Analysis of first transient pressure oscillation for leak detection in a single pipeline

The leak detection is of great importance in the reliable operation and management of a pipeline system. Recently, attention is shifted to the use of the time domain or frequency domain methods based on the transient analysis. These methods sometimes require accurate pressure signals obtained during the transient period or by creating ideal conditions in testing. This paper proposes a method that does not require transient simulations over the whole or an extended period of time, but uses the first transient pressure oscillation to detect leaks. The method considers the propagation of the pressure oscillation wave created from a fast valve closure and the reflected damp wave from the leak. A leak in the pipe gives rise to reflected waves which in turn create discontinuities in the observed signal at the measurement section. The timing of the reflected damp wave and the magnitude represent the location and the size of the leak, respectively. An analytical expression is derived based on the Method Of Characteristic (MOC) for the relationship between the leakage and the reflected magnitude. The leak detection procedure based on the method is also given. Then the reliability of the method is tested on numerically simulated pressure signals and experimental pressure signals with calibrated leak parameters, and the results indicate a successful application and the promising features of the method.