Hierarchical Leak Detection and Localization Method in Natural Gas Pipeline Monitoring Sensor Networks

In light of the problems of low recognition efficiency, high false rates and poor localization accuracy in traditional pipeline security detection technology, this paper proposes a type of hierarchical leak detection and localization method for use in natural gas pipeline monitoring sensor networks. In the signal preprocessing phase, original monitoring signals are dealt with by wavelet transform technology to extract the single mode signals as well as characteristic parameters. In the initial recognition phase, a multi-classifier model based on SVM is constructed and characteristic parameters are sent as input vectors to the multi-classifier for initial recognition. In the final decision phase, an improved evidence combination rule is designed to integrate initial recognition results for final decisions. Furthermore, a weighted average localization algorithm based on time difference of arrival is introduced for determining the leak point’s position. Experimental results illustrate that this hierarchical pipeline leak detection and localization method could effectively improve the accuracy of the leak point localization and reduce the undetected rate as well as false alarm rate

Fatigue crack monitoring of aerospace structure based on lamb waves and binary tree support vector machines

To overcome the difficulty in identifying the fatigue crack in key parts of aerospace structure, a kind of methods aimed to monitor the crack length based on matching pursuit (MP) method and binary tree support vector machines (BT-SVM) classification algorithm was developed. In this method, Lamb wave signals were decomposed into a linear combination of several Chirplet atoms by MP method, and then the matching parameters were extracted as feature vectors for training and testing in BT-SVM classification algorithm. At the same time, a lug joint model was created with a certain ratio and the effect of crack extension on Lamb wave signals propagation was studied. At last, fatigue loading experiments were carried out in lug joints and tail reinforced frames of aircraft. The results showed that this method can monitor the length of fatigue crack effectively, which presents a new approach for monitoring the fatigue crack

Real-time unsupervised incremental support vector machine for oil and gas pipeline NDT system

Current Non Destructing Testing (NDT) techniques for oil and gas pipeline inspection are accurate and reliable but there are limited numbers of continuous monitoring technique available that can automatically make real-time decisions on the status of the pipeline. Furthermore, most of the NDT methods are deployed at predetermined interval which can last for several months. Sudden onsets of defects are undetected and lead to pipeline failure and unscheduled shutdown. A reliable inspection method is required whereby the pipelines are monitored continuously and are able to provide the operators sufficient time to plan and organize shutdowns. In order to implement this, a continuous monitoring technique is needed which can detect defects automatically with minimal human intervention. Support Vector Machine (SVM) is a powerful machine learning technique for classification, however, the training phase requires batch data to find a model and this is not feasible for a continuous NDT system. This thesis proposes a novel method where the SVM training phase is able to find a model from the incremental dataset acquired from Long Range Ultrasonic Testing (LRUT) system. Results show that this method has comparable accuracy compared to the batch data method. Traditionally, SVM training data is labeled by an expert, however in a continuous monitoring NDT, it is not practical to assign an expert to label the continuously acquired data. Therefore, a novel unsupervised training technique is proposed. The technique is able to cluster the acquired data into a few clusters accurately. The performance of the proposed technique is compared to Self Organizing Map (SOM) method and shows better results. This thesis also proposes a novel method to implement a Genetic Algorithm (GA) as the Quadratic Programming (QP) solver in the SVM efficiently. Conventional SVM implement Sequential Minimal Optimization (SMO) which requires that the data be sparse for optimal operation. The performance of the method is evaluated and shows comparable result to traditional methods. As such, this thesis provides the framework to perform unsupervised continuous monitoring for oil and gas pipelines using LRUT in real time

Intelligent real-time prediction for energy and sensing applications

The advancements of science and technology has been rapid since the boom of the fourth industrial revolution that began arguable about a decade ago. As smart hardware and software began to be paired together over high speed transfer of information, the world of innovation witnessed the rise of Big Data and Machine Learning. These 2 heroes of the 21st centuries have been widely embraced and adopted in various industries, resulting in innovations and outcomes that we never could have perceived otherwise, especially in closing the gaps between probability and predictability i.e. stock market predictions and such. However, one gigantic industry that has yet to reap on the offerings of Big Data and Machine Learning is the oil and gas industry. As extreme a form of engineering it is, methods and technologies are still primarily mechanically driven, specifically when it comes to safety and preventive measures i.e. in failure prediction efforts. Manual methods using predated technologies are still industry standard for many applications within industry. This research takes a look at these current methods, and proposes a new way of performing failure prediction analysis using machine learning

Real-time unsupervised incremental support vector machine for oil and gas pipeline NDT system

Current Non Destructing Testing (NDT) techniques for oil and gas pipeline inspection are accurate and reliable but there are limited numbers of continuous monitoring technique available that can automatically make real-time decisions on the status of the pipeline. Furthermore, most of the NDT methods are deployed at predetermined interval which can last for several months. Sudden onsets of defects are undetected and lead to pipeline failure and unscheduled shutdown. A reliable inspection method is required whereby the pipelines are monitored continuously and are able to provide the operators sufficient time to plan and organize shutdowns. In order to implement this, a continuous monitoring technique is needed which can detect defects automatically with minimal human intervention. Support Vector Machine (SVM) is a powerful machine learning technique for classification, however, the training phase requires batch data to find a model and this is not feasible for a continuous NDT system. This thesis proposes a novel method where the SVM training phase is able to find a model from the incremental dataset acquired from Long Range Ultrasonic Testing (LRUT) system. Results show that this method has comparable accuracy compared to the batch data method. Traditionally, SVM training data is labeled by an expert, however in a continuous monitoring NDT, it is not practical to assign an expert to label the continuously acquired data. Therefore, a novel unsupervised training technique is proposed. The technique is able to cluster the acquired data into a few clusters accurately. The performance of the proposed technique is compared to Self Organizing Map (SOM) method and shows better results. This thesis also proposes a novel method to implement a Genetic Algorithm (GA) as the Quadratic Programming (QP) solver in the SVM efficiently. Conventional SVM implement Sequential Minimal Optimization (SMO) which requires that the data be sparse for optimal operation. The performance of the method is evaluated and shows comparable result to traditional methods. As such, this thesis provides the framework to perform unsupervised continuous monitoring for oil and gas pipelines using LRUT in real time

Integrating supercapacitors into a hybrid energy system to reduce overall costs using the genetic algorithm (GA) and support vector machine (SVM)

This research deals with optimising a supercapacitor-battery hybrid energy storage system (SB-HESS) to reduce the implementation cost for solar energy applications using the Genetic Algorithm (GA) and the Support Vector Machine (SVM). The integration of a supercapacitor into a battery energy storage system for solar applications is proven to prolong the battery lifespan. Furthermore, the reliability of the system was optimised using a GA within the Taguchi technique in the supercapacitor fabrication process. This is important to reduce the spread in tolerance of supercapacitors values (i.e. capacitance and Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR)) which affect system performance. One of the more important results obtained in this project is the net present cost (NPC) of the Supercapacitor-battery hybrid energy storage system is 7.51% lower than the conventional battery only system over a 20-years project lifetime. This NPC takes into account of components initial capital cost, replacement cost, maintenance and operational cost. The number of batteries is reduced from 40 (conventional – battery only system) to 24 (SB-HESS) with the inclusion of supercapacitors in the system. This leads to reduction cost in the implemented hybrid energy storage system. A greener renewable energy system is achievable as the number of battery is reduced significantly. An optimised combination of the number of components for renewable energy system is also found. The number of batteries is sized, based on the average power output instead of catering to the peak power burst as in a conventional battery only system. This allows for the reduction in the number of batteries as the peak power is catered for by the presence of the supercapacitor. Subsequent efforts have been focused on the energy management system which is coupled with a supervised learning machine – SVM, switches and sensors are used to forecast the load demand beforehand. This load predictive-energy management system is implemented on a lab-scaled hybrid energy storage system prototype. Results obtained also show that this load predictive system allows for accurate load classification and prediction. The supercapacitor in the hybrid energy storage system is able to switch on to cater for peak power without delay. This is crucial in maintaining an optimised battery depth-of-discharge (DOD) in order to reduce the rate of battery damage thru a degradation mechanism which is caused from particular stress factors (especially sulphation on the battery electrode and electrolyte stratification)

Integrating supercapacitors into a hybrid energy system to reduce overall costs using the genetic algorithm (GA) and support vector machine (SVM)

This research deals with optimising a supercapacitor-battery hybrid energy storage system (SB-HESS) to reduce the implementation cost for solar energy applications using the Genetic Algorithm (GA) and the Support Vector Machine (SVM). The integration of a supercapacitor into a battery energy storage system for solar applications is proven to prolong the battery lifespan. Furthermore, the reliability of the system was optimised using a GA within the Taguchi technique in the supercapacitor fabrication process. This is important to reduce the spread in tolerance of supercapacitors values (i.e. capacitance and Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR)) which affect system performance. One of the more important results obtained in this project is the net present cost (NPC) of the Supercapacitor-battery hybrid energy storage system is 7.51% lower than the conventional battery only system over a 20-years project lifetime. This NPC takes into account of components initial capital cost, replacement cost, maintenance and operational cost. The number of batteries is reduced from 40 (conventional – battery only system) to 24 (SB-HESS) with the inclusion of supercapacitors in the system. This leads to reduction cost in the implemented hybrid energy storage system. A greener renewable energy system is achievable as the number of battery is reduced significantly. An optimised combination of the number of components for renewable energy system is also found. The number of batteries is sized, based on the average power output instead of catering to the peak power burst as in a conventional battery only system. This allows for the reduction in the number of batteries as the peak power is catered for by the presence of the supercapacitor. Subsequent efforts have been focused on the energy management system which is coupled with a supervised learning machine – SVM, switches and sensors are used to forecast the load demand beforehand. This load predictive-energy management system is implemented on a lab-scaled hybrid energy storage system prototype. Results obtained also show that this load predictive system allows for accurate load classification and prediction. The supercapacitor in the hybrid energy storage system is able to switch on to cater for peak power without delay. This is crucial in maintaining an optimised battery depth-of-discharge (DOD) in order to reduce the rate of battery damage thru a degradation mechanism which is caused from particular stress factors (especially sulphation on the battery electrode and electrolyte stratification)