Pipeline Evaluation Network for Protection from Third-Party Intrusion

Third-party intrusion, i.e. unauthorized excavation that accidentally strikes and damages or ruptures a pipeline, is a large cause of loss to gas pipeline integrity.  We are developing an autonomous distributed sensor alarm and notification system called the "Proactive Infrasonic Gas Pipeline Evaluation Network (PIGPEN)" that provides pipeline operators with a real-time warning of unauthorized right-of-way encroachment and excavation activity near a pipeline.  Early warning provides pipeline owners the ability to respond to an intrusion in time to prevent pipeline damage, and thus preclude incurring the additional cost and risk of repairs.  PIGPEN comprises a network of discrete unattended geographically-distributed underground smart seismic sensor packages deployed along a pipeline right of way.  Each sensor package continually processes received signals to distinguish threats or abnormal events from benign sounds.  When activity is detected, several sensors acting collectively classifies it as benign or a pipeline threat.  Threatening events activate immediate notifications to pipeline operators.  This paper will present an overview of the PIGPEN system including descriptions of the system hardware, CONOPS, performance specifications, and current development status.  Field test result will be presented validating the system performance.