Development of a Prototype Test Rig for Leak Detection in Pipelines

Abstract

Over the years, the conventional method most industries use in detecting pipeline leakages is called the pressure test. This method is too stressful and even takes longer time to locate the exact location of the leak. This work studies the unconventional way of detecting oil leakage with a view of designing a model control system to detect leak without human intervention, both on-the-job and off the job. In this work, a prototype test rig was designed and fabricated. Its components include pipes and piping components, air valve, adaptor, barometer, MxF Socket, non-return valve, pressure relief valve, and reducers. The rig was fabricated based on its 3D architecture using solid works application tool. The rig has four different flow line with pressure sensors and gauges mounted on each line. Pressure transducers on the rigs keeps monitoring the pressure inside the rig and immediately it detects a pressure drop below the threshold value, the micro controller based on the programmed code on it communicates with the SMS module which subsequently sends an SMS alert to the programmed phone number and gives the location of the leak as well as the actual pressure in that location. Thus, this study enhances quick leak detection, thus, gainfully helps to minimize losses during on the job operation in the case of spills and saves time in locating the exact point of leakage.