Mitigation of Oil Pipeline Vandalism Using Small-Satellites and Earth Observation Systems. A Case Study- Nigeria

摘要

Oil pipeline vandalization in Nigeria has led to: a shortage of petroleum product for end users; loss of life as a result of accompanied fire outbreak; pollution of aquatic life; and food crises in the nation. Recent studies show that the Nigerian government loses about 20 billion of dollars yearly as a result of the activities of pipeline vandals. This is aside from the monetary cost of loss of lives, property and the environment. In previous years, the main measure taken by the government to guard against pipeline vandalization was the deployment of security personnel to some of the areas that are prone to attack by vandals. However, this effort has failed to ameliorate the problem. In addition to the continued loss of revenue to the government, there have been cases of clashes between security personnel and members of the community. There are also allegations of security personnel aiding and abetting the vandals. In this paper, we propose a cost-effective technique for resolving the challenge of oil pipeline vandalism using Earth observation systems (small Satellites) in the Low Earth Orbit. The constellation of these Satellites (CubeSats) is relatively cheap, has short development time and can provide 24/7 real-time surveillance throughout its lifetime.