Remote Monitoring is a concept that will reduce operational risk while reducing inspection costs for natural gas operators. The concept involves the use of sensors to collect information during routine operations that can be used by remote inspectors to monitor new installations and other operations in real time. Remote monitoring not only reduces the cost of inspections by eliminating driving time, but also significantly increases the percentage of installations and operations that can be inspected.
Improvements in sensors, smart tags, GPS, internet access, and data management have greatly improved the efficiency and effectiveness of remote monitoring. In addition to technology advancements, the need for additional monitoring has grown as operators increase the use of contractors while loosing knowledge and skills through the retiring workforce.
While there are many applications, new installations offer a unique opportunity to realize benefits from remote monitoring. One example currently under evaluation is the use of smart phones with cameras and GPS to capture geo-tagged pictures of plastic joints before they are buried. A simple, five step process has been developed that captures pictures of critical steps in butt, saddle, and socket fusion procedures. The pictures capture images that show heater plate temperatures, pipe surface cleanliness, and bead width and alignment. The pictures are GPS stamped and then emailed to a web-based mapping system where they are then reviewed and downloaded by an inspector on an as-needed basis.
Picture Showing an Improper Butt Fusion Bead
Picture Showing a Proper Butt Fusion Bead Width
Picture Showing a Proper Bead Width
Pictures Stored on a Web-Based Mapping System via GPS Coordinates
This project is funded by Operations Technology Development (OTD).
For additional information on the Remote Monitoring Program, please contact Alicia Farag at alicia.farag@gastechnology.org.
