Mixed Reality (MR) Environment for Visualizing Pipeline Integrity Along With Case Studies
Authors: Meghani Anil , Khode Sunil , Roy Sayan , Amid Mohammad 
Published: November 2023

Ensuring integrity of a pipeline network is an essential activity for a pipeline operator. Pipeline integrity management programs are designed to identify and mitigate potential risks to pipeline to maintain safe and reliable operation of pipelines. To support decision making about integrity management, interpretation of data is necessary and better insights of data can be achieved by visualization of data.

Visualization enables users to identify patterns, trends, and relationships quickly and easily in the data that might not be immediately apparent through textual or numerical data alone. Data visualization through Augmented Reality (AR) is an emerging trend that allows users to view and interact with data in a more immersive and interactive way. Going a step ahead, Mixed Reality (MR) combines Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and other forms of digital content to produce a seamless environment in which digital objects are placed in real-world settings, allowing users to interact with them in real-time.

MR technology provides pipeline inspectors with a more immersive and detailed view of the pipeline, allowing them to identify potential issues such as gouges, corrosion, and dents etc. This can help to improve the accuracy of inspections and reduce the risk of human error. The paper discusses about the potential uses of Mixed Reality (MR) technology in pipeline industry including several case studies. First case includes study on an offshore pipeline dent, wherein the repair decisions were supported by the virtual model of the dent profile. In another case, MR technology was used by the experts sitting at office to see and identify causes of failure through the MR headset. The technology has also been used to see drone footage of pipeline Right of Use (RoU) for assessing coating refurbishment works. Fourth case study includes visualization of digital elevation model for the sites identifies for washouts based on Artificial Neural Network. Last case includes visualization of seabed profile using a multibeam side scan sonar.

The technology requires specialized hardware, software, and algorithms. Several algorithms were created to digest various survey and open-source data such as Inline inspection, drone imagery, 3D photogrammetry, sonar surveys and satellite data.

Several datasets and assets were modelled to create a digital 3D library. The library thus forms a Metaverse where users can import data models and evaluate the asset using mixed reality device in a collaborative environment.

MR technology has enhanced intuitive view of the pipeline, allowing the pipeline operators to identify and repair issues more quickly and efficiently, thereby, reducing downtime and minimizing disruption to pipeline operations.

In summary, the use of mixed reality for visualizing integrity of pipelines has several potential applications which is going to increase manifolds in the coming future as it offers new paradigm for communication and better collaboration by replacing flat displays and keyboards with 3D, virtual and interactive environment which is a major shift in user engagement.