Use Case: Pipeline management

The stakes

In 2023, the total length of pipelines worldwide reached 2,270,526 km. These pipelines are distributed across all continents, primarily carrying natural gas, crude oil, petroleum, as well as some water and wastewater.

A large number of these pipelines are located in remote areas, making them difficult to access. Despite their durability, both metallic and non-metallic pipelines require leak detection, pipeline break detection, and operating condition monitoring. To address these challenges, companies send workers for routine checks to ensure that there are no issues. However, these checks are costly and time-consuming, as workers need to travel to the sites. In some cases, workers may discover damage that has been present for hours or even days, resulting in a waste of resources. Additionally, these situations can potentially expose workers to danger.

To achieve more efficient monitoring of pipeline sites worldwide, various technologies have been developed, allowing for quicker and more cost-effective monitoring. As a result, the pipeline monitoring system market has evolved and is set to reach 19.2 billion USD in 2026.

Pipeline management

Companies are increasingly utilizing IoT devices to enhance efficiency and response time by minimizing the necessity for frequent worker visits. IoT devices enable the monitoring of various parameters, including temperature, flow, pressure, and leakage. This monitoring is accomplished through a network of strategically placed sensors along the pipeline. When an issue is detected, alerts are sent to the teams, enabling prompt actions such as inspection or repair.

Moreover, the increased frequency of data influx facilitates improved analyses, empowering companies to make more informed decisions and reduce costs.

Satellite IoT connectivity

The devices used for data collection typically have terrestrial connectivity, which enables real-time data collection. However, it is important to note that plenty of pipeline networks are located in remote areas with limited or no coverage. This can result in the loss or delay of information in these areas, known as black spots.

Fortunately, there is a solution to this challenge. Kinéis, a leading provider of satellite IoT connectivity, now offers a groundbreaking service that allows for data collection and management of pipelines anywhere on Earth. Through a constellation of advanced nanosatellites, Kinéis empowers its partners to gather data from even the most remote locations across the globe. This data is then transmitted to ground stations and the mission center, where it is carefully processed and delivered to customers on their preferred platform, ensuring seamless access to valuable insights.