Leak Detection in Steel Pipelines : A Software for Mapping Thermal Anomalies and Ascertaining Pipeline Integrity

Real-time, non-contact leak detection may improve and enhance the safety of steel pipelines. We present a software package that can highlight the potential presence of leaks, and direct the use of traditional invasive methods like acoustic or pressure sensors. The thermal mapping is applied for the detection of potential oil leaks in oil and gas pipelines. It processes readings, converts them into heat-maps and temperature profiles, and maps the location of thermal faults at specific temperature thresholds. Such an approach is both efficient and inexpensive at detecting oil leaks in the earliest stages, and may be augmented by potential for AI enhancements. It would greatly help in reducing operational costs, protecting pipeline integrity, and minimizing environmental contamination risks. Furthermore, with the right sensors, it can be scaled to include other applications such as structural integrity verification.