IoT-Based Solution Provides Real-Time Insights into Pipeline Maintenance, Reducing Operational Costs
A groundbreaking research initiative at MIT Vishwashanti University has yielded a transformative solution that could potentially save oil companies thousands of dollars in operational expenses. Developed by a team of professors and students, the Smart In Line Inspection (SILI) device has garnered exclusive patent rights for its innovative approach to pipeline maintenance.
Oil pipelines often encounter issues with the accumulation of a waxy layer as oil flows through them. Traditional methods of addressing this problem involve extensive cleaning processes, where entire pipeline sections are treated at considerable expense, costing approximately $50,000 per cleaning operation. Moreover, these procedures necessitate temporary shutdowns, leading to financial losses for oil companies.
The genesis of the SILI device traces back to a hackathon event in 2019, where students first identified the challenge faced by oil companies. Motivated by the need for a more efficient solution, they embarked on developing the SILI device to address this pressing issue.
SILI operates by providing real-time data on the thickness of the waxy layer deposited within the pipeline. Leveraging IoT technology, the device utilizes various sensors to monitor and assess the accumulation of wax. Under the guidance of professors Vignesh Shenoy, Sanket Shinde, and Snehal Kolekar, students including Prithviraj Patil, Slavin Mascarenhas, Viraj Jiwane, Ashwajit Pawar, Deepak Kumar Yadav, and Riya Huddar collaborated to bring this innovative concept to fruition.
One student highlighted the SILI device’s ability to offer instant insights into the propensity of wax accumulation, enabling predictive maintenance strategies. By calculating the rate of wax layer growth over time, oil companies can make informed decisions about when to initiate cleaning procedures, optimizing resources and minimizing unnecessary maintenance costs.
While the successful development of the SILI device marks a significant milestone, its practical implementation remains paramount. Oil companies are urged to explore the adoption of this cutting-edge solution to streamline pipeline maintenance operations and enhance cost-effectiveness.
