A Review of Pipeline - Geohazard Interaction Analysis, Inspection and Monitoring Technologies for Onshore Pipeline in Tropical Region

Abstract

Pipeline is an integral part of onshore oil and gas infrastructures, transporting hydrocarbons across vast distances. Long distance pipelines that traverse through remote and mountainous region in tropical region are vulnerable to geohazards, such as landslides and soil erosion caused by high rain intensity, which may result in significant damage to the pipeline infrastructures, posing serious risks to public safety and the environment. This technical paper presents a comprehensive review and gap analysis of the current state of knowledge on pipeline-geohazard interaction analysis, inspection, and monitoring technologies for onshore pipeline in tropical region. The objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential geohazard impacts on pipelines and the best practices for mitigating these risks, hence preventing pipeline failures, environment damage as well as expensive intervention cost of repair. The paper discusses the various types of geohazards that can impact pipelines (pipeline – geohazard interaction). It also includes various inspections and monitoring as a mean to mitigate pipeline overstress conditions, such as remote sensing technologies, autonomous unmanned vehicles inspection technologies, inline inspection technologies, magnetic inspections as well as geophysical surveys and real-time monitoring systems. The gaps and limitations of these technologies are examined and areas for further research and development are identified. A case study on failures due to pipeline-geohazard interactions is also included. This case study provides valuable insight into importance of accurate inspection and monitoring to derive correct prediction of soil degradation. It also highlights the importance of proper pipeline design, monitoring, inspection, and maintenance practices in mitigating the risks posed by geohazards. In summary, this technical paper provides a comprehensive review on pipeline-geohazard interaction analysis and monitoring technologies for onshore pipeline infrastructures. The importance of understanding and mitigating the risks posed by geohazards to pipeline infrastructures and the best practices for ensuring the safe and reliable operation of pipeline systems in tropical region were highlighted. Some recommendations for future study include the need for more robust geohazard monitoring technologies, the importance of integrating geohazard analysis into pipeline design and construction processes, and the need for improvement in inspection, monitoring, and integrated pipeline – geohazard interaction analysis.