Monitoring of Pipeline RoU Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

Abstract

Safe Pipeline transportation of energy resources is a major concern. Every Natural Gas Pipeline Operator’s primary objective is to operate and maintain pipeline network in such a way that it would continuously provide un-interrupted services to customers without any accidents which can adversely impact on the environment and reputation of the organization. Various surveillance methods are being used in Natural Gas Pipelines as a part of direct integrity assessment. Traditionally, surveillance is conducted by line walking and supplemented by vehicular over the linear corridor. This process involves various shortcomings in terms of efficacy, accuracy, cost, and safety. This method purely depend upon Inspector’s ability for detecting anomalies. It is in the interest of any operator to maintain the value of its pipelines and to protect them effectively against damage caused by third parties. As a result of global progress in high-resolution remote sensing and image processing technology, it is possible to use digital surveillance method for monitoring of pipeline Right of Use (RoU). Digital Surveillance is done using Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques. Remote sensing based pipeline surveillance refers to the monitoring and detection of changes on RoU and around pipeline networks. This paper elaborates on the development and implementation of a digital solution that uses images from satellites and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to detect instances of encroachments and third-party activities on Pipeline RoU. Such a solution provides capability of running advance analytics on captured images, and will enable to automate detection of anomalies which may often go un-noticed during manual inspection.