Sand Monitoring Detection System

SMARTCORR® sand monitoring detection systems are designed to detect sand particles traveling through pipelines and provide information that can be used to evaluate sand activity and associated erosion concerns. The technology analyzes acoustic signals generated when sand particles impact the pipe wall.

Because the monitoring approach is non-invasive, the sensor does not need to be inserted directly into the process stream. This allows sand activity to be evaluated while limiting interference with normal pipeline operations. Real-time monitoring also allows operators to identify changes in sand trends as production and process conditions vary.

How Acoustic Sand Monitoring Works

When sand travels with oil, gas, water, or another process medium, particles in the fluid stream can strike the internal surface of the pipeline. These impacts generate acoustic energy that can be detected by externally mounted sensors, helping distinguish sand activity from background noise caused by flow conditions or chokes.

The SMARTCORR® sand monitoring detection system is an integrated, combined solution that captures and measures these acoustic signals with proven accuracy, supported by robust electronics and reliable communication with plant systems. Rather than waiting for erosion-related material loss to become apparent during an inspection, operators can monitor changes in sand activity as they occur.

This non-invasive approach avoids process intervention while providing real-time visibility into how changing flow rates, production conditions, and other operating variables correspond with sand activity. Monitoring trends over time can also support early warning and alerting, helping reduce downtime and maintenance risk while identifying locations where sand-related erosion may warrant closer attention.

SMARTCORR® offers two types of sand monitors:

1. Portable Sand Monitor: The portable sand monitor primarily includes a sensor, toolkit, and data display. Its portable configuration makes it suitable for short-term monitoring, field surveys, troubleshooting, and evaluating specific locations where sand production is suspected or requires additional investigation.

   Portable monitoring can also be useful when personnel want to compare sand activity at multiple locations or under different operating conditions without establishing permanent monitoring at each point.

2. Fixed Sand Monitor: The fixed sand monitor primarily consists of a sensor and control unit. It is designed for applications requiring long-term or continuous sand monitoring. A fixed system can provide ongoing information about sand trends, allowing operators to observe how particle activity changes as production conditions evolve.

   Fixed monitoring may be appropriate at locations where sand is a persistent concern or where continuous visibility can contribute useful information to broader production and asset integrity programs.

Choosing Between Portable and Fixed Sand Monitoring

The appropriate monitoring configuration depends on the application and the type of information required. Portable monitoring may be preferred for temporary investigations, periodic surveys, troubleshooting, or determining whether a location warrants longer-term monitoring.

Fixed monitoring is better suited to locations where operators require continuous visibility into sand activity. In some applications, the two approaches can complement each other. Portable equipment can be used to investigate or screen multiple locations, while fixed monitors can provide ongoing monitoring at selected points.

Sand Monitoring Applications

Pipeline sand monitoring can support a range of oil and gas production and processing applications. Monitoring may be considered for production pipelines and flowlines, gas production systems, produced-water systems, separators and associated piping, wells, and locations upstream of equipment that may be susceptible to particle erosion.

The location of sensors should reflect the pipeline configuration, operating conditions, expected sand behavior, and integrity objectives. In some applications, portable equipment can be used for screening, while fixed monitors provide ongoing visibility at selected points.

Sand Monitoring and Pipeline Asset Integrity

Sand monitoring provides one source of information within a broader pipeline integrity program. Sand detection identifies particle activity, while erosion monitoring, corrosion monitoring, and inspection technologies can provide different information about the condition of the pipe and associated equipment.

Combining these data sources can provide a more complete understanding of operating conditions and asset condition. For example, an increase in detected sand activity can be considered alongside erosion measurements, corrosion monitoring data, process conditions, and inspection findings when evaluating a pipeline or production system.

SMARTCORR® provides sand monitoring alongside erosion monitoring, corrosion monitoring systems, in-line inspection, and corrosion management technologies, allowing operators to consider multiple forms of integrity data when assessing pipeline conditions.

The pig detection system is an essential part of pipeline operations. SMARTCORR® pig detection technology monitors pig movement through pipework and provides information to operators that can support subsequent pipeline activities.

• SMARTCORR® sand monitoring is a non-invasive monitoring approach that does not require the sensor to be inserted into the process stream
• Portable and fixed configurations support short-term and long-term monitoring requirements
• External sensor installation supports straightforward deployment for applicable pipeline configurations
• Real-time analysis provides visibility into sand particle activity and changing sand trends
  Acoustic monitoring provides data that can complement erosion, corrosion, process, and inspection information
• Monitoring capabilities can support production and pipeline asset integrity evaluations