Abstract
Leakages in hydrocarbon transport pipelines are a recurring problem. Their real-time diagnosis is a priority task. Timely resolution of leaks helps avoid human casualties, environmental harm, and infrastructure damage. This work focuses on simulating the hydrodynamic behavior along a pipeline to enable timely leak detection and localization through a novel computational tool. The proposed mathematical model identifies discrepancies between the mass and momentum equations and an adaptive observer’s estimation, which considers the leaking fluid like a system perturbation. The flow volume balance method confirms the existence of a leakage. A fluid quantifier estimates the total leaked volume during the detection period. The estimation error between the measured and estimated variables for the adaptive observer approximates the leakage location. The developed software was validated by comparing the results with a real leak scenario in a 20-inch diameter, 15 km long liquefied petroleum gas pipeline. The results demonstrate the tool’s feasibility for real-time leak detection, localization, and quantification, showcasing its potential for addressing recurring pipeline leaks.
Published Version
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