Pipeline Network Features and Leak Detection by Cross-Correlation Analysis of Reflected Waves

TLDR

Analysis of pressure wave reflections in fluid pipe networks can identify pipeline features such as open ends, closed ends, valves, junctions, and certain bends. The study develops an enhanced signal‑processing technique to detect pipeline features and leaks from pressure wave measurements. The method uses an artificially generated pressure wave from a solenoid valve and cross‑correlation analysis of reflected waves to locate features and leaks. Using fewer sensors, the technique detects features and leaks up to 95 m away, identifies up to seven reflections, and locates leaks within 5 % accuracy.

Abstract

This paper describes progress on a new technique to detect pipeline features and leaks using signal processing of a pressure wave measurement. Previous work (by the present authors) has shown that the analysis of pressure wave reflections in fluid pipe networks can be used to identify specific pipeline features such as open ends, closed ends, valves, junctions, and certain types of bends. It was demonstrated that by using an extension of cross-correlation analysis, the identification of features can be achieved using fewer sensors than are traditionally employed. The key to the effectiveness of the technique lies in the artificial generation of pressure waves using a solenoid valve, rather than relying upon natural sources of fluid excitation. This paper uses an enhanced signal processing technique to improve the detection of leaks. It is shown experimentally that features and leaks can be detected around a sharp bend and up to seven reflections from features/leaks can be detected, by which time the wave has traveled over 95m . The testing determined the position of a leak to within an accuracy of 5%, even when the location of the reflection from a leak is itself dispersed over a certain distance and, therefore, does not cause an exact reflection of the wave.