Pipeline operators face one of the most demanding environmental and operational challenges in modern industry—detecting leaks quickly and accurately in remote locations. Protecting natural ecosystems, maintaining regulatory compliance, and avoiding catastrophic losses all depend on early leak detection. Yet, traditional monitoring methods have long struggled to meet this challenge. Naftosense, a leader in hydrocarbon detection technology, has partnered with Lindsay Corporation to create a robust, self-sufficient solution that finally makes reliable remote leak detection practical and affordable.
For decades, operators have relied on “walk over” or “fly over” visual inspections to find leaks in remote areas. These surveys typically look for secondary evidence such as brown vegetation, oil sheens, or visible soil discoloration. While simple in concept, these methods are slow, costly, and often come too late to prevent environmental damage. A small leak may go unnoticed for weeks or months, allowing hydrocarbons to migrate underground or into waterways before discovery. Many pipeline sites—particularly at block valves, pig launchers, stub ups, and unmanned facilities—are situated far from roads or electrical power, making frequent inspection nearly impossible. Even when leaks are eventually detected, cleanup and regulatory fines can dwarf the cost of proactive monitoring.
The industry has sought alternatives for years, but remote locations pose unique technical barriers. Many monitoring systems require grid power or fiber connections to operate, limiting their usefulness in isolated environments. Others depend on SCADA infrastructure, which can be prohibitively expensive to extend to each remote site. Extreme temperature swings, humidity, and explosive atmospheres further complicate equipment deployment. Until recently, operators were forced to choose between expensive monitoring projects and the environmental risks of infrequent inspections.
Naftosense developed its Poly-Absorptive Sensor (PAS) technology to address the heart of this problem. Each PAS device detects hydrocarbon contamination through a unique absorption process that responds to even minute quantities of liquid hydrocarbons. The polymer material within the sensor absorbs hydrocarbons and triggers a measurable change, providing an early warning well before visible contamination appears. Unlike electronic gas sensors that require power-hungry heating elements, Naftosense’s design is inherently low-power and maintenance-free. The sensors are rugged, durable, and capable of continuous operation in demanding outdoor environments, making them ideal for long-term field deployment.
To enable these sensors to function in truly remote areas, Naftosense partnered with Lindsay Corporation, the manufacturer of the
SentraLink LD remote monitoring system. The SentraLink LD acts as both a power source and a communications gateway for Naftosense PAS sensors, eliminating the need for external power or network infrastructure. Using primary lithium thionyl chloride batteries, each monitoring unit can operate continuously for up to three years. This extended battery life allows operators to install systems at distant block valves, uncrewed stations, and environmentally sensitive areas without ever running power lines or generators.
SentraLink LD communicates sensor data over low-cost cellular networks and, where cellular coverage is unavailable, can connect via satellite links. This capability ensures real-time visibility of pipeline conditions across vast distances. The system integrates seamlessly with the Elecsys Connect web portal, a secure, cloud-based interface that provides operators with 24/7 access to all connected sensors. Through any web-enabled device, users can view sensor status, GPS coordinates, and leak alerts overlaid on a Google Maps interface. When a leak is detected, the system instantly transmits text and email notifications that include precise location data and estimated leak volume, enabling immediate response without waiting for the next inspection cycle.
This intelligent reporting framework reduces data noise and bandwidth use by operating on a “report by exception” basis—sending updates only when a change occurs. Operators can remotely configure alarm thresholds and reporting intervals through the web portal, tailoring the system’s responsiveness to site conditions. The entire unit is housed in a NEMA 4X-rated polycarbonate enclosure for weather resistance and compliance with hazardous-area requirements. With an operational temperature range from -30°C to +70°C and tolerance for humidity up to 95%, the system remains reliable in both arctic and desert environments.
By combining Naftosense’s passive hydrocarbon detection with Lindsay’s autonomous, connected platform, operators gain a continuous, self-sustaining leak monitoring network that requires minimal maintenance. Eliminating external power and SCADA connections provides a significant cost advantage. Traditional monitoring projects can require trenching, conduit, and control wiring, which can run into tens of thousands of dollars per mile. In contrast, the Naftosense–Lindsay solution can be installed with a simple mounting process and pre-coded connectors, bringing each site online in hours rather than days.
Beyond economic efficiency, the environmental benefits are profound. Early leak detection reduces hydrocarbon release volumes, shortens cleanup times, and minimizes ecological impact. Regulators increasingly demand continuous monitoring for environmental compliance, and systems like SentraLink LD with PAS sensors meet these expectations while keeping operational costs low. For operators managing hundreds of miles of pipeline, automated detection transforms leak monitoring from a reactive obligation into a proactive asset protection strategy.
The system’s adoption by major oil and gas companies underscores its credibility in real-world use. Operators have deployed it at hundreds of remote sites to monitor valves, junctions, and containment areas that once relied solely on manual inspection. In these installations, the combination of Naftosense sensors and SentraLink LD units has demonstrated consistent reliability and rapid leak detection even under the most challenging field conditions.
As pipeline networks expand and environmental regulations tighten, the industry can no longer afford to rely on slow, manual inspection methods. The integration of Naftosense Poly-Absorptive Sensors with Lindsay’s SentraLink LD monitoring system provides a proven, cost-effective way to monitor remote assets and respond instantly to potential leaks continuously. By making high-performance leak detection possible anywhere, this partnership sets a new standard for environmental stewardship and operational efficiency in the pipeline industry.
