CLOSED: Real-time Detection of Fuel Leaks in Underground Piping
CLOSED: Enhancing Community Care with Internet of Things
17/04/2020
CLOSED: Sustainable Utilisation of Inflight Food Resources
17/04/2020
| City: | Singapore |
| Challenge Title: | Real-time Detection of Fuel Leaks in Underground Piping |
| Challenge Owner: | Changi Airports Fuel Hydrant Installation Pte Ltd (CAFHI) |
| Challenge Website: | https://bit.ly/fuelleaks |
| Challenge Award: | SGD 50,000 of prize money for each winner |
| Other Awards: | A successful solution provider could potentially sell their solution at airports, with hydrant system around the world. Access to a fuel stand (subjected to Airport Security clearance) at Changi Airport to test a promising solution and demonstrate viability, in collaboration with CAFHI |
| Theme / Sector: | Digitalization of industry |
| Challenge Blurb: | Changi Airports Fuel Hydrant Installation Pte Ltd (CAFHI) currently owns, maintains and operates fuel storage and distribution system for the delivery of aviation fuel Changi Airport. The Fuel Hydrant System consists of a network of underground piping that transports fuel (Jet A1) from storage tanks to refueling aircraft parked at terminal bays. The carbon steel pipes are between 18 to 28 inches in diameter, with an internal lining, a polyken tape outer wrapping, and cathodic protection. These pipes can remain buried for up to 50 years. The hydrant system is connected to over 500 fuel pit valves which are used to refuel aircraft throughout Changi Airport. CAFHI tests the system for leaks twice yearly, using the Hansa TCS (Tightness Control System) leak detection system, where sections of the underground piping are pressure tested to ensure the integrity. However, the current solution does not support real time detection. Potential leaks may only be discovered during the six-monthly testing period. Undiscovered leaks could result in soil contamination, loss of product and the creation of a dangerous fire hazard. The fuel distribution system is mostly underground and inaccessible. Existing solutions require excavating down to the pipes in order to install leak detection equipment. This process is disruptive to airport operations. CAFHI is seeking a solution that operates real-time and is both non-destructive and non-disruptive to refueling operations. The solution would ideally provide early warnings for any potential loss of pipe integrity. |
| Challenge Description: | Problem Statement How might we detect leaks in the Changi Airport Fuel System in real-time, without disrupting operations and without the need for excavation? What We Are Looking For A prototype solution that can detect leaks of Jet A1 Fuel from the underground pipes within a short time of the leak occurring. The solution needs to: Be able to identify leaks (through a drop in pressure, detection of hydrocarbons, or any other relevant form of sensing) even while the system is in operation, and without the need to take the pipe sections offline to test pipe integrity Detect (within a certain radius tolerance) leaks of jet fuel within a short time upon such occurrenceNot overly interfere with airport operations, either during installation, or during operationBe economically viable at scale across the airport The prototype will be tested on one set of piping (linking to a single fuel pit that serves up to 8 plane bays). Some disruption at the site will be tolerated for the prototype, but the solution provider will need to demonstrate how the solution could scale to the whole airport without compromising operations. Preference will be given to solutions that can also provide an early indication of issues with pipe integrity (reductions in pipe thickness, the emergence of cracks, or corrosion), without the need to excavate the pipes. |
| Open for Submissions: | 1 April 2020 |
| Deadline for Submissions: | 5 June 2020, 1600 hours (SGT/GMT +8) |
| Finalist Announcement: | TBA |
| Winner Announcement: | TBA |
| Who Can Apply: | Open to international participants |
| Registration Details: | Submit online at: https://www.openinnovation.sg/challenges/real-time-detection-of-fuel-leaks-in-underground-piping |
For application assistance: Please contact Quercus Group
