Investigating the Influence of Environmental Factors on Corrosion in Pipelines Using Geospatial Modeling

Abstract

This study integrated geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing technology to identify areas around pipelines that are more susceptible to corrosion having the Kurdistan pipeline as a case study. Geospatial data are used to target factors such as rainfall, temperature, rivers, and minerals which increase the corrosion rate. Spatial data such as, the direction of slope, rainfall, proximity to rivers, and minerals, were collected and analyzed; maps were created for every individual factor to visualize their distribution. By overlaying these maps, regions that are at higher risk of corrosion were identified, which can be prioritized for further investigation or preventive measures. This paper’s findings are significant for oil and gas industries, including pipeline operators and designers as corrosion can lead to devastating consequences. The novelty of this study is to identify areas along the pipeline at higher risk of corrosion through the application of geospatial information systems and remote sensing. This methodology holds immense potential for industries looking to proactively prevent corrosion through the implementation of preventative maintenance, monitoring programs, and the application of protective coatings and inhibitors. The results of this research demonstrate that environmental data, GIS, and remote sensing can predict corrosion in oil pipelines, offering valuable insights for better managing corrosion risk.