Artificial Intelligence Comes to Pipeline Leak Detection and Finds a Home in Houston

HOUSTON: Shoshi Kaganovsky, an Israeli data scientist and entrepreneur who has been named one of the 20 most influential women in Israel, has moved the headquarters of SensoLeak, her disruptive new approach to pipeline leak prevention and detection, to Houston.

Shoshi, the 32-year-old founder of SensoLeak, has figured out how to use artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and internet of things (IoT), for data analysis in a way that is upending the way pipeline leak prevention and detection are done. She says, “One of the great challenges the energy industry faces is an aging pipeline infrastructure that far too often results in leaks and ruptures, resulting in economic and environmental catastrophe. Detecting leaks and potential leaks early is critical to preventing major problems.”

According to the Global Energy Institute, there are about 2.6 million miles of pipelines in the U.S. transporting crude oil, natural gas, and petroleum products, and more than half are more than 50 years old. Because of the astronomical cost of pipeline failures, the increased federal and state regulation, and the environmental damage leaks can cause, it’s no surprise that a recent TechSci Research report projects the global oil and gas pipeline leak detection market will exceed US $1.8 billion by 2020.

Currently in use for pipeline diagnostics globally, SensoLeak predicts pipeline leakage and other failures. The system is based on a statistical algorithm that processes the data from existing sensors, analyzes variables, provides early real-time reports on abnormalities that could evolve into problems, and outputs appropriate alerts – 24/7 and with no human intervention.

Why move SensoLeak headquarters to Houston? Shoshi says, “Houston is truly the energy capital of the world. Many of the world’s largest energy producers and mid-stream operators of pipelines either have their headquarters or a very strong presence here. Moving here puts us in close proximity to customers, makes it easy for us to engage with the many Houston-based industry’s innovators, and gives us access to great educational institutions and some of the most creative talent in the industry. Moving to Houston is the first step of my plan to bring innovation to the O&G industry in the U.S., create jobs and help turn the market into a profitable empire again. SensoLeak’s plug & play system can save hundreds of millions of dollars to the operators and prevent critical environmental failures, ensuring safety and compliance with regulation”.

Shoshi is literally tireless in pursuit of her goal to bring real improvements to the energy industry and demonstrating what a woman can accomplish in a male-dominated industry. “I sleep only twice a week, get 2,000 emails and 500 social network messages daily, and I have three phones in case one crashes.”

SensoLeak Global, Inc. is an international provider of innovative data-driven systems for diagnosing evolving failures in mechanical parts and infrastructure, such as pipelines. Based on data obtained from sensors, the system calculates a “health grade,” determines system normality, and outputs the appropriate alerts.