Design and Implementation of a Wireless Sensor Network for Monitoring Oil Pipeline

This work presents a wireless sensor network (WSN) using pressure variations in monitoring oil pipeline against leaks. It incorporates pressure sensors, ardiuno board containing ATmega328P – 8 bit AVR family microcontroller, GSM module, and LCD for data acquisition, processing, communication, and analysis, to be used for the localization of leaks (either natural or man caused). An experimental investigation of the relationship between leaks or bursts and pressure variations was carried out at a designated location along the prototype oil pipeline. Results showed that a drop in pressure is associated with leak and the wider the size of the leak, the more drop in pressure that is observed. The wireless sensor network uses the concepts of signal (energy) conversion and processing following a modular approach where pressure parameter is monitored in the prototype pipeline (field or transmitting section). Whenever the monitored pressure falls below a minimum set pressure point, the pressure information (signal) is converted into electrical signal, processed, and transmitted as radio waves and received at the monitor or control centre (master or receiving section). The received radio signals are converted back into electrical signal and used to drive the LCD and buzzer. Analyzing the audiovisual signal received will determine any further necessary action.