The leak noise spectrum in gas pipeline systems: Theoretical and experimental investigation

Abstract

This paper is concerned with a theoretical and experimental investigation into the pressure spectrum in a pressurised fluid-filled pipe containing a leak. A general theoretical framework for predicting the leak noise spectrum is derived. A simple relationship is developed between the leak noise pressure spectrum in the pipe and the velocity spectrum at the leak orifice. Measurements of the leak noise spectrum are also presented from a pipe rig with air under pressure. The variation in noise spectrum is investigated for various leak orifice diameters and pipe pressures and compared against predictions from the theoretical model. The model is shown to predict the general shape of the pressure spectrum when the turbulence quantities are appropriately chosen. The variation in overall noise with leak orifice radius and exit velocity is also well-captured by the theoretical model.