Acousto-optical transducer and method for pipeline leak detection, localization and quantification

Abstract

The present invention is in the field of technologies applied to fluid transporting pipelines and, more specifically, it refers to an acousto-optical transducer and a method capable of sensing, monitoring and quantifying losses and leaks in steam plants in oil and gas, food, energy generation industries, among others. Particularly, the present invention describes an acousto-optical transducer for sensing, locating and quantifying leaks in pipelines and equipment for use in distributed optical sensing systems. The apparatus comprises a structure that maximizes the acoustic sensitivity of the fiber, consisting of a housing; a waveguide; a membrane; and a membrane attachment bracket for supporting the membrane; wherein the waveguide is helically arranged and rigidly fixed under the membrane. The method describes the use of the device in optical sensing systems for monitoring steam losses.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.