Session: 04-02-01 Monitoring & Surveillance

Paper Number: 123410

123410 - Modernizing Aerial Patrol - Real Life Remote Sensing for Liquid Leak and Threat Detection Along the Right of Way: First Detection Demonstrations of a Real Pipeline Seeper Leak, Encroachments, and Exposed Pipes Using a Traditional Aerial Patrol Plane 

Abstract: 

Since the end of 2022, Marathon Pipe Line has been using and testing Flyscan Systems’ remote sensing technology over their liquid pipeline Rights-of-Way (ROWs) to benchmark and validate the use of machine learning (ML) algorithms, photogrammetry and hyperspectral imaging to perform real-time threat detection (active machinery in the right of way), liquid leak detection of crude oil and refined products, and other advanced imaging related to geo-hazards like erosion of river banks, exposure of pipes cause by heavy rain, and landslides. This paper will present real-life results from 198 patrols that took place between November 2022 and August 2023 and which identified 2,594 threats across 35,706 miles of ROW from Alaska to Texas, including the Rockies and the Midwest. Examples will include what is potentially the first ever remote sensing detection of a real diesel seeper leak, identified below computational pipeline monitoring system detection thresholds using a hyperspectral imaging system during routine aerial patrols. The technology tested here was the algorithms used for detection and false alarm elimination rather than the hyperspectral hardware which was commercially available cameras. The leak detection lead to an integrity dig that led to a pinhole caused by external corrosion and the leak was estimated at 50 barrels.  Other examples will include multiple detections of contaminated soils from third party activity, real encroachments from various types of machinery in the right-of-way, and documentation of various types of objects and activities on the ROW.  Finally, examples of new imaging capabilities will be presented, including automated detection of exposed pipes after serious weather events, vegetation analysis to estimate areas of tree canopy overgrowth, vegetation volume estimations, and erosion monitoring for geo-hazards. 

A path to further automation will be presenting included automated post-weather inspection, as well as depth of cover automated calculation using the sensors of the regular routine air patrol planes. 

 

Presenting Author: Paige Chenevey Marathon Pipe Line

Presenting Author Biography: Ms. Chenevey serves as the Field Services and Planning Manager for Marathon Pipe Line LLC (MPL) In her current role, Ms. Chenevey leads MPL’s ROW Services & Public Engagement, Damage Prevention & Geospatial Technology, Planning & Analysis, and Data & Analytics teams. She has 20 years of experience at Marathon Petroleum Corporate (MPC). She has held various positions across MPC), including: environmental engineer, air compliance coordinator, product manager, category manager, and environmental, emergency preparedness and security supervisor, MPL; senior engineer – facility integrity management, MPL; and senior health, environment and safety professional, Logistics and Storage. Ms. Chenevey graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering in 1999 and was licensed as a Professional Engineer in 2005.

Authors:

Paige Chenevey Marathon Pipe Line
Alexandre Thibeault Flyscan Systems Inc.
Joshua Beard Marathon Pipe Line
Eric Bergeron Flyscan Systems Inc.