Enbridge - Northern Gateway Pipelines

Monitoring and Inspection

A variety of tools and techniques will be used to monitor and inspect the pipelines.

• The Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) computer system will be used to electronically monitor the pipeline 24/7 from Enbridge’s hi-tech operations control centre in Edmonton
• In-Line Inspection tools will be used to measure size, frequency and location of even the slightest changes in the pipeline system
• Referred to as “smart pigs”, these tools will be regularly inserted into the pipelines and travel the length of the system to clean the lines and provide real-time information about their condition
• Safety inspections are conducted before putting a pipeline into service and throughout operation

SCADA
Enbridge uses Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) computer systems for the safe, efficient operation of its pipeline systems. SCADA gathers data electronically in real time 24/7 from remote locations along the pipeline systems and relays it to Enbridge control centre. SCADA allows pipeline operations staff to monitor pipeline flow, pressure conditions and trends, to start and stop pumping units, and to open or close pressure control valves - all from the control centre.

In-Line Inspection
Although most defects identified by the In-Line Inspection tools are minor and don't threaten the integrity of the system, all are evaluated against specific engineering criteria to assess requirements for corrective action. All of the Enbridge pipelines are inspected at regular intervals, driven by a number of factors which define the requirements of a preventative maintenance program. By using the best available technology, Enbridge has become a recognized leader among transmission pipeline companies on the use of In-Line Inspection.

Smart Pigs
Smart pigs are dispatched down the line, moved along with the product in the pipeline, to detect abnormalities on the inside of the pipe. It is equipped with hundreds of sensors that pick up information on the condition of the pipe. The information is stored on on-board computers that are downloaded when the tool is retrieved at the end of the pipeline system. The information is analyzed to determine if there are any problems that could affect the structural strength of the pipeline. If there are any areas of concern, the pipeline is physically examined and repairs are made immediately.