CSU, SMU partner on $2.6M in grants for pipeline leak detection research

Colorado State University’s Methane Emissions Technology Evaluation Center, known as METEC, and Southern Methodist University will work together on grants totaling $2.6 million to improve detection of pipeline leaks. 

Researchers will test and validate existing advanced leak detection technologies that are not currently accepted for use on regulated pipelines. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration funded two grants to the team.

“The integrity of our pipeline infrastructure is critical to energy security and environmental safety,” said Dan Zimmerle, METEC director. “As systems age, our research at METEC is more important than ever to identify, validate, and implement advanced leak detection methods that will help extend the life of our pipelines while reducing risk to technicians and first responders.” 

These projects will drive advancements in pipeline leak detection methods, contributing significantly to the safety and efficiency of natural gas and hydrogen-natural gas infrastructure. Researchers will focus on developing protocols used for real-world settings. 

“The goal is advancing and increasing the confidence and implementation of pipeline leak detection along the supply chain, which is directly beneficial to the natural gas industry and PHMSA’s vision to find new ways to reduce risk toward people, property and the environment,” said SMU principal investigator Kathleen M. Smits, chair of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Solomon Professor for Global Development at SMU Lyle School of Engineering.   

Work will be conducted at the METEC facility at CSU in Fort Collins, and will involve industry operators, regulators, and other key stakeholders. The team will, among other things, develop protocols for advanced leak detection methods that maximize coverage, minimize cost, and maintain effectiveness. – Colorado State University