A simple machine learning based framework for processing the inline inspection data of subsea pipelines

Abstract

This paper presents a simple machine learning based framework for diagnosing the inline inspection data (ILI) of subsea pipelines. ILI data are obtained by intelligent pigging devices operating along subsea pipelines. The wall thickness (WT) and standoff distance (SO) are collected by the sensors installed on the pigging, which are normally in the format of 2D arrays. There are many uncertainties for the ILI data collected from the offshore survey. An attempt was made to apply the machine learning method to diagnose the uncertainties. A convolutional neural network (CNN) is used, the ILI data are discretized and processed in 64x64 grid size. Fabricated training datasets were made for training the machine learning model since the ground truth information (actual corroded wall thickness) is hardly known in this case. The trained model was successfully. It is demonstrated that certain corrosion patterns have been recognized by the trained model. Comparisons were performed between the new method and traditional methods with case studies on real ILI data. The validity of the methodology was discussed.