Pipeline Leak Detection Based on Mass Balance

by Chyr Pyng Liou, Univ of Idaho, Moscow, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Pipeline Infrastructure II

Abstract:

Current technologies in Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems enable pipeline leak detection to be carried out in real time by software-based methods. This paper discusses such a leak detection method based on volumetric mass balance. The basic idea is outlined first, followed by a method for estimating the magnitudes of the variables involved. Several leak detectability curves are established based on different estimates of variable uncertainties. They are compared with results from field leak tests. It is demonstrated that with reasonable estimation of variable uncertainties, leaks with a wide range of flowrates can be detected reliably by the volumetric mass balance method.

Subject Headings: Pipe leakage | Field tests | Detection methods | Computer programming | Uncertainty principles | Fluid flow | Data collection

Services: Buy this book/Buy this article

 

Return to search