Gas pipeline leakage detection based on PZT sensors

TLDR

The negative pressure wave generated by a pipeline leak propagates along the pipe and manifests as hoop‑strain variations along the wall. The study proposes a rapid detection and location method for pipeline leaks using lead zirconate titanate (PZT) sensors. The method employs PZT sensors to capture strain variations caused by the negative pressure wave, enabling leak localization. Experiments on a 55‑meter model pipeline demonstrated that the PZT‑based approach locates leaks within 2 % error and 4 % variance across five controlled points, confirming its accuracy.

Abstract

In this paper, an innovative method for rapid detection and location determination of pipeline leakage utilizing lead zirconate titanate (PZT) sensors is proposed. The negative pressure wave (NPW) is a stress wave generated by leakage in the pipeline, and propagates along the pipeline from the leakage point to both ends. Thus the NPW is associated with hoop strain variation along the pipe wall. PZT sensors mounted on the pipeline were used to measure the strain variation and allowed accurate (within 2% error) and repeatable location (within 4% variance) of five manually controlled leakage points. Experimental results have verified the effectiveness and the location accuracy for leakage in a 55 meter long model pipeline.