The mobile early leak detection system (MELDS) from Teledyne TSS is claimed capable of quickly detecting leakages of dissolved methane and combustible gases from pipelines and subsea structures at depths down to 3000m. The versatile and sensitive tool can be ROV-mounted and used in conjunction with the company’s subsea pipe trackers.
Designed for easy integration and operation, the MELDS unit includes a methane sniffer and a flowhead, a PAH (hydrocarbon) fluorometer, CTD (conductivity, temperature and density) sensor and a pump and T-handle with suction tube rated to 3000m. Available as a flow-through version with a submersible pump that can be directed accurately and easily by a ROV manipulator, it can also be supplied with a wide range of sensor options to meet specific customer requirements.
The new leak sniffer weighs 12.3kg in air and 9.3kg in water. With a reaction time of less than 10 seconds, it uses specialist software to provide a graphical ROV operator display and interface for the easy location of leaks.