20090067777 | Pipeline security system - The present invention provides a security system for a pipeline, such as an oil, gas or water pipeline, or other tubular, elongated or other structures used to convey various other liquid, gaseous or fluent materials. The invention is also useful in protecting a tunnel such as a vehicular tunnel. A flexible and wrappable sensor sheet is provided having an optical fiber or electrical wire disposed therein in a zigzag or other pattern which covers substantially the entire area of the sheet. The sensor sheet containing the fiber or wire is wrapped around the outer surface of a pipeline or other structure, and provides a covering of substantially the entire outer surface of a predetermined length of the pipeline. Similar sheets can be employed on adjacent pipeline sections to provide protection of any intended length of the pipeline, which may include the entire effective pipeline length. The individual sensor sheets can be interconnected to provide one continuous optical or electrical path through the adjacent sensor sections for the entire pipeline length or any part thereof. A light or current source is provided at one end of the continuous path to introduce light or current into the path. A light or current detector is coupled to the other end of the path to sense light or electrical current from the path. Alternatively each sensor section can have its own light or current source and its own light or current detector for sensing a signal from the respective paths. | 03-12-2009 |