Blockage and Leak Detection and Location in Pipelines Using Frequency Response Optimization

Abstract

This paper proposes a new approach based on the frequency response for fault identification in pipelines. The method focuses on extended blockage detection and location, and a case of simultaneous punctual blockage and leak identification. The proposed approach is based on a frequency modeling of pipeline dynamics including the effect of faults under study, by means of transfer matrix representation, and a related optimization: using measurements at both ends of the pipeline, together with an appropriate excitation, the parameters of the faults are directly identified from the frequency response. This methodology is shown to be very efficient based on the simulation results, even in the presence of additive measurement noise.