Abstract
Pipeline networks are one of the most efficient and extensively used means for transporting fluid products. However, they suffer from a serious problem that threatens their normal and secure operation, which is the occurrence of leaks. In this article, an acoustic technique for the localization of leaks in pipelines placed in the high-noise environment of an oil refinery is described. This technique is based on the estimation of the time delay between the moments at which an acoustic signal produced by a leak reaches two sensors mounted on the external surface of the pipeline at a certain distance between them. For this reason, three different time delay estimation methods, based on the cross-correlation procedure, are studied in this article. These methods are tested for their accuracy in the estimation of the leak position, as well as for their ability to work with measurements of short duration and the results are compared. This is important because the acquisition duration affects directly the response time of the leak localization system, which is a crucial parameter for the targeted applications. Finally, an algorithm for fast and accurate identification of the leak point is proposed.
Highlights
A large number of applications both in the industrial world and in our everyday life require the use of pipeline networks
Methods willofbe relation will to their accuracy in theto localization of ain leak their ability comparison themade testedinmethods be made in relation their accuracy theand localization of a to work efficiently with measurements of short duration
By using the five of valves with which the pipeline is equipped, a number of leaks were emulated at several points on groups of valves with which the pipeline is equipped, a number of leaks were emulated at several the pipe and their location was estimated based on the three mentioned methods
Summary
A large number of applications both in the industrial world and in our everyday life require the use of pipeline networks These networks have been utilized and tested for many years and have been proven very efficient and reliable in transporting fluid products in long distances. Since leaks are responsible for product loss, environmental pollution, problems in the cities (e.g., in the water supply network) and even dangerous accidents (e.g., when the carried product is flammable), it is more than obvious that there is an urgent need for the development of proper leak detection and localization systems
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