Many companies object to sensitive leak-detection systems, saying that false alarms cause costly shutdowns. Other systems include sensors that can detect the presence of hydrocarbons, indicating petroleum leaks, but those are considered too expensive for anything but limited use. The Office of Pipeline Safety does not require pipeline companies to have leak-detection systems. Indeed, the office doesn't even require computerized pipeline-control systems. Federal regulators do require that leak-detection systems should meet standards set out by the American Petroleum Institute.
Most companies do use computer systems to operate and monitor their pipelines.
Those systems may provide some leak detection, experts say. For nearly 30 years, the NTSB also has urged federal regulators to focus on valves that would be triggered by possible leaks and close automatically. But regulators have not yet adopted the suggestion. Some industry representatives are cautious of automatic systems. They say sudden closures of a pipeline could cause a backwash of fuel, increased pressure in the line and possible rupture.