Laser scanners, sensors to protect key Trans-Anatolian gas pipeline

The Trans-Anatolian gas pipeline (TANAP) that will carry Azeri gas to Turkey will be shielded and monitored with high-technology lasers, sensors and cameras against potential threats he Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP), a $12 billion investment that is projected to carry Azerbaijani gas to western Turkey, will be constantly monitored and protected via high-tech methods, according to a draft environmental impact assessment report.

The monitoring system for the 1,085-kilometer pipeline will be accessible from its stations and planned control chambers, the report said.

The staff and vehicle identification system will be decorated with digital equipment, which will ease detecting any attacks on the pipeline and its stations, Anadolu Agency reported May 29. 

Turkey’s oil pipelines in the southeastern provinces have suffered from both terrorist attacks and theft.

Vital for Turkey, Europe

The planned security system merges optical sensors, motion perception cables and laser scanners to eye compressors, gas valves and pigging and measuring stations. Surveillance cameras will also contribute to security.

An illumination system will also ease reactions against any problems, the report said. Security staff will be trained on action plans and procedures, it said.

The observing system is designed to provide accurate data and visual material in the case of an emergency, it also said.

Energy-hungry Turkey is raising high hopes on the pipeline, which is projected to bring in annually 16 billion cubic meters (bmc) of gas to Turkey initially, as the country is trying to break its Russian dependency for its largest product of imports.

The gas will be...