Infrasonic Frequency Seismic Sensor System for Pipeline Integrity Management

Physical Sciences Inc (PSI) is working with the NYSEARCH suborganization of the Northeast Gas Association (NGA) to develop the Proactive Infrasonic Gas Pipeline Evaluation Network (PIGPEN) system to detect and warn of third-party damage before it occurs. PIGPEN uses low frequency seismic/acoustic (0.1 to 100 Hz) sensor technology to proactively detect and warn of unauthorized activity near the underground gas pipelines before damage occurs, thereby preventing third party damage and subsequent pipeline leaks or failure. PIGPEN will detect and locate digging in the vicinity of the transmission pipe, but it does not need to be located along the entire service or main. Rather, individual smart sensors are placed in the ground near the pipe at ~1 km separation. PIGPEN directly addresses the technology gap in preventing third-party damage that was identified by the DOT/OPS. We have already demonstrated the basic feasibility of the concept, and we propose to transition the technology from its current proof-of-concept stage to a pre-commercial prototype in Phase II. The close interaction with NGA will help facilitate commercial acceptance of the PIGPEN technology.