Environmental Assessment
Volume C-2
Slurry Pipeline
Project Description
Ambatovy Project
15
January 2006
include reduced capital cost by optimizing pipeline wall thickness requirements
and the number of choke station valves, reduced risk of pipeline blockage, and
more efficient operation.
The simulation system will also incorporate a leak detection facility that detects
the presence and position of pipeline leaks.
2.3
SAFETY SYSTEM
The pipeline contains only non-flammable liquid/solid product, and does not
pose an explosion risk. High-pressure slurry is a non-compressible liquid, but can
be aggressively abrasive if a leak occurs. Operators will be instructed in the safe
operation of high-pressure slurry piping.
Additional design techniques and safety factors will be applied for all special
design points (e.g., thicker steel pipe wall at river crossings and in the more
sensitive environmental areas).
Typically a pipeline system design requires at least one signal augmentation
station about every 50 km to support fibre optic regeneration and cathodic
protection in addition to providing pipeline pressure information. These facilities
will be co-located with the pressure monitoring station as needed.
Self-contained solar units with battery back-up will provide power to the pressure
monitoring stations (PMSs). The units will be sized to provide power for station
instruments, SCADA components, telecommunications system, cathodic
protection system, and area lighting.
The pressure transmitter installed in a remote location (intermediate PMS) will
be equipped with an RTU (remote terminal unit and solar or thermal power
supply). Communication between the intermediate PMS site and the pump
station will be through fibre optic cable that will serve SCADA between both
ends of the pipeline. For redundancy, the radio link will be to both ends of the
pipeline. Basically, the leak detection system is considered as one of the SCADA
modules.
2.4
LEAK DETECTION SYSTEM
As noted above, a leak detection system will be provided for the pipeline. The
objective of the system is to detect system leaks and predict their location as well
as issue warnings to operators. The target number for the system resolution is
3 to 5% of the flow specified in the system operating envelope as presented in the
