LNG Monitoring

Fiber-Optic Leakage Detection System

• Pipeline leakage detection

• Regasification and liquefaction monitoring

• Tank annulus and base slab monitoring

• Spill containment control

Intelligent Solutions
 AP Sensing: Your trusted partner for LNG monitoring

AP Sensing is your global solution Through close cooperation with our

provider for the DTS (distributed worldwide customer base, we continuously
temperature sensing) market. The heart optimize our solution. The result is not
of our solution – based on 25 years of just robust and reliable solutions, but a
experience as the leader in optical test – relation built on trust and an expert who is
is a unique and proven solution for there for you with post-sales training and
precise, around the clock temperature support.
monitoring.
We work with established regional
A passive optical fiber is the temperature partners around the globe – their local
sensor, and lets you monitor precise competence ensures that all details
temperature profiles along the fiber – in of a complex project are planned for
environments where other solutions are in advance and executed on time and
unable to deliver the performance you within budget. Take advantage of a
need. broad network of optical and system
management expertise, and enjoy the
peace of mind that comes with reliable
asset protection.

Fiber is the distributed sensor Glass molecules

Laser Laser Pulse

Detector Backscattered Light

AP SENSING
advanced photonic

Temperature
1 2 3 4 5 6 ...

Asset Visualization DTS Zones

DTS: A word about the technology

Imagine a temperature monitoring solution with highly accurate sensitivity – within

several kilometers long with thousands of temperature ranges that are perfectly
measurement points that provide continu- suited for pipeline environments.
ous monitoring along the length of the
sensor cable. Imagine measurements Our solution is based on the quantum
down to one-half meter spatial resolution mechanical RAMAN effect combined with
our patented code-correlation measure-
Incident light
ments. A laser pulse propagating through
the fiber results in back-scattered light
returning to the transmission end, where
Brillouin Brillouin it can be analyzed and the temperature
scattering scattering
return signal intensity

measured.
Raman
anti-Stokes signal Raman Stokes signal The purely passive optical fiber is installed
Strong temperature Weak temperature in areas that are usually difficult to access,
dependence dependence
and provides maintenance-free operation
for decades.
T+
T−
T+ It is the sum total of our technology –
sensor cables, asset visualization software,
T−
ease of integration into your own site moni-
toring system -- that ultimately ensures
return signal wavelength worry-free permanent monitoring.
AP Sensing’s DTS and LNG infrastructure

Fiber-optic DTS technology is uniquely for operation in cryogenic conditions.

suited to a variety of monitoring Because of the long measurement reach,
tasks within an LNG terminal and is the optoelectronic DTS instrument, with
recommended for spillage detection in its electrical hardware, can be located • ATEX certification down
section 13.4 of EN 1473:2007-06. By in a remote control room. This simplifies to Zone 0
making use of optical sensing probes, our compliance with safety requirements and
system is non-corrosive and intrinsically ensures efficient communication links with • SIL-2 assessed by TÜV-
safe. It accurately measures temperature other terminal data systems. recognized consultants
over large distances and is suitable
• Proven field reliability
with industry’s lowest
maintenance and warranty
costs.

• Asset visualization software

for complete plant overview
24/7

• Ease of integration with

existing site monitoring
solutions

• Highest reliability
throughout the entire
operating temperature
range

• Extreme operating
temperature ranges

Tank leak detection • Lowest laser output power

– inherently safe in case of
The DTS system locates leaks in the sensing fiber lying in the annulus space. fiber breaks
internal tank. The sensor fiber is deployed Due to the low temperature of the fluid,
in the annulus between the two tank walls the DTS system rapidly identifies even
during tank construction. If a leak occurs, very small leaks.
cryogenic fluid comes in contact with the

Alarm

Asset Sensing Fiber Outer Tank

Visualization

AP SENSING
advanced photonic

DTS Inner Tank

Remotely-Located Tank Annulus

Control Room Monitoring
 Base slab monitoring

The DTS monitors the entire pad area and In addition to the monitoring functionality,
heating system in real-time down to one- the temperature data also minimizes the
half meter spatial resolution. The sensor power consumption. By identifying hot and
cable is deployed in the heating element cold spots, heating efficiency is improved.
conduit within the pad, and provides Alarms and system warnings are typically
temperature data every half meter along set for both abnormally high and low
its path. temperatures.

Alarm

Heater Controller Cold Spot Embedded

Asset Heater Elements
Visualization

AP SENSING
advanced photonic

Sensing Fiber
DTS

Remotely-Located Base Slab

Control Room Monitoring

Alarm

Asset Sensing Fiber

Visualization

AP SENSING
advanced photonic

DTS

Remotely-Located Spill Containment Area

Control Room Monitoring

Spill containment areas

Cryogenic fluid is quickly detected by containment areas, the temperature

routing DTS sensor cable around the decreases, triggering an alarm. The system
perimeter of the spill containment areas. reports the precise alarm location.
When leaking material reaches the
Pipeline monitoring

From the jetty to the process areas and on Accurate temperature information can
to the tanks: the AP Sensing DTS solution be generated in ten second intervals
provides thermal gradient information providing rapid feedback for thermally
during cool down – ensuring that pipe induced pipe stress during cool down. A range of industry standard
stress is kept within specified operating communication protocols
limits. Also, it identifies pipe leak points are available to facilitate this
and possible insulation problems that integration, including:
cannot be seen by a visual examination.
• Modbus TCP, RTU, ASCII
• IEC 60870-5-104
• OPC
Leak Detection Fiber Leak Detection Fiber
• LabView
Joint Box Joint Box • ASCII File
• An open and fully
A
documented SCPI protocol

In addition to these protocols,

we have experience
implementing many different
Upper Cool-down Cool-down Gradient = Upper Temperature A - Lower Temperature B Lower Cool-down
Temperature Temperature types of communication:
Cool-down Monitoring

• TCP/IP/Ethernet
• Serial interfaces (RS232,
RS485, RS422)
• Relay contacts
• Analogue input/output
Ease of integration and site overview • Wireless modem
• Radio link
AP Sensing’s DTS solution can be fully from the main control room, for example, • Satellite
integrated into the site monitoring and an ATEX wall-mounted device located • GSM Modem
control system. This becomes important near a tank, or a rack-based system in the • USB – direct link to PC
when the DTS is located some distance jetty control room. or laptop

The AP Sensing engineering

team can also assist with
custom communications if
required.
AP Sensing’s leadership in quality is based on intelligent design,
proven components and decades of experience

The instrument design is based on a low Because it operates with the lowest optical
power semiconductor laser with the lowest output power, our DTS system is eye-safe
optical output power (Laser Class 1M) and certified for ATEX Zone 0. Unlike
for a maximum product lifetime. Our other DTS instruments, it causes no harm
proprietary code correlation concept in case of a fiber break, and it can be
provides the longest measurement range deployed in explosive atmospheric areas
on the market. without additional safety measures.

Additionally, our DTS solution has a

patented single receiver design that
ensures long lasting measurement stability
by eliminating drift effects associated with
dual receiver concepts. Our unique design
avoids the need for system recalibration.
AP Sensing’s advantages at a glance

AP Sensing’s DTS solution fits your LNG monitoring demands and gives your plant
operators peace of mind – your valuable assets remain protected!

An intelligent instrument
design with quality
components, configured for
your requirements: 
 
Our experience • Overall system MTBF value
From project planning and is 33 years
management, to commissioning
and ongoing service and support: • Semiconductor laser:
your complete solution provider from 60 years at used pulse
a single source. Sensor cables that fit method
your needs
Our portfolio is specifically suited to • Switch: tested for
pipeline applications, including steel 1000 million cycles,
Fiber is the distributed sensor Glass molecules sheathing and operating temperature the equivalent of hundreds
Laser Laser Pulse
Detector Backscattered Light
ranges from -196 °C to +300 °C. of years
AP SENSING
advanced photonic

Temperature
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Asset Visualization DTS Zones

• Genuine dual end operating

Fiber optic sensing technology mode – two single
Real-time, 24/7 monitoring for fast Alarm
measurements result in one
leak detection. automatically calibrated
temperature profile.

• Long term measurement

stability due to our unique
Intelligent single receiver design.
AP SENSING
advanced photonic

definition of
alarm and zone parameters
Certifications Efficient tracking of temperature
ideally suited to LNG gradients and use of heating
Plant safety and security are assured systems.
and all compliance requirements are
met. Laser Laser Pu
Detector

AP SENSING
advanced photonic

Temperature
Integrated The most 1 2
software, qualified and
Asset Visualization
a real-time operating system dependable DTSDTS
solution
and integrated alarming Stringent testing and decades
No viruses, no blue screens, and no of experience ensure a long and
dependency on network stability. maintenance-free product life.
AP Sensing certifications ensure your compliance and safety!

With the industry’s most complete set of certifications, AP Sensing helps

you comply to all relevant security standards, and ensures environmental and
employee safety.

ATEX Certification down to Zone 0

Ensures that our sensor cable and laser controller can be used in potentially explosive
atmospheres.

SIL-2 Assessment
Safety Integrity Level 2 ensures AP Sensing compliance for operator environments.

UL Certification
The Underwriters Laboratories ensures overall product safety.

Laser Safety
IEC 60825-1:2001

FDA acknowledgement for Laser Sources

Class 1M; FDA 21CFR; 1040.10+; Laser Notice No. 50

Electro-Magnetic Compatibility
IEC 61326:2002

Environmental Testing
IEC 600068-2-6/-64; IEC 60068-2-27

ISO 9001:2000
UL

Contact us for more information!

AP Sensing EMEA AP Sensing Americas AP Sensing UK

AP Sensing China AP Sensing Korea

Product specification and descriptions in this document subject

to change without notice and are not binding to AP Sensing.
© AP Sensing GmbH, 2012
Printed in Germany

www.apsensing.com