Software Based Pipeline Leak Detection

Pipeline leaks are a serious threat to safety as it can cause loss and damage to life, property, environment, reputation, and obviously finance. So every plant should install a useful Pipeline leak detection systems. An engineering system that detects the leaks of pipeline materials in order to alert the operator about the leakage is known as a pipeline leak detection system. For risk management, a pipeline Leak detection system is an essential component. Depending on the fluid being handled, pipeline leak detection systems may employ various technologies.

However, all pipeline leak detection system should possess the following characteristics:

  • locate leaks accurately
  • detect leaks quickly as soon as it occurs.
  • work effectively under all operating conditions
  • issue minimal false alarms
  • use sensors with high reliability and low maintenance
  • be easy to retrofit

Pipeline Configurations:

Figure showing pipeline networks
Fig. 1: Figure showing pipeline networks

Methods of Pipeline leak detection

Pipeline leak detection methods can be classified into two groups:

  • Hardware Method: This method is used to detect leaks with instrumentation outside the pipeline.
  • Software Method: This method uses different instruments to monitor internal parameters (such as pressure, flow, and temperature) that infer product release.  It is also known as computational pipeline monitoring (CPM).

Hardware Method of Pipeline Leak Detection:

  • Acoustic Emissions
  • Fiber Optic Sensing
  • Vapor Monitoring
  • Multi-hop Sensor Wireless Network*
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Advantages of Pipeline Leak Detection using Hardware Method :

  • Good sensitivity to leak
  • Very accurate in leak locating

Disadvantages of Hardware method to pipeline leak detection:

  • System costs are usually high
  • The high complexity of installation

Pipeline Leak detection using Software Methods-Balancing System

  • Balancing Systems: Uses the principle of mass conservation
Mass Conversion Equation

Types of Balancing systems:

  • Volume Balance
  • Compensated Mass Balance
  • Model Compensated Mass Balance

Advantages of Balancing System:

  • It is simple to implement
  • Cost-effective

Disadvantages of Balancing System:

  • Can be affected by an instrument error
  • High rate of false alarms

Software Method – Pressure Analysis for Pipeline Leak Detection:

Gradient Intersection method:

  • This method uses SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) values to calculate the theoretical hydraulic profile or baseline of the pipe
  • The presence of a leak can be determined from a specific deviation or combinations of several deviations from the baseline

Advantages of Gradient Intersection Method:

Estimation of leak location can be determined

Disadvantages of the Gradient Intersection Method:

  • Dependent on instrument sensitivity.
  • Smaller leaks typically take a longer time to detect.
  • Does not give the magnitude of the leak

Pipeline Leak Detection by Software Method – RTTM:

Real-Time Transient Modeling (RTTM) involves computer simulation of pipeline conditions using advanced fluid mechanics and hydraulic modeling.

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The basic equations used in RTTM are:

Basic Equations of RTTM
Fig. 2: Basic Equations of RTTM

Advantages of RTTM:

  • It takes into account the configuration of the pipe as well as the product characteristics.
  • Very fast in detection and location

Disadvantages of RTTM:

  • It is a complex way of leak detection
  • The RTTM method costs much more than the other methods
  • Requires many instruments, controller training, and maintenance.
  • Errors in instrument calibration could raise false alarms

Generalized Likelihood Ratio for Pipeline Leak Detection:

  • This is a statistical method modeled after the flow conditions in the pipeline
  • A mathematical model that describes the effects of leaks and biases on the flow process is used.
  • Can detect leaks in the pipeline branch located in the branch, and the magnitude of the leak.
  • Can identify various types of gross errors

Anup Kumar Dey

I am a Mechanical Engineer turned into a Piping Engineer. Currently, I work in a reputed MNC as a Senior Piping Stress Engineer. I am very much passionate about blogging and always tried to do unique things. This website is my first venture into the world of blogging with the aim of connecting with other piping engineers around the world.

2 thoughts on “Software Based Pipeline Leak Detection

  1. I found it very interesting when you talked about the gradient intersection method of pressure analysis for pipes. My friend is working to join the industry and wants to learn all he can about using the software as well as hardware to determine the locations of leaks and other issues and how to fix them. Thank you for the information about how this method can determine the presence of a leak from a specific deviation or combinations of several deviations from the baseline.

  2. Please, I need your help about oil pipeline monitoring by using wireless sensor networks and detect the localization of the leakage.

    Best Regards.

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