Pipeline Protection Systems
System Purpose
The system is designed for detecting unauthorized intrusions into pipelines, including attempts at illegal connection for the purpose of gas or fuel theft. The solution is based on fiber-optic technology from Future Fiber Technologies (FFT), a member of AVA Group — a leading manufacturer of detection systems for critical infrastructure facilities.
FFT Technology Application Areas
- Perimeter protection (surface or underground installation)
- Cable network condition monitoring
- Gas and oil pipeline protection
- Belt conveyor monitoring
- Other specialized tasks with high security requirements
Future Fiber Technologies (FFT) Technology
FFT is a global leader in fiber-optic monitoring systems. Their solutions are based on high-precision detection with minimal false alarms, thanks to the company's extensive experience in signal processing and the application of artificial intelligence.
Key Advantages:
- High sensitivity to disturbances with accuracy down to a few meters
- Reliable operation in any weather conditions: fiber-optic cables are resistant to moisture, corrosion, electromagnetic interference, and lightning
- No electronic components or power supply along the route
- Minimal maintenance requirements — reduced total cost of ownership
- Flexible adaptation to individual customer requirements
- 2-year warranty, mean time between failures — over 150,000 hours
Aura Ai-2 Detection System
Aura Ai-2 is a multifunctional next-generation fiber-optic detection system that supports fence-mounted or underground installation, operates on a single compact controller, and provides high-precision pipeline protection.
System Capabilities:
- Protection up to 80 km (±2 m accuracy) for fence-mounted installation
- Protection up to 110 km (±5 m accuracy) for underground installation
- Simultaneous operation on two channels in real time
- Redundancy support: even in the event of cable breakage, the system continues to operate between the controller and the break point
- Ring topology support — intrusion detection in both directions
- Detection of: digging, vehicle movement, leaks, pipeline intrusions
- Intrinsically safe design
- Full EMI/RFI and atmospheric protection
- Compact controller housing — 4U
Aura Ai-2 System Operating Principle:
- The sensor cable is laid on the surface or underground along the pipeline.
- The cable fibers are connected to the Aura Ai-2 controller.
- The controller transmits laser pulses into the sensor fibers.
- Any mechanical activity (intrusion, digging, vibrations) causes a change in light reflection.
- The built-in artificial intelligence processes the signal and filters out false alarms.
- FFT CAMS software provides the operator with event visualization and their precise localization.
False Alarm Protection
The system employs advanced signal processing algorithms combined with artificial intelligence to reduce the number of false alarms without losing sensitivity. This allows the technology to be effectively used in areas such as:
- Gas and oil pipelines
- Chemical pipelines
- Water supply networks
- Facilities with high risk of unauthorized access
Certification and Security
The Aura Ai-2 system has been tested in accordance with cybersecurity requirements under the following standards:
- NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology, USA)
- UL 2900 (cybersecurity standards for industrial systems)
Main Specifications of Aura Ai-2
- Coverage length: up to 110 km (2 × 55 km)
- Localization accuracy: ±5 meters
- Detection: digging, machinery movement, intrusions, leaks
- Artificial intelligence — noise filtering, event classification
- High probability of detection and zero probability of missed events
- Complete absence of active electronics along the pipeline
- Immunity to interference, electromagnetic pulses, atmospheric effects
- Compact controller form factor (4U)
- Low total cost of ownership