K-DAS Distributed Acoustic Sensing (Phase-OTDR) • Ksense LLP (RKCP Registry)
Monitoring and Protection
of Trunk Oil and Gas
Pipelines
Right-of-way protection and Third-Party Intrusion (TPI) prevention, real-time in-line PIG tracking, and geohazard monitoring aligned with API RP 1160 and ASME B31.8S
Unified K-DAS Fiber-Optic Platform for Pipeline Integrity and Right-of-Way Security
Developed and manufactured by Ksense LLP (Uralsk, Republic of Kazakhstan) — certified in the Register of Kazakhstani Commodity Producers (RKCP)
Ksense LLP (Uralsk, Kazakhstan, BIN 221040043764, certified in the Register of Kazakhstani Commodity Producers — RKCP) designs and manufactures K-DAS coherent phase-sensitive optical time-domain reflectometers (Phase-OTDR) that convert a single standard telecommunications fiber (ITU-T G.652, G.655, G.657) into a continuous array of thousands of vibroacoustic sensors. Supporting Pipeline Integrity Management programs aligned with API RP 1160 and ASME B31.8S, a single K-DAS optical unit monitors up to 65 km of pipeline per single arm (up to 130 km across two channels) with spatial resolution down to 4 m and event localization accuracy within 5–10 m, scaling up to 1,500 km in networked multi-unit deployments.
The system operates over an existing spare ("dark") fiber within the technological telecom cable already buried in the pipeline right-of-way (ROW), or via a dedicated sensing cable buried in the trench or clamped to above-ground pipe racks. Because the optical fiber is completely passive, no field power, roadside cabinets, or active electronics are required along the route, ensuring intrinsic safety in hazardous explosive atmospheres and full immunity to lightning strikes, HV power lines, and cathodic protection currents. Detection range and classification performance depend on soil properties, burial depth, and cable offset from the pipe; detailed specifications and optical budget calculations (up to 15–22 dB) are provided upon request.
- Spare G.652 Fiber
Without TrenchingConnects directly to a single spare single-mode fiber in the existing technological telecom cable buried along the pipeline right-of-way without trenching, pipeline shutdowns, or expensive specialty sensing cables. - Stops Intrusions
Before Pipe ContactNeural-network classifiers detect heavy machinery, excavator digging, directional drilling, and manual digging in the right-of-way before tools touch the pipe coating, filtering out traffic, weather, and livestock noise. - TPI & PIG Tracking
in a Single FiberA single K-DAS hardware-software platform simultaneously performs Third-Party Intrusion (TPI) prevention, in-line PIG tracking, right-of-way geohazard monitoring, and auxiliary acoustic anomaly detection. - Fully Passive &
Intrinsically SafeZero field electronics or power supply along tens of kilometers of pipeline. The optical fiber is completely spark-free, immune to lightning, HV power lines, and cathodic protection currents, with a 25+ year cable service life.
Key Pipeline Monitoring & Protection Capabilities
Comprehensive 24/7 monitoring of trunk, gathering, and distribution oil, gas, and product pipelines
- Third-Party Intrusion (TPI) Prevention
Preventing trunk underground utility strikes during excavation works →
- Route Geohazard & Slope Monitoring
Explore K-DAS solutions for geotechnical monitoring and seismic surveys →
Pipeline Monitoring Capabilities
- Right-of-way (ROW) protection against illegal tapping, manual digging, and excavator work (TPI).
- Real-time tracking of cleaning pigs and smart inspection gauges (PIG Tracking).
- 24/7 monitoring of ground movement and route geohazards.
- Auxiliary detection of acoustic and thermal anomalies during emergency events.
- In-Line Inspection Gauge & Scraper Tracking (PIG Tracking)
Field performance of K-DAS for reliable in-line PIG detection and tracking →
- Open SCADA Integration & Auxiliary Route Diagnostics
K-DAS Operator Software & SCADA Integration
Real-time GIS visualization of third-party intrusions, PIG tracking, and patrol crew activity with open integration into SCADA via OPC UA, Modbus TCP, and REST API.
Deployment & Industrial Pilot Trial (IPT) Workflow
Because machinery detection range, localization accuracy, and noise rejection depend on soil properties, burial depth, and fiber offset from the pipe, K-DAS deployment follows a four-stage engineering validation protocol on the operator's pipeline section:
- 1. Pre-Engineering Route Survey & FOC AuditReview of pipeline route parameters (burial depth, terrain profile, road and river crossings), OTDR reflectometry of existing telecom fibers at pump/compressor stations and block valves, optical loss budget calculation (up to 15–22 dB), and topology design.
- 2. Station Installation & Controlled Field SimulationsInstallation of the K-DAS optical interrogator and processing server into a standard 19" telecom rack (3U+2U) without interrupting pipeline flow. Execution of controlled field tests along the route: vehicle approach, excavator work, manual digging, and live PIG passage tracking.
- 3. Linear Referencing & Neural Classifier CalibrationPrecise geospatial mapping of optical fiber distance to pipeline kilometer posts (accounting for splice enclosures and slack loops), suppression of stationary background noise (highways, rail crossings, pump stations), and zone-by-zone alarm threshold tuning.
- 4. SCADA Integration & Pilot Acceptance ProtocolData streaming integration with the operator's SCADA and GIS platforms via OPC UA, Modbus TCP, or REST API, followed by formal sign-off of the Industrial Pilot Trial report confirming right-of-way threat detection probability, localization accuracy, and false-alarm immunity.
Cooperation Models for Pipeline Operators & EPC Contractors
Full-lifecycle engineering support from pre-project fiber audit to commercial operation
For Oil, Gas & Product Pipeline Operators:
- Joint Industrial Pilot Trials (IPT) on live pipeline sections using spare fibers in existing right-of-way telecom cables;
- Turnkey supply of K-DAS units (up to 65 km per arm / up to 130 km on two channels per interrogator, networkable up to 1,500 km across 20+ units), installation supervision, and commissioning;
- Dispatcher and I&C engineer training, long-term SLA support, and neural-network classifier updates tailored to route conditions.
For Design Institutes & EPC Integrators:
- Specification of domestic Ksense LLP equipment (certified in the Register of Kazakhstani Commodity Producers — RKCP) into FEED, detailed design, and tender packages;
- Engineering assistance with technical specifications, optical budget calculations, cable placement recommendations, and SCADA interface design;
- OEM hardware supply and specialized commissioning subcontracting within EPC contracts.
Request a Standard IPT Program, Questionnaire, or K-DAS Technical Specifications
Contact the Ksense LLP engineering team for a pre-engineering fiber route assessment, optical budget calculation, and pilot trial program tailored to your pipeline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Key engineering and operational questions on deploying K-DAS distributed acoustic sensing across trunk and gathering pipelines
Yes. For right-of-way Third-Party Intrusion (TPI) monitoring, in-line PIG tracking, and geohazard surveillance, K-DAS connects directly to a single spare ('dark') single-mode fiber (ITU-T G.652, G.655, or G.657) inside the existing technological telecom cable buried in the pipeline right-of-way. No trenching or field sensor installation along the pipeline route is required.
The K-DAS software combines deterministic time-frequency signal processing with neural-network classifiers trained on extensive field libraries of target and background events. By analyzing spectral signatures, duration, movement speed, and spatial localization, the system reliably separates passing vehicles, trains, and grazing cattle from stationary excavator digging, directional drilling, manual trenching, and mechanical work on the pipe wall.
As a cleaning scraper or smart in-line inspection (ILI) gauge travels through the pipeline, its cups generate a distinct acoustic signature each time they pass a girth weld. K-DAS continuously calculates the pig's live coordinate, speed, and estimated time of arrival (ETA) at the receiver trap—and pinpoints any stuck pig within 10 m. All coordinates, PIG tracks, and alarms are streamed to upper-level SCADA and GIS platforms via open industrial protocols (OPC UA, Modbus TCP, REST API).
The ability of fiber-optic acoustic and thermal-strain sensing to detect leaks depends heavily on pipeline operating pressure, fluid phase, pipe diameter, and the distance between the pipe wall and the optical cable. In practice, K-DAS should be viewed not as a replacement for conventional hydraulic or mass-balance systems, but as an auxiliary physical sensing layer capable of registering acoustic and thermal anomalies from major ruptures when cable placement geometry is favorable. Actual sensitivity on a specific pipeline section is always evaluated individually during an Industrial Pilot Trial (IPT).
K-DAS systems are designed and serially manufactured by Ksense LLP (BIN 221040043764) in Uralsk, Republic of Kazakhstan. Domestic manufacturer status is officially certified by inclusion in the state Register of Kazakhstani Commodity Producers (RKCP) on the portal e-ondiris.gov.kz.