A Force Sensitive Resistor Based Wireless Sensor Network for Pipeline Monitoring and Oil Spillage Control in Nigeria

This article, a force sensitive resistor (FSR) based wireless sensor network- an underground wireless monitoring system whose components are insulated against physical attacks from malicious intruders, proffers solution to abate the incidences of pipeline vandalisation, crude oil theft, and control oil pollution in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. A force sensitive resistor based wireless sensor network was implemented in MATLAB /Simulink environment to find out leaks in an oil bearing pipeline. Two scenarios were studied. One in the absence of leak with four sensor nodes/four auxiliary sensor nodes, and the other when leak was present with four sensor nodes/four auxiliary sensor nodes. Results obtained indicate that the sensed pressure of each of the sensor nodes/ auxiliary sensor nodes of scenario 1 are within the preset pressure threshold of 120-125 kPa at 120.2–120.6 kPa, while for the second scenario, the results found indicate that the sensed pressure of each of the sensor nodes/ auxiliary sensor nodes of scenario 2 are lower than the preset pressure threshold at 114.2–105.6 kPa. The reduced pressure in any segment indicates the presence of leak in that segment. Thus, leaks are detected whenever the sensed pressure within any of the segments of the pipeline being monitored drops below the preset pressure threshold upon comparison by the microcontroller of the designed system. The node/auxiliary node within the segment where the leakage is found out then sends a pre-installed leak report containing node/auxiliary node location with time stamp to designated office(s) and personnel for necessary action(s) to be taken.