UAV and Its Approach in Oil and Gas Pipeline Leakage Detection

Abstract

The synergy of vibration and gas sensors with unmanned aerial vehicles for a low-response-time Leakage Detection System (LDS) is explored in this work. Several pipeline accidents have occurred, most of which were triggered by untimely detection of pipe leakages in systems conveying oil and gas in many developing countries. The consequences of this include human casualties, environmental degradation, economic loss, and loss of resources. To limit the damages caused by inevitable leakages, a low-time-response system for leakage detection is required. Response time derived from the LDS is compared to the typical response time obtained from an existing system to determine the efficiency of the developed system. A comparative analysis of the response time of the designed LDS and existing systems reveals that the designed LDS response time is 1146.7% faster and having a pictorial view of the localized area of interest would go a long way to preventing unnecessary mobilization for site visits and eradicating the costly effect of false alarms.