Leak detection in pipelines by frequency response method

A new technique for the detection of leaks in a pipeline is presented utilizing its frequency response. In the system frequency response, a leak increases the amplitude of pressure oscillations at the even harmonics. Such an increase in amplitude has an oscillatory pattern; the frequency and amplitude of this pattern may be utilized to predict the location and discharge of a leak. In this technique, the pressure transient history at one location is sufficient and the history of the transient in the pipe prior to leak is not needed; this makes it advantageous over a number of other existing techniques, in addition to being simpler to use. It is shown that the technique successfully detects the location of a leak in a number of simple systems with leak discharge as low as 0.2% of the steady discharge. The technique is verified by comparing the results with those computed by using the method of characteristics. Practical issues and limitations for field implementations are discussed.