REAL-TIME DETECTION OF FUEL LEAKS IN UNDERGROUND PIPING

CONTEXT

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.

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 ARE WE 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
occurrence
• Not overly interfere with airport operations, either during installation, or during
operation
• Be 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.

POSSIBLE USE CASES

1. During normal operations, a section of piping starts leaking fuel into the surrounding
soil. The fuel leak detection system detects the leak and sends an alert to the CAFHI
Control Room. CAFHI takes action to isolate the leaking section of pipe, closing it off
to stop the leakage. They are then able to investigate further and excavate the pipe for
repairs.

2. CAFHI Control Room receives an alert about a section of piping. The system has
detected that the integrity of the pipe may be at risk, with thinning of the carbon steel
of the pipe reaching a critical threshold. CAFHI can use this data to efficiently schedule
maintenance of the pipe network, minimising the risk of future leaks.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

• SGD 50,000 of prize money for each winner of this challenge (see Award Model).
• 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 and our
experience team.
• A successful solution provider could potentially sell their solution at airports, with
hydrant system, around the world.
EVALUATION CRITERIA

The Applicants shall be evaluated in accordance with the evaluation criteria set out below.

Solution Fit To what extent does the proposed solution

address the problem statement effectively?

Solution Readiness How ready is the proposed solution to go

to the market?
Is there any evidence to suggest capacity to
scale?

Solution Advantage Is the solution truly innovative, does it make

use of new technologies in the market, and
can it potentially generate new IP?

Company Profile Does the product have user and revenue

traction?
Do the team members possess strong
scientific/technical background?

AWARD MODEL

30% of the prize money will be awarded to each selected finalist at the start of the Prototype
development process, with the remainder 70% to be awarded during the Prototype
development process, based on milestones agreed between CAFHI and the solver.

Note that a finalist who is selected to undertake the Prototype development process will be
required to enter into an agreement with CAFHI that will include more detailed conditions
pertaining to the Prototype development.

DEADLINE

All submissions must be made by 5 June 2020, 1600 hours (SGT/GMT +8). CAFHI and
IMDA may extend the deadline of the submission at their discretion. Late submissions will
not be considered.