Indian Oil uses drone tech to monitor 15k km pipeline systems

26 Aug 2021 CW Team

The Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) told the media that it had incorporated a round-the-clock drone monitoring technology to monitor 15,000 km pipeline networks to prevent fuel theft and disruption.

The company monitors the flow in the pipelines, pressure, and trends through Instrumentation and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems. Additionally, the corporation said that the leak detection system would ensure complete analysis to identify tentative vulnerable points.

Moreover, physical inspection by the patrolmen and Directorate General Resettlement (DGR) guards are also present to inspect the entire network on foot. Their movements are also monitored via Global Positioning System (GPS) devices. According to a statement, the Right of Way (ROW) of pipelines is mapped through geo-fencing.

The company told the media that to boost pipeline technology, IOCL has started digital initiatives such as optical fibre-based Pipeline Intrusion Detection and Warning System (PIDWS). Recently, it has been used on the 5,474 km long pipeline, functional for 997 km, and the rest will be commissioned by 2022-2023.

IOC is exploring other ways to improve and enhance pipeline security, such as the Negative Pressure Wave Type Leak or Pilferage Detection System.

Recently, the corporation has deployed drones alongside the 120 km Delhi-Panipat Mathura-Jalandhar pipeline and monitoring the live feed of the pipeline.

In 2020-21, 53 have been arrested for 34 pipeline pilferage attempts in the country. A theft attempt from the petroleum pipeline was also prevented at Sonipat on 17 August using the PIDWS.

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Also read: Karnataka to survey properties in Bengaluru via drones

Also read: Villages in Kerala to be mapped through drone technology

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