Pipeline leak detection apparatus, and methods thereof
AssigneePipesense, LLC
InventorsMichael David Nash, Stuart Mitchell
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus for the continuous monitoring of a pipeline or a pipeline network carrying flowing media that can not only detect the presence of a leak but also locate the source of the leak through the use of rarefraction wave detection and methods of using the same is disclosed within. The apparatus and method are specifically configured to locate the leak source within less than 36 inches using a calibration means and a noise cancellation means.
Claims20
A pipeline leak detection apparatus for detection and location of a leak in a pipeline, the apparatus comprising:
- a memory configured to store instructions;
- a processor operatively coupled to the memory and to one or more fluid sensing devices for detecting fluid pressure in the pipeline, wherein the processor upon execution of the instructions is configured to:
- detect a first pressure wave for a first pressure event in the pipeline;
- measure a first time difference for the first pressure wave in the pipeline using the one or more fluid sensing devices;
- detect a second pressure wave for a second pressure event in the pipeline;
- measure a second time difference for the second pressure wave using the one or more fluid sensing devices;
- and
- determine a leak event and a location of the leak event relative to the pipeline utilizing the first time difference for the first pressure and the second time difference of the second pressure wave.
A computer-implemented method for detection and location of a fluid leak in a pipeline, comprising:
- detecting, using a processor, a first pressure wave for a first pressure event in the pipeline;
- measuring, using the processor, a first time difference for the first pressure wave in the pipeline using the one or more fluid sensing devices;
- detecting, using the processor, a second pressure wave for a second pressure event in the pipeline;
- measuring, using the processor, a second time difference for the second pressure wave using the one or more fluid sensing devices;
- and
- determining, using the processor, a leak event and a location of the leak event relative to the pipeline utilizing the first time difference for the first pressure and the second time difference of the second pressure wave to.
A pipeline leak detection apparatus for detection and location of a leak in a pipeline, the apparatus comprising:
- a memory configured to store instructions;
- first and second pressure sensing devices fluidly connected to the pipeline, wherein the second pressure sensing device is a known distance from the first pressure sensing device;
- a processor operatively coupled to the memory and to the first and second fluid sensing devices, wherein the processor upon execution of the instructions is configured to:
- open and close a valve on the pipeline to release an amount of fluid to create a first pressure wave for a first pressure event;
- measure a first time difference for the first pressure wave using the first and second pressure sensing devices;
- detect a third pressure wave for a third pressure event in the pipeline;
- measure a third time difference for the third pressure wave using the first and second pressure sensing devices;
- compare the third pressure wave to a transient pressure signal for a pump operation and/or a valve operations associated with the pipeline;
- fit the third pressure wave to the transient pressure signal using a least difference best fit;
- and
- invert the transient pressure signal and add the inverted transient pressure signal to the third pressure wave to obtain background noise or clean pressure wave.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.