Smart Technologies for Data-Driven Pipeline Risk Assessment

Abstract

This paper describes the design and integration of platforms, architectures, systems, and geospatial tools for the real-time monitoring and alerts of industrial accidents and incidents, with an emphasis on pipeline monitoring and management. Pipeline incidents are usually caused by structural failures, vandalism, or environmental hazards such as hurricanes, earthquakes, landslides, and floods. A unique geospatial design focuses on oil, gas, and other hazardous incidents that affect pipeline transportation systems. Threats to both the land and aquatic environment are considered. A comprehensive review of the existing GIS systems is considered. A multisensor approach is put forth that includes advanced GIS tools for detecting pipeline fractures and failures. An emphasis is placed on geospatial tools and models for data processing and analysis to provide quality early warning and critical information for real-time emergency response. The proposed system architecture supports real-time geospatial disaster management and decision making and integrates the use of thematic maps and incident reports. A command and control module is designed to provide disaster management response and to coordinate incident management tasks. Through an integrated Internet portal and an event-based system, components of the system seamlessly communicate and clients request and receive necessary information. This new geomatics engineering approach presents an effective solution to the growing problem of pipeline accidents by incorporating both telemetry and Internet-based communication infrastructure. It is shown that the system architecture has the potential to reduce not only emergency response times but also the impacts of pipeline incidents in the context of the broader environmental, regulatory, socioeconomic, and physical context.