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Pipeline Leak Detection Methods

Transferring material through pipelines is an effective, often efficient way of bringing liquids from source to destination. Sometimes these pipes contain toxic or hazardous materials. Because the pipes are usually concealed underground, they are not intrusive to everyday life; however, this poses problems when checking for leaks. There are very simple methods of checking pipelines for leaks and also more complex, high-tech ways of checking for leaks.

  1. Simple Detection

    • The most basic method of pipeline leak detection is to walk, drive or fly along the pipeline and visually check for leaks. The most cost effective, according to Timur Chis, assistant professor at Andrei Saguna University, is to supply an odorant to the fluid in the pipe. Leaks can then be smelled by bystanders. Flow meters can detect leaks (though not the leak location) by detecting imbalances of flow rate on an hourly or daily basis. Line pressure measurement systems must be used in conjunction with the meters to establish a change in pressure gradients in the event of a leak.

      You can detect the source of the leak from the sound the flowing liquid produces. Fluid flow generates vibrations in the ultrasonic range that can be detected with appropriate transducers. Portable transducers can be used to pinpoint the source of the leak if pipeline crews place the transducer on specific portions of the pipeline to detect the signal strength produced by the liquid.

    Line Pig Detection

    • Line pigging has been used primarily for cleaning pipeline, but can also be used for monitoring pipeline. Line pigging is the process of inserting a small device (called a pig) into the lines and pushing it through the pipeline. Pig-based monitoring systems collect data and store data that can be used for leak detection, such as monitoring flow rate changes and acoustic changes.

    Computer Assistance

    • Computers can monitor, process and analyze pressure, temperature, flow, density and other parameters to calculate the inventory of a pipeline. Pipeline instrumentation is installed on the pipeline, then computers account for the fluid inventory and compensate for flow differences. Computers also check for instrument malfunction.

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