickly identify and locate abnormal heat events. Its robust design, low maintenance requirements, and suitability for harsh environments make it a reliable solution for enhancing safety and early fire detection in pipeline systems.
Approvals
The Yokogawa DTSX1 Fiber Optic Heat Detector is approved under the EN 54-22 standard, which ensures compliance for line-type heat detectors used in fire detection and alarm systems. Certified by VdS, the system meets heat response classes such as A1N, A2N, BN, and CN, making it suitable for a variety of fire detection scenarios in tunnels and other complex environments. These approvals validate its reliability and effectiveness in critical applications.
Design Considerations
Controller Placement
For optimal results, the DTSX1 Controller should be installed in a secure, centralised location along the pipeline route – ideally within an equipment room or control centre that is sheltered from environmental extremes. This location should offer easy access to power, network connectivity and fibre routing infrastructure. Positioning the controller centrally relative to the monitored fibre length helps maximise coverage and minimise signal loss, especially on longer runs.
Cable Placement
The placement of the fibre optic sensing cable is critical to the performance of the Yokogawa DTSX1 system, and the best configuration depends on the pipeline’s environment and specific risk areas.
Installing the cable directly on the pipeline offers the most accurate temperature monitoring, making it ideal for detecting leaks or localised heating along above-ground sections. In enclosed environments like tunnels or cable racks, suspending or mounting the cable above the pipeline enables early detection of ambient temperature changes. For added protection in harsh or high-risk areas, the cable can be placed within conduits or protective channels without compromising performance. In more complex installations, zoned or looped configurations can be used to focus on high-risk sections such as joints, bends, and valve stations. Choosing the right cable layout ensures reliable fire detection and maximises the DTSX1 system’s effectiveness.
Mounting Clips and Accessories
The FyreLine pipe clip is designed to utilise existing pipework which may run through the protected area. Its design allows for the bracket to fit any size of pipe and should be fitted to the underside of the pipe and be secured in place using cable ties or strapping. Available in zintec and stainless steel.
Zintec mounting accessories are suitable for general indoor and outdoor use. Stainless steel mounting accessories are suitable for indoor and outdoor use and in environments where the clip may be exposed to harsh chemicals, e.g. hydrocarbons or in a caustic environment. Silicone sleeves are included in each pack to insulate and protect the LHD cable from abrasion, excessive pressure and any heat transfer from a metal mounting bracket to the cable, which may affect the operation of the cable.
Pipe brackets are support structures used to secure pipelines in place, preventing movement due to vibration, thermal expansion or external forces. They help maintain pipeline alignment and structural integrity, especially in above-ground installations.
When installing DTSX1 fibre optic sensing cable, pipe brackets can also serve as mounting points for the cable. The FyreLine pipe clip is designed to utilise existing pipework which may run through the protected area. Its design allows for the bracket to fit any size of pipe and should be fitted to the underside of the pipe and be secured in place using cable ties or strapping.
To ensure optimal performance of the Yokogawa DTSX1 system, several key accessories are typically installed alongside the controller. One of the most important is a high-quality Power Supply Unit (PSU), which provides stable and reliable power to the controller, essential for maintaining continuous monitoring and data accuracy.
Typical Wiring Diagram
Heat sensing cable should be run from the controller and along the length of the pipeline, before looping back up the opposite site and connecting to the end-of-line terminal.
Why Choose Eurofyre?
- Complete System Supplier
- Eurofyre supplies all aspects of fire detection including linear heat detection and its associated products and can provide expert advice and consultation.
- Demonstration and Training
- We offer demonstrations and expert training on a range of systems, including FyreLine linear heat detection systems, in our very own sophisticated training facility.
- After-Sales Support
- Eurofyre offers both on-site and telephone support to assist you in ensuring that your system is fully functional and operating at maximum efficiency. Our after-sales care and support are second to none.
For more information about Yokogawa DTSX1 Fiber Optic Linear Heat Detection, or to discuss any of the other products that Eurofyre have to offer, please feel free to get in touch either by phone on +44 (0) 1329 835 024, by email to [email protected] or via the online enquiry form situated on our contact page.
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