In need of (outer) space
Published by Sara Simper,
Editorial Assistant
World Pipelines,
Compliance with PHMSA parts 192 or 195 for transmission pipelines generally begins with routine visual observation from small aircraft at about 2000 ft (700 m) above ground level (AGL). Through this approach, certain macro threats to the assets can be spotted and reported quickly. Unfortunately, the results are subjective at best, and tend to be inconsistent while real threats and even active leaks remain undetected. Despite real dollars being spent to achieve this compliance objective, operators recognise that the resulting reports (and reporting) leave much to be desired.
As a result, new and novel technical monitoring solutions are proliferating. We see this with inline product densitometers and in-situ leak detection probes on our pipelines, as well as lane-drift and tyre pressure alerts on our automobiles. We are witnessing the dawn of a new space age where commercial access to space has become a reality. Given this, have the days of routine visual aerial patrol become numbered?
Sophisticated satellite-based data collection technologies, such as hyperspectral imagery, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), or laser imaging, detection and ranging (LIDAR), have all proven expensive to employ, which has severely limited their application in routine industrial application. The sensors themselves were expensive and the resulting data they generated all required unique infrastructure to process, even before considering the cost of deployment and operation. However, several industry changes have recently fallen into place that have radically upended the possibilities. Foremost among them is …
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Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/product-news/14112022/in-need-of-outer-space/
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