Pipelines
Fiber Optic Leak Detection Systems (LDS)
Advanced Fiber-Optic Leak Detection Saves Billions
There's a 93 % chance your pipeline will leak during its lifetime.
Even short pipelines face reportable leaks over time, and long lines can expect incidents every year. In the U.S., a significant pipeline failure occurs every 40 hours, costing operators $7.7 billion between 2005 and 2020. Globally, leaks have caused tens of billions in losses, fines, and environmental damage.
Early detection changes everything. Detecting a leak early can reduce spill volume and damage by up to 90 %, saving millions in cleanup and downtime.
An SMS Advanced Pipeline Monitoring and Leak Detection System can pay for itself by preventing a small incident from becoming a billion-dollar disaster — and tomorrow’s headline.
SMS - One Platform for Total Pipeline Integrity Monitoring
Fast installation
Fiber-optic leak detection for buried, subsea, and above-ground pipelines carrying oil, gas, water, or CO2.
Fiber-optic sensors continuously detect leaks the moment they start and pinpoint the exact location. SMS even integrates with existing FO sensor cables.
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SMS – One Platform, Any Pipeline
Fast, proven fiber-optic monitoring and leak detection for buried, subsea, and above-ground pipelines carrying oil, gas, water, or CO₂.
Unlike point sensors, fiber-optic cables act as continuous sensors, detecting and localizing changes the instant they occur. SMS even integrates with existing FO sensor cables, making upgrades fast and cost-effective.
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Third-party excavation or tampering
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Drone or aerial impact location
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Theft and illegal taps
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Corrosion and pressure failures
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Ground movement or washouts
PHMSA recognizes distributed fiber-optic sensing (DFOS) as an accepted form of continuous monitoring for modern pipeline safety.
With over 30 years of expertise in fiber-optic sensing, acoustic-emission science, and monitoring-system design, SMS software uses a Rules Engine and Machine Learning to deliver high-confidence, real-time alerts.
We integrate five fiber-optic technologies—acoustic, temperature, strain, vibration, and — into one seamless Pipeline Integrity and Leak Detection Platform for complete situational awareness.
From remote deserts to the ocean floor, no segment is out of sight.
Fiber-optic systems last for decades, providing 24/7 monitoring, rapid localization, and actionable intelligence to prevent small incidents—or even drone strikes—from becoming billion-dollar disasters and tomorrow’s headlines.
Advanced leak detection is now a regulatory expectation for U.S. operators.
PHMSA's "Mega Rule" requires effective leak-detection capability on
all hazardous-liquid pipelines by October 1, 2024.
PHMSA's 2025 Gas Leak Detection & Repair Rule establishes performance-based
standards for real-time detection and repair. Industry standards such as
API Recommended Practice 1175 emphasize timely leak identification and program management, including modern fiber-optic sensing.
Deploying SMS Leak Detection Technology supports compliance with current PHMSA regulations and alignment with API best practices-demonstrating due diligence and leadership in pipeline integrity management.
The Bottom Line
An SMS-integrated Pipeline Safety System delivers nonstop monitoring, instant alerts, and coordinated response-cutting risk, cost, and penalties while proving your commitment to zero incidents.
Pipeline leaks may be inevitable - but their impact isn't.
SMS helps you detect the 93 % before they make headlines.
Summary
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Invest millions to save billions
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Support compliance with PHMSA & API standards
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Detect leaks in real time with no false alarms
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Works for subsea, buried, and above-ground pipelines
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Fast installation, decades-long fiber lifespan
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SMS delivers total pipeline safety and integrity
Kalamazoo River — A 17-hour unrecognized leak released over 800,000 gallons of crude and cost $2 billion. The local fire department was called, but couldn’t locate spill.
Prevent this with SMS in Real-Time.
API & PHMSA LDS Compliance & Best-Practice Alignment
SMS goes beyond API & PHMSA requirements, detecting:
Ready to protect your pipeline?
Schedule a technical briefing with the SMS team.
Contact us for a Presentation
Tel: 609-433-8485
SMS (Structural Monitoring Solutions)
800 West State Street, Suite 303, Doylestown, PA, 18901