Improving Pipeline Safety During Gas Leakage Events Using Near Real-Time Data Networks and Optimal Decision-Making Tools

To ensure that a known or potential gas leak situation from an underground pipeline is addressed as safely as possible, there is an urgent need for monitoring and evaluating changes to gas leakage over time. However, this need is wrought with operational challenges related to the quality and quantity of leakage data stemming from a lack of data-driven, real-time control. This is especially relevant for situations where the leak cannot be resolved immediately or in areas of known leakage that require long term monitoring and evaluation. However, if we can better understand gas leakage behavior and environmental conditions over time while simultaneously incorporating this data near real-time into decision-making, we can more efficiently and safely respond to such leaks and ultimately help prevent the occurrence of catastrophic gas migration incidents. This project will (1) develop an innovative real-time data network and decision-making algorithm for methane detection and quantification of belowground leaks and (2) establish a recommended practice to deploy the gas sensing protocol while simultaneously ensuring that these protocols are widely applicable and accessible to end users. This work will be accomplished by a combined team of the University of Texas at Arlington (a Hispanic Serving Institute), Colorado State University (CSU), state agencies and industry partners to include pipeline operators and service providers. Integral to this research is the exposure of undergraduate and graduate students to pipeline safety, ultimately cultivating new talent in the pipeline industry.

• Record URL:
  • https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/matrix/FilGet.rdm?fil=18736
• Summary URL:
  • https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/matrix/PrjHome.rdm?prj=897&s=F79FF9FEE8CE4E00997E35E243239D55&c=1
• Corporate Authors:

  Colorado State University

  ,    

  University of Texas, Arlington

  Arlington, TX  United States  76010

  Southern Methodist University

  ,    

  Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

  1200 Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Smits, Kathleen M
  • Lo, Jui-Hsiang
  • Zimmerle, Daniel J
  • Duggan, Gerald P
• Publication Date: 2023-7-21

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 60p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Data collection; Detectors; Gas pipelines; Leakage; Pipeline safety; Real time information
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Pipelines; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01889733
• Record Type: Publication
• Contract Numbers: 693JK32050005CAAP
• Files: TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
• Created Date: Aug 7 2023 5:28PM