Leaders of the intelligent Pipeline Integrity Program (iPIPE) can see beyond conventional pressure sensing in commercial pipelines. In early 2021, iPIPE contracted with TOKU Systems Inc. (TOKU) to demonstrate TOKU’s proprietary Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) pressure sensors. The technology utilizes machine learning techniques to decipher pressure patterns within the pipeline. The insights are vital to visualizing the fluid dynamics in pipeline systems and critical operational events, including leaks. Work is currently under way on this project, and iPIPE is proud to help advance the technology.
“We are excited to explore what this technology can do for our iPIPE partners,” said Darren Schmidt, iPIPE Program Director at the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC). The iPIPE team is hopeful that through real-life demonstration in North Dakota, TOKU’s IoT will be commercialized to benefit gathering pipeline operators in North Dakota and beyond.
iPIPE is an industry consortium focusing on the advancement of near-commercial, emerging technologies to prevent and detect pipeline leaks. iPIPE is led by the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) at the University of North Dakota and sponsored by the North Dakota Oil and Gas Research Program. Industry partners include Energy Transfer LP, DCP Midstream, Enbridge, Equinor, Goodnight Midstream, Hess, Marathon Petroleum Logistics, ONEOK, and TC Energy. For more information about joining one of the most innovative programs in the pipeline industry, contact the EERC or visit www.ipipepartnership.com.