Technical Document

UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) Based Health Monitoring of Energy Pipelines in North
East India
1. State of the Art (Maximum 1 page)
(A short, concise review of the status of research in the proposed subject and gap areas if
any)
Non-destructive techniques for pipeline inspection include boroscopes with CCTV
(Hansen et al., 2013), laser ring triangulation (Majumder et al., 2008), electromagnetic
inspection (Balageas et al., 2006), acoustic emission (Shokravi et al., 2020), and ultrasonic
sensors (Bayashi et al., 2009) for detecting defects and leaks without requiring extensive data
collection. Several studies simulate pipeline corrosion in laboratory environments. Lins et al.
(2012) studied X52 steel in soil-like electrolytes, while Li and Castaneda (2014, 2017),
Barbalat et al.,2012 focused on cathodic protection. Other studies by Quej et al. (2018) and
Qin et al. (2022) explored corrosion in sand-clay and H 2S/CO2 environments, respectively.
Studies on pipeline corrosion include Rustandi et al. (2012) using polarization and PREDICT
software, Masi et al. (2015) with OLGA for temperature and pressure profiles, and Baby et al.
(2016), Ricker 2010 calculating service life based on API/ASME standards. Shtoyko et al.
(2019) modeled long-term soil corrosion using thermodynamics.

Failure probability analysis is vital for pipeline maintenance. Hu et al. (2009) used
Bayesian networks for corroded pipelines, while Luo and Jiang (2015) applied neural
networks for reliability. Adumene and Nwaoha (2021), Zhang et al., 2019, Adumene and
Nwaoha 2021 assessed microbial degradation via Monte Carlo simulation. Xiao et al. (2022)
compared various predictive models, highlighting neural networks. The common failures in
pipelines are observed in Fig.1. The most common failure in pipelines is corrosion failure,
which is, 30% of all pipeline failures (Zakikhani et al., 2020). The pipelines are used for long
periods and are considered as critical infrastructure.

Fig.1 Different causes of pipeline failures (Zakikhani et al., 2020)

Corrosion in the pipelines occurs in two ways- one is external corrosion and internal
corrosion. The external corrosion in pipelines is caused by electrochemical reactions which
form rust on the surface of corroded areas, as shown in Fig. 2. Due to this corrosion, mass
loss, strength loss, and reduction in wall thickness of the pipe occurs, which then lead to form
pinhole leakages in the pipeline. This external corrosion is caused due to external
environments (acid rain, chemical attack) and the interaction between the external surface
and soil, air, or surrounding water.
 Fig.2 External corrosion in pipelines (Askari et al., 2019)

Internal corrosion occurs in the interior surface of the pipeline, due to the internal
environment in the pipeline as shown in Fig.3. The corrosive materials such as CO 2, H2S, and
other chemicals are generated and transported in the pipeline along the commodity. These
chemicals cause the formation of corrosion leading to mass loss, loss of stability and strength
loss. The common types of internal corrosion are- CO2 corrosion (Sani et al., 2019), pitting
corrosion (Askari et al., 2019), stress corrosion cracking (N. Board 1996), hydrogen-induced
corrosion (Venegas et al., 2011) and sulfide stress cracking (Zhao et al., 2008).

Fig.3 Internal corrosion due to oil transportation

The condition assessment of the critical infrastructures of pipelines hence, plays a

crucial role and is essential (Liu and Kleiner 2012). The Structural health monitoring (SHM)
of pipelines is necessary for the present fast-growing urban infrastructure and has a large
impact on human well-being (Sharma et al., 2021). The use of sensors for continuous
monitoring for structural health monitoring is a process to assess the damage identification
for various pipeline networks to estimate the residual life and make necessary preparations
for repair and rehabilitation.
For large infrastructures, several sensors are necessary for monitoring the different
parameters at different locations. Two types of sensors are involved in monitoring the
structures- wireless and wired. The conventional wired sensors are connected to the structure
to collect the data from different locations. These wired sensors have the disadvantage of
collecting the data from the external surface of the pipe and are also a costly approach,
sometimes not feasible for monitoring large infrastructure. To overcome this disadvantage,
wireless sensors are a good choice. Wireless sensors are battery-free and long-lasting, hence
they are the leading choice for monitoring large infrastructure systems (Kumar and Deng
2019).
The condition of the structure depends on the surrounding environmental factors such
as -temperature, humidity, type of soil, pH, and In-service conditions for the pipeline. Field
data based on inline inspection, pipeline material data, and closed interval potential survey is
required. For inline inspection, high-accuracy tools are used, which include non-destructive
testing methods to detect the defect, the size of the defect, and different measurable specific
properties (Timashev and Bushinskaya 2015). The present advanced technologies can
determine the pipe size reduction, pipe defects, and all internal parameters, using various
methods such as eddy current testing, magnetic flux leakage, GPR, borescopes, ultrasound
test, and electromagnetic acoustic transducer (Timashev and Anna 2016).

Pipeline leaks can cause progressive damage to both the environment and the
economy. Early identification and precise location of leaks are crucial for mitigating these
impacts. One advanced technique for detecting leaks is the use of UAVs, which offer a more
efficient alternative to manual inspections. UAVs can cover long distances in a fraction of the
time, making them a cost-effective solution for pipeline monitoring. Beyond leak detection,
UAVs also enable the monitoring of environmental conditions around the pipeline. Equipped
with sensors, UAVs can detect leaks and send real-time data to controllers. Additionally,
UAVs can capture images of pipeline surfaces, helping to identify corrosion caused by soil
and chemical attacks. For accurate corrosion analysis, baseline images are required to identify
specific types of corrosion. However, there has been limited research focused on creating
these baseline images. Developing baseline images through accelerated corrosion
experiments in a laboratory setting could be an effective approach.

Research Gaps

1. There is a need to develop a database of baseline images for the corroded pipeline in
order to assess the UAV data in field inspection.
2. Due to visual ambiguity between the corroded and coated surfaces, there is a need to
develop the wavelength of spectra for each type of degradation.
3. Most studies do not consider the simultaneous action of multiple sources of corrosion
in pipelines.
4. Lack of studies on the reliability of corroded pipelines using artificial neural network-
based techniques.
5. Baseline images for corrosion detection are under explored. Laboratory-accelerated
corrosion experiments could help generate these essential datasets.
 6. UAV-based monitoring offers potential for efficient and cost-effective pipeline
inspection, but integrating UAVs with advanced sensors to create detailed corrosion
maps remains limited.
7. The integration of non-destructive testing (NDT) methods into unified, real-time
monitoring systems is still an area for further research.

In conclusion, while progress has been made in corrosion detection, integrating

laboratory data, real-time monitoring systems, and predictive models can significantly
improve pipeline maintenance and safety. More research is needed to address these gaps.

2. Origin of the Proposal: (Maximum ½ page)

(Scientific rationale and importance of the proposed work)
India’s existing 16,800 km natural gas pipeline network is set to expand by an
additional 14,300 km to complete the national gas grid, ensuring broader access to natural gas
and promoting economic and social development. A key part of this effort is the 1,656 km
pipeline connecting eight North-Eastern states, under Hydrocarbon Vision 2030. The
Barauni-Guwahati Pipeline (BGPL), spanning 729 km, will link the North-East to the
national grid. Pipelines are an efficient, cost-effective method for transporting large volumes
of gas, crude oil, and petroleum over short and long distances (Papadakis, 2000; Kennedy,
2000; Lyons, 2002). However, with over 528,000 km of natural gas and 119,000 km of oil
pipelines in India (Sharma et al., 2021), pipeline failures due to corrosion, leaks, and other
damages are a significant concern. These failures can result in product loss, environmental
harm, safety risks, and economic impacts.
Monitoring critical pipeline infrastructure exclusively with static, local, or mounted
sensors along an entire pipeline network is an immense challenge, and the associated costs
are prohibitive. In India, the most common methods for structural health monitoring currently
rely on visual inspections and sounding techniques, which are highly subjective and depend
heavily on the expertise of maintenance personnel. Methods that leverage a structure's
material properties, such as ultrasonic wave attenuation or changes in electrical conductivity,
often encounter practical issues, including complex cabling and difficulties in establishing
reliable data transmission and control in real-world environments. Furthermore, given the
vast pipeline infrastructure, it is essential to implement selective sensor deployment to
manage costs effectively.

3. Research Plan (Maximum 2 pages)

(Outline the overall strategy to be used to accomplish the proposed work including broad
structure of activities to be undertaken and a general description of methodology and
procedures)
Activities and Methodology
1. Planning and Preparation
- Conduct site assessments, mapping pipeline routes, identifying high-risk areas, and
evaluating environmental factors (e.g., terrain, remote locations). Use Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) to survey the pipeline route, identify risks, and define areas for
monitoring.
 - Review regulatory requirements to ensure compliance with legal, environmental, and
safety standards for UAV operations and laboratory procedures.
- Form a multidisciplinary team, including UAV pilots, data analysts, engineers, and
researchers for collaboration.

2. UAV Equipment Selection and Sensor Calibration

- Select the appropriate UAV platform (multi-rotor or fixed-wing) based on pipeline
geography, length, and environmental conditions.
- Conduct laboratory studies to optimize and test sensor technologies (gas sensors, thermal
cameras) for effective operation under varied conditions.
- Calibrate UAV sensors based on laboratory findings to ensure accuracy in the field.

3. Laboratory Validation and Data Integration

- Validate UAV-collected data by simulating pipeline failure scenarios in a lab (e.g., gas
leaks, corrosion).
- Integrate UAV field data with laboratory results into a central platform for analysis.
- Calibrate sensors based on lab tests to enhance accuracy during field operations.

4. Data Processing and Analysis

- Analyze collected image and sensor data using advanced algorithms and AI to detect
pipeline anomalies such as leaks, corrosion, or cracks.
- Apply machine learning to identify patterns in the data, enabling predictive maintenance
and identifying potential issues before they occur.

5. Actionable Insights and Reporting

- Detect and report pipeline problems, such as leaks, corrosion, and structural damage.
- Provide predictive maintenance forecasts, enabling operators to plan repairs proactively
and reduce downtime.
- Generate detailed inspection reports combining field and lab data, with actionable
recommendations for immediate repairs, long-term maintenance, and resource allocation.

6. Survey, Flight Plan Development, and UAV Deployment

- Develop detailed flight plans, considering UAV range, battery life, and environmental
factors (wind, weather).
- Finalize pre-flight surveys and safety protocols, ensuring UAVs can operate safely in
challenging environments.
 - Deploy UAVs for routine inspections, focusing on high-risk areas along the pipeline.
- Collect high-resolution imagery, thermal scans, gas concentration data to monitor pipeline
condition.
I-Year II-Year
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Procurement of
Equipment and
Manpower
Literature review

Laboratory studies to
develop baseline images
of pipeline surface due
to accelerated corrosion
environment.
To determine the visible
spectrum corresponding
to each type of corrosion
using machine learning
techniques.
To perform reliability
studies on corroded
pipelines using artificial
neural networks.
Perform field trials using
UAV
Final Reporting

4. Key publications of the Investigator during the last 5 years

Refereed Journal Articles

1. V. Guru Prathap Reddy, T. Tadepalli, Rathish Kumar Pancharathi, Surface imaging

based non-destructive assessment of concrete deterioration using hue-saturation-inten-
sity colour space, Measurement, Volume 197, 30 June 2022, 111311.(SCI, IF: 5.131)
2. V. Guru Prathap Reddy, U. Rishivarun, T. Tadepalli, P. Rathish Kumar “ND Evalu-
ation of chemically induced Deterioration in Concrete- A Colour Spaces Study” Ara-
bian Journal for Science and Engg (SCI, IF-2.9)
3. V. Guru Prathap Reddy, U. Rishivarun, T. Tadepalli, P. Rathish Kumar “Design of
Concrete Colour Reference Charts for Monitoring of Deterioration in Concrete Struc-
tures” Journal of The Institution of Engineers (India): Series A (SCOPUS)
4. Anish Banerjee, V. Guru Prathap Reddy, Rathish Kumar Pancharathi, T. Tade-
palli, A Novel method for Deterioration Assessment in concrete using Colorimetry
Analysis, Magazine of concrete research, Published Online: May 25, 2022,
https://doi.org/10.1680/jmacr.21.00071. (SCI, IF: 2.5)
5. Sravanthi A., Sai Prasad, R. L. N., Pancharathi, R. K., & Guru Prathap Reddy, V.
(2022). A comparative study of digital image correlation and fiber Bragg grating sen-
sors based on strain measurements. Innovative Infrastructure Solutions, 7(2), 1-25.
(SCOPUS)
 6. Anish Banerjee, V.Guru Prathap Reddy, R. Kumar Pancharathi, T. Tade-
palli, Colour-stability analysis for estimation of deterioration in concrete due to chem-
ical attack, Construction and Building Materials, Volume 321, 28 February 2022,
126288. (SCI, IF: 7.693)
7. GTL Priyanka, Kamlesh Kumar, V. GuruPrathap Reddy, T. Tadepalli, Mechanical
Reliability of Extruded PLA Filaments, Materialia, Vol. 16, May 2021, 101075.
(SCOPUS)
8. V. Guru Prathap Reddy, B.Murali Krishna, T. Tadepalli, P. Ratish Kumar, Image-
Based Deterioration Assessment of Concrete, Materials Today Proceedings, Elsevier,
April 22, 2020. (SCOPUS)
9. Krishna, B.Murali, V. Guru Prathap Reddy, T.Tadepalli, P.Rathish Kumar, Y.Lahir,
Numerical and experimental study on flexural behavior of reinforced concrete beams:
Digital Image Correlation approach, Computers and Concrete, Techno press Volume
24, Number 6, 561-570, 2019. (SCI, IF: 7.628)
10. Krishna, B. Murali, V. Guru Prathap Reddy, Mohammed Shafee, and T. Tadepalli,
"Condition assessment of RC beams using artificial neural networks". Structures, vol.
23, pp. 1-12. Elsevier, 2020. (SCI, IF: 4.01)
11. V. Guru Prathap Reddy, T Tadepalli, P. Rathish Kumar, “Evaluation of Carbona-
tion in Concrete Bridges under Various Exposure Conditions”, Science and Technol-
ogy Asia (SCO-
PUS)
12. V. Guru Prathap Reddy, U. Rishivarun, T Tadepalli, P Rathish Kumar, “Modelling
Deterioration and Reliability of RCC Beams using Fokker-Planck Equation”, Sad-
hana (Minor
revision)
Book Chapters

1. V. Guru Prathap Reddy, S. Selvaraj, M.K. Madhavan, “Structural behaviour of cold

formed steel built up beams”. Lecture notes in civil engineering, Springer.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-9390-9_26.
2. V. Guru Prathap reddy, Bhanu kesanapalli, T Tadepalli, P. Rathish kumar
"Deterioration of concrete colour detection using HSV colour space" Lecture notes in
civil engineering, Springer.

Conference Proceedings

1. V. Guru Prathap reddy, Gursimhar O, T Tadepalli "Assessment of surface roughness

in concrete due to deterioration" INCAM-2024 at NIT Warangal held on July 13th- 15th
2024.
2. K. Sandeep Kumar, P V Subba reddy, V. Guru Prathap Reddy “Implementation of
industrial waste ferro silica slag in conventional concrete- A sustainable approach”
ICMISI -2024 at Vishnu Institute of Technology, Bhimavaram, held on Feb 2 nd and 3rd
2024.
3. V. Guru Prathap reddy, Bhanu kesanapalli, T Tadepalli, P. Rathish kumar
"Deterioration of concrete colour detection using HSV Colour space" International
Virtual Conference on Developments and Applications of Geomatics (DEVA -
2022) held on August 29th, 30th and 31st 2022.
 4. V. Guru Prathap Reddy, S. Selvaraj, M.K. Madhavan. “Structural behaviour of cold
formed steel built up beams” Indian Structural Steel Conference 2020, IIT Hyderabad,
India Jan 6-8, 2022.
5. V. Guru Prathap Reddy, B. Murali Krishna, T. Tadepalli, P. Rathish Kumar, “Image-
Based Deterioration Assessment of Concrete”, International Conference on Innovative
Technologies for Clean and Sustainable Development (ITCSD 2020), Feb 2020.
6. V Guru Prathap Reddy, B Murali Krishna, L Pranay Kumar, T Tadepalli, P. Ratish
Kumar, K Gopi Krishna, M Sashi and MVN Sivakumar “Image based analysis of
concrete deterioration”, International Conference on “Innovative Trends in Civil
Engineering for Sustainable Development” (ITCSD – 2019) September 13-15, 2019.
7. B. Murali Krishna, V. Guru Prathap Reddy, T.P. Tezeswi “A holistic modelling
approach to deterioration of RC beams” Advances in Sustainable Construction
Materials (ASCM 2019) NIT Warangal, India, March 15 th -16th, (2019); Paper No.
ASCM_026.
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6. Equipment available with the Institute/ Group/ Department/Other Institutes for

the project
Equipment Generic Name of Model, Make & Remarks including
available Equipment year of purchase accessories
available and
current usage of
equipment
PI & his group
PI's department
Other
Institute(s) in the
region
Project Summary: *
The project summary should contain rationale of the research, its scientific objectives, what
hypothesis/model to be tested, the main experiments to be carried out, and an estimate of the
significance to the field of research if the objective is reached in terms of fundamental understanding
and or application.)
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) play a key role in gas pipeline monitoring by providing real-time
surveillance and quick detection of issues such as leaks, corrosion, and structural damage, even in
hard-to-reach areas. Equipped with advanced sensors like thermal cameras and gas detectors, UAVs
offer more accurate assessments of pipeline integrity compared to traditional methods. They reduce
the need for risky ground inspections, lowering operational costs and enhancing safety. UAVs also
gather high-quality data for predictive maintenance and regulatory compliance, while their minimal
environmental impact makes them an effective, efficient, and safe solution for pipeline monitoring.
The proposed work integrates laboratory and field studies to optimize the monitoring of gas pipelines.
The goal is to enhance safety, improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure environmental
compliance. By combining real-time UAV surveillance with controlled laboratory experiments to
refine sensor technologies and obtain multi-modal data, this approach provides a comprehensive
solution for detecting pipeline issues such as leaks, corrosion, and structural damage.
Keywords (Max. 6): *

Objective (in bullets): *

(These should be very specific, to be given in bullet points for the work to be carried out (not more
than 6 bullet points))

1. To develop baseline images of pipeline surface due to accelerated corrosion

environment.
2. To determine the visible spectrum corresponding to each type of corrosion using
machine learning techniques.
3. To perform reliability studies on corroded pipelines using artificial neural networks.
4. To perform field trials using UAV to identify the damages in energy pipelines based on
baseline images.
Expected output and outcome of the proposal: *
(The products, services or facilities that would result from the project activities; and the benefits that
may happen from the project activities may be highlighted.)
Integrating UAV-based monitoring with laboratory studies creates a powerful approach to managing
gas pipelines. Laboratory experiments optimize and validate sensor technologies, ensuring that UAVs
collect accurate, reliable data during inspections. UAVs offer a cost-effective, efficient, and safe
method for ongoing pipeline monitoring, while laboratory studies improve sensor performance and
interpretation of multi-modal data. This combined methodology will enhance the detection of leaks,
structural damage, and corrosion, leading to better maintenance forecasting, improved safety, and
more sustainable pipeline management. A major actionable outcome would be the establishment of a
monitoring and maintenance support system using UAVs for continuous monitoring and inspections,
ensuring regular updates on pipeline integrity. The findings can be incorporated into long-term
planning, offering support for maintenance schedules and compliance with regulatory standards.