World Pipelines Magazine, Harnessing new technology

Advancing Pipeline Safety and Sustainability with Technology

North Americaís energy infrastructure relies on over 800,000 miles of gas and liquid pipelines and 2.3 million miles of distribution pipelines, many of which have been operating for over 50 years. Pipelines provide an efficient, safe, and low-environmental-impact method for transporting energy, yet they remain exposed to risks such as geohazards, water crossings, aging assets, and legacy infrastructure.

Pipeline operators face significant challenges in ensuring safe and reliable operations while meeting regulatory requirements, environmental expectations, and stakeholder demands. Accurate, current, and high-quality data is critical for effective pipeline integrity management, enabling operators to monitor conditions, predict risks, and implement timely mitigation measures.

Drone-based, non-intrusive technologies offer innovative solutions to locate, map, and monitor pipelines, including those in high consequence areas, geohazard zones, water crossings, and brownfield construction sites. These tools provide frequent, precise XYZ positioning and environmental monitoring, allowing operators to track changes, analyze bending strain, and identify potential threats before incidents occur.

By integrating advanced technologies with robust integrity management programs, pipeline operators can enhance safety, minimize environmental impact, and ensure the sustainable delivery of energy to communities.