AN INTEGRATED PIPELINE MONITORING SYSTEM UTILIZING UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS AND DATA ANALYTICS

摘要

Midstream Integrity Services (MIS), in association with The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), developed a pipeline management system that uses unmanned aerial systems (UAS) inspection and sensing technologies along pipelines to provide decision support in the selection of optimal rehabilitation and repair actions. The investigators evaluated the ability of UASs fitted with special sensors to perform inspection protocols and data collection for analysis. The main activities include the development of: (1) pipeline patrol and monitoring via content-based image retrieval and algorithm identification, (2) an innovative gas leak detection system based on laser beam scatter analysis, (3) a wireless transmission system to acquire cathodic protection data and pipe-to-soil potential measurements, and (4) an integrative analytical tool for smart diagnostics and prognostics of pipelines focused on control room management. The successful implementation of this novel and simultaneous pipeline monitoring system will be of major significance to federal and state pipeline related agencies and industries.