Pipelines · DAS · DTS · DSS/DTSS
One pipeline route, different threat mechanisms — match the measurement to the phenomenon
Third-party interference, leakage and slow ground deformation leave different signatures. INTERLAB brings together current DAS, DTS and DSS/DTSS equipment in a hardware architecture selected for the pipeline application.
third-party interference and excavationleakage and temperaturesettlement and landslidesevent location
An optical fibre can provide a distributed measurement profile along a pipeline, but no single mode identifies every hazard with the same confidence. DAS records vibration and dynamic events, DTS measures temperature, and DSS/DTSS tracks slowly changing strain.
System performance also depends on the sensing-cable construction, mechanical coupling to the ground or pipe, fibre quality, a baseline and acceptance criteria. Comparing interrogators only by their maximum range is therefore insufficient.
Which threats leave a measurable signature?
Define the failure mechanism and physical quantity first; select the interrogator afterwards.
Excavation and interference
Ground vibration, tool operation or vehicle movement can be recorded by DAS and located along the route.
Leakage
DTS looks for a thermal anomaly, while DAS records acoustic events. The result depends on the medium, pressure, temperature and cable installation.
Settlement and landslides
DSS/DTSS creates a static-strain profile that can be compared with the baseline and subsequent measurements.
Pig passage and valve operation
Dynamic events may produce characteristic DAS signatures that must be validated on the target route.
Problem → physical quantity → technology
Measurement layers can be combined, but each answers a different question.
| Phenomenon / objective | Technology | What it provides | INTERLAB portfolio |
|---|
| excavation, vehicle, interference | DAS | time, location and vibration signature | OptaSense ATLAS, QuantX, Silixa iDAS-MG |
| thermal anomaly associated with a leak | DTS | temperature versus distance and time | LIOS PRE.VENT, Silixa ULTIMA, XT-DTS |
| settlement, creep, deformation | DSS / DTSS | static-strain profile and trend | Silixa iDSS, fibrisTerre |
| short critical section | OFDR / FBG | dense distributed profile or point measurement | ODiSI 7100, HYPERION and FBG sensors |
Important: DTS does not detect every leak, and DAS is not a substitute for static-strain measurement. Classification and thresholds must be validated under representative conditions.
Current equipment in the INTERLAB portfolio
Selection starts with the required physical quantity, route length and cable-installation method.
DASOptaSense ATLAS
A multi-channel DAS platform for extensive linear assets and alarm integration.
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DASOptaSense QuantX
Quantitative DAS for demanding applications and analysis over long distances.
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DSSSilixa iDSS
Distributed static-strain measurement for settlement, slopes and infrastructure.
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BrillouinfibrisTerre
Long-range distributed strain and temperature measurement for geotechnical applications.
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DTSLIOS PRE.VENT
Industrial distributed temperature and process monitoring along infrastructure.
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DTSSilixa XT-DTS
A DTS platform for temperature profiling in demanding field applications.
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From event to actionable information
The complete measurement chain includes more than the interrogator.
Define the failure mode
Leakage, interference, deformation and temperature require different criteria.
Design the sensing cable
Cable construction and coupling determine whether the fibre receives strain, temperature or vibration.
Establish a baseline
A reference state and route-distance mapping support trending and event location.
Validate acceptance
Representative event tests verify thresholds, alarms and integration.
Frequently asked questions
Can an existing dark fibre be used?
Often yes, especially for DAS, but the route, fibre type, attenuation, splices, end access and mechanical coupling to the monitored asset must be qualified.
Can one system detect leakage, excavation and settlement?
This should not be assumed. Dynamic events, temperature and static strain are different physical quantities. The most suitable architecture may combine DAS, DTS and DSS.
Does DTS detect every leak?
No. A leak must create a thermal anomaly that can be distinguished from environmental variation. The medium, pressure, temperature and cable installation all matter.
Why is sensing-cable installation so important?
The interrogator analyses the signal in the fibre, but the cable transfers the phenomenon to that fibre. Poor coupling can prevent the system from measuring the intended quantity.
How are alarm thresholds defined?
They are based on the failure mechanism, baseline data, site conditions and testing. They are not a universal value taken from an interrogator data sheet.
Select DAS, DTS or DSS for the specific threat mechanism
Send us the route diagram, medium details, available fibres and the events the system should detect.
Technical sources: OptaSense — TANAP pipeline · Silixa iDSS · fibrisTerre
