Dogs are known for their exceptional capabilities to detect hidden explosives, illegal drugs, and even certain cancers. Now highly trained detection dogs are making their mark in the oil and gas industry as well.
Of the many types of pipeline leak detection methods, specially trained pipeline dogs have shown exceptional abilities to pinpoint microleaks quickly, accurately, and precisely. For example, on one project in West Texas, pressure loss was identified during a hydrostatic test of a buried pipeline. A team of pipeline leak detection dogs successfully pinpointed two microleaks after gas chromatography leak detection devices fell short.
How Does It Work?
Detection dogs have been documented identifying target odors at parts per billion. One of the most successful methods for this type of leak detection is the use of a tracer odorant injected into the pipeline. A highly trained detection dog is able to detect a tracer odor amongst a cocktail of other odors; therefore, the odorant can be injected into a wide variety of lines including crude oil, natural gas, saltwater disposal, and even during hydrostatic testing.
All of the detection dogs adhere to the same H2S safety protocols as their human counterparts.
Are Dogs Accurate?
Pipeline leak detection dogs have been documented as successfully locating leaks as deep as 12 ft. In research conducted by Imperial Oil and Exxon Mobil, pipeline leak detection dogs were able to pinpoint leaks with nearly a 100% success rate using a tracer odorant for multiple buried pipelines. According to one company, their team of leak detection dogs were able to come within a foot of microleaks on multiple projects, allowing hydrovac trucks to pothole directly over where the dogs indicated, and then visually identify the leak.1
How Are Dogs Selected?
Pipeline leak detection dogs have specific traits that make them well suited for their job. A high hunt drive is essential for a detection dog. An example of this would be a dog with an inexhaustible drive to hunt for their toy even when it isn’t visually present. Additionally, a pipeline dog would need to have unwavering confidence in new and varying environments, physical stamina, and tenacity to complete a task.
A dog’s nose is composed of turbinates (nasal membranes). A more complex network of this spongy material means a better nose—meaning, a long nose is correlated to better detection abilities in dogs. Breeds of dogs with short muzzles like pugs or bulldogs could have great motivation to work but are not physically built to have powerful detection abilities or stamina in strenuous conditions. A few popular breeds used for pipeline leak detection include German shepherds, Malinois, and Labradors.
When Are Dogs Used?
Pipeline leak detection dogs are being used by pipeline operators for hard-to-find leaks, unpiggable lines, poorly documented right of ways, challenging terrains, and as a preventive maintenance approach (dogs inspecting on regularly scheduled intervals).
A common application of pipeline dogs is in conjunction with hydrostatic pressure testing when a pressure loss has been identified. Pipeline dogs have also been preferred in agricultural and other sensitive areas that require a minimal impact method for pipeline inspection.
Detection dogs are trusted to keep our streets safe from drugs and public gatherings secure from explosives. Pipeline dogs are now building that level of trust with pipeline operators to maintain the integrity of our country’s infrastructure.
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Mich Hager is the President and Head Trainer for K9 Pipe Inspections; k9pipeinspections.com.
Photos courtesy of K9 Pipe Inspections.
Links
https://k9pipeinspections.com/news/38-leakspermianbasin
https://k9pipeinspections.com/news/39-onthejob
Reference
1. Vandewater, Brad, 1991, “Fido Sniffs Out Pipeline Leaks,” The Oklahoman, https://www.oklahoman.com/article/2350330/fido-sniffs-out-pipeline-leaks
I had thought that having a canine sniff gas leaks was extremly harmful to canines? They could contract gasoline poisioning through swallowing or inhalation? As I was told to never put an exsplosive detection canine on Fuel because of the fumes and will make the canine sick.
I am very interested in using the dogs in detecting line leaks. I am with the Desk and Derrick Club of Wichita Falls, Texas. Is there anyone close that would be interested in being a speaker at one of our monthly meetings? That would be awesome! thank you. Sheila McGaughey – Stephens & Johnson Operating Co.
Sheila,
For contact information, go to the K9 Pipe Inspections website k9pipeinspections.com.
Wow, it’s cool to know how dogs are trained to detect gas leaks in pipelines! In my opinion, detecting a gas leak on time could prevent major incidents and possible deaths! I believe it’s important we inspect our city’s pipelines regularly to prevent any catastrophe. Thanks for the information on how there’re different types of techniques to detect a gas leak.