Open AccessLeak detection in pipelines through spectral analysis of pressure signals
Author(s) -
Alexandre Lima de Souza,
Sandra Lúcia da Cruz,
Juliana Francisco Pereira
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
brazilian journal of chemical engineering/brazilian journal of chemical engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.313
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1678-4383
pISSN - 0104-6632
DOI - 10.1590/s0104-66322000000400020
Subject(s) - pipeline transport , leak , leakage (economics) , pipeline (software) , leak detection , acoustics , spectral analysis , engineering , pressure sensor , pressure wave , petroleum engineering , reflection (computer programming) , marine engineering , computer science , mechanical engineering , physics , quantum mechanics , environmental engineering , spectroscopy , economics , macroeconomics , programming language
The development and test of a technique for leak detection in pipelines is presented. The technique is based on the spectral analysis of pressure signals measured in pipeline sections where the formation of stationary waves is favoured, allowing leakage detection during the start/stop of pumps. Experimental tests were performed in a 1250 m long pipeline for various operational conditions of the pipeline (liquid flow rate and leakage configuration). Pressure transients were obtained by four transducers connected to a PC computer. The obtained results show that the spectral analysis of pressure transients, together with the knowledge of reflection points provide a simple and efficient way of identifying leaks during the start/stop of pumps in pipelines