Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

Presently, thousands of crude oil and natural gas pipelines cross rivers within the province of Alberta alone. Seasonal changes in the river volumetric flow rate and depth can lead to river bed erosion and pipeline exposure to hydrodynamic loading. Exposed pipelines sections are at significantly increased risk of failure due to these flow-induced-vibrations. The aim of the proposed research is to develop a remote sensing technology that would allow for early detection of pipe exposure and associated flow-induced vibration. Challenges in developing this technology are seeded in understanding the physics relating levels of pipe exposure to imposed fluctuating fluid forces, as well as remote sensor signal clarity. Sensor topologies which will be investigated in this research project include: (i) internal static pressure measurements, (ii) surface strain measurements, and (iii) accelerometer/vibration measurements. The collaborating organization, Plains Midstream Canada Inc., specializes in pipeline transportation of crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids. When developed, this technology may be deployed for pipeline installations near river crossings as a universal monitoring solution. Moreover, the technology can be adapted to several other fluid dynamics monitoring applications within aerospace & aviation, automotive, and energy sectors.