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Technology and industrial assets: a fundamental combination
In the present context, characterized by complex challenges related to decarbonization, the energy industry must have great innovative capabilities that make processes and activities more sustainable from an environmental, economic, and social perspective.
Innovation through the development of new technological solutions is therefore an essential choice. Developing new technologies in industrial processes means continuous improvement in terms of efficiency, operational excellence and sustainability.
Technology, therefore, also plays a key role in ensuring the correct functioning and efficiency of industrial assets.
Within this context, Enivibes (76% Eniverse, 16% Aresys and 8% Solgeo), the first venture to be set up through Eniverse, Eni's corporate venture builder to exploit the company's proprietary skills and technologies, has developed e-vpms® (Eni Vibroacoustic Pipeline Monitoring System), a technology that is capable of protecting pipelines by ensuring immediate intervention in the event of spills or attempted illicit tap.
How e-vpms® works
The e-vpms® technology from Enivibes is based on a vibroacoustic monitoring system and represents an evolution in pipeline management and protection. With the installation of a small number of monitoring sensors across the layout and a central processing unit, e-vpms® can monitor hundreds of kilometres by detecting intrusions, accidental impacts and spills. When an illicit tap attempt or accident takes place, the vibroacoustic waves generated by the impact on the pipe are disseminated for kilometres inside the pipelines. The e-vpms® system detects, processes and sends them to a central unit located in the control room. From here, all recordings are collected and, using advanced algorithms, it is possible to identify where the event occurred and, therefore, to determine the precise point where to take action, allowing for rapid and precise intervention. The system can also quickly detect excavation operations that are taking place above a buried pipeline, e.g. for a illicit tap attempt, with significant savings in terms of costs and any potential damage. The technology has currently been implemented on most of Italian oil pipelines operated by Eni, as well as in numerous facilities located in other countries and operated from other operators. A strategic partnership signed in July 2023 with technology company SLB enables the global deployment of e-vpms® in the oil and related sectors.
Applications and benefits
The e-vpms® is perfect for retrofitting, i.e. modernising existing pipelines thanks to the installation of the sensors on the structure. The sensors can be submerged up to ten metres deep, called shallow-water, which can be buried and is suitable for marshy, coastal, flood-prone areas, or onshore, where the pipeline needs to be concealed. Remote devices consume less than 20W and can be powered by solar panels, fuel cells or the mains or, alternatively, by batteries.
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Development of the e-vpms® system
From the first experimental use, e-vpms® has revolutionized pipeline monitoring in Italy.
2013
2016
2017-2018
2019-2021
2021
2022
The e-vpms® system is being introduced for the first time to two pipelines in central Italy.
After the first promising results, the e-vpms® is being rolled out to new pipelines in northern Italy.
Network coverage: the e-vpms® system is implemented on most of pipelines in Italy.
No cases of illegal tampering were recorded throughout the monitored network for the first time.
The functionality of the e-vpms® is enhanced and close cooperation with law enforcement agencies is developed.
Regular updates to detection technologies, optimized emergency protocols and preventative actions to ensure greater safety and greater.
Pipeline network protection remains a continuous commitment, with regular updates to protocols and monitoring technologies to proactively address potential threats. The e-vpms® technology brings significant environmental and economic benefits by enabling rapid, preventive interventions against possible pipeline damage. The Italian pipeline network represents a positive example, where e-vpms® was first installed in 2013 on two pipelines in central Italy, marking a breakthrough in the management of illegal interference on critical infrastructure. The results achieved led to the e-vpms® system’s expansion across on most of the Eni's network.
With e-vpms®, Enivibes is transforming pipelines from passive infrastructure into smart components of the industrial supply chain, a tangible sign of Eni's commitment to a more responsible and more sustainable of energy resource management.
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