Numerous embodiments are disclosed for monitoring multiple utility networks and structures, such as gas pipes, water pipes, electricity networks, traffic lights, street lights, sewers, and other utilities. Local sensors detect leaks, short-circuits, and other incidents. Data from the local sensors are collected by data collection units and sent to a server over a fiber optic or wireless connection. The server optionally can superimpose depictions of the incidents over a map, blueprint, photograph, or live image using a geographic information system (GIS) or augmented reality application.

A data concentration system for an inner detector of an oil-gas pipeline, and a timing control method, the system includes: a multi-channel data receiving module, a data concentration module and a data transmission module. The multi-channel data receiving module is electrically connected to a plurality of probes of an inner detector and is configured to receive detection data acquired by the plurality of probes. The data concentration module is electrically connected to the multi-channel data receiving module, and is configured to receive the detection data outputted by the multi-channel data receiving module and compress the detection data. The data transmission module is electrically connected to a data storage module of the inner detector and the data concentration module respectively, and the data transmission module is configured to receive compressed detection data.

Heuristic-based techniques for gas leak source identification are provided. In one aspect, a method for identifying a location of a gas leak source includes: obtaining gas sensor data and wind data synchronously from a gas leak detection system having a network of interconnected motes comprising gas sensors and wind sensors, with the gas sensors arranged around possible gas leak sources in a given area of interest; identifying the location of the gas leak source using the gas sensor data and wind data; and determining a magnitude of gas leak from the gas leak source using the location of the gas leak source and a distance d between the location of the gas leak source and a select one of the gas sensors from which the gas sensor data was obtained. A gas leak detection system is also provided.

In an injection molded polypropylene field joint of an oil or gas pipeline, the three- dimensional geometry of the injection molded/cast coating can have an influence on the stress placed on the line coating during cooling. Specifically, it has been found that molding or casting a coating having circumferential grooves, or other groove geometry, proximal to the interface with the line coating, will reduce line coating failure proximal to the field joint, in particular line coating failure related to the initial spooling/reeling of the pipe.

A pipeline shield is formed of modular pipeline shield panels into a generally tubular shape to fittingly envelope a pipeline. Each panel is formed of a rectangular sheet of durable material formed or formable into an arcuate shape having longitudinal ribs projecting radially from a surface of the sheet and defining longitudinal valleys, and coupling means configured for secure assembly with other modular pipeline shield panels to form the pipeline shield. The pipeline shield reduces or prevents damage from impact or abrasion when the pipeline is lowered into a trench and buried. The longitudinal ribs may extend an entire length of the panel, or may be less than an entire length of the panel and longitudinally staggered to facilitate rolling of the pipeline in a roller cradle during installation. Drainage holes provide for drainage of liquid away from the pipeline or to provide a path for cathodic protection current.

A heating device for in-service welding of oil and gas pipeline, which comprises a heating section, a heat dissipation section and a constant temperature section, wherein the heating section and the heat dissipation section are mounted on an oil and gas pipeline. The heating section heats the oil and gas pipeline to simultaneously heat the wall of the oil and gas pipeline and fluid in the oil and gas pipeline. A work station to be welded is heated by utilizing flowing of the fluid and heat conduction of the wall of the oil and gas pipeline. The heat dissipation section is mounted on the oil and gas pipeline. The heat dissipation section recovers the heat of the oil and gas pipeline by utilizing state change of a heat transfer medium in the heat dissipation section and also transfers the heat to the heating section through the constant temperature section

A system may automatically control a pipeline heating system to maintain a desired temperature and/or to provide flow assurance of process fluid along a pipeline. The system may identify the occurrence and location of the solidification of a given process fluid or the melting of the given process fluid by monitoring temperatures along the pipeline and identifying from the monitored temperatures the occurrence and location of a latent heat signature associated with the solidification or melting of the given process fluid. The system may calculate and display fill percentages of the solidified process fluid at locations along the pipeline. The system may determine the percentage of a given section of pipeline that is filled with solid and/or liquid process fluid on a meter-by-meter basis. The system may perform automated re-melt operations to resolve plugs of solidified process fluid that may occur in the pipeline.

A system for circulating air through double pipes for supplying gas, includes double pipes connected to a gas handling device and supplied with gas; a gas supply unit for supplying gas to the gas handling device through an inner pipe of the double pipes; an air supply unit for supplying air through an outer pipe of the double pipes; and an air suctioning means for suctioning and circulating the air, which is supplied to the outer pipe by the air supply unit, by the introduction of a high pressure fluid. Rather than circulating air through the outer pipe of the double pipes by a fan, air can be circulated through the double pipes for gas supply by a simpler structure and more effective configuration.

A method includes providing a length of pipeline that has a housing defining a central bore extending the length of the pipe and a space formed within the housing and extending the length of the pipe. At least one condition within the space is continuously monitored within the space to detect in real time if a change in the housing occurs.

The system for monitoring a section or a component of a line for the transport of hydrocarbons, for example a methane pipeline, installed in a hazard and/or limited access site, includes: means for detecting deformation (102,2) of said section (1) of the line or component in their installation area; a computerized central unit (3), provided with an interface for said means for detecting deformation (102,2) and connected thereto to receive data about the state of the section (1) of the line or component, and in particular about its possible deformations; means for remote transmission of data (4), connected to said computerized central unit (3) and a remote communication line (5) to transmit the above mentioned processed or non processed data, to one or more operating central stations or remote users authorized to control the methane pipeline; a stand-alone solar electric generator (10), connected to the means for detecting deformation (102,2), to the central unit (3) and to the means for remote transmission (4), aimed at providing them with power needed for their operation.