The use of statistical tools to improve the decision process within leak detection is becoming a common practice in the area of computer pipeline monitoring. Among these tools, the sequential probability ratio test is one of the most named techniques used by commercial leak detection systems (Zhang and Di Mauro, 1998, “Implementing a Reliable Leak Detection System on a Crude Oil Pipeline,” Advances in Pipeline Technology, Dubai, UAE). This decision mechanism is based on the comparison of the estimated probabilities of leak or no leak observed from the pipeline data. This paper proposes a leak detection system that uses a simplified statistical model for the pipeline operation, allowing a simple implementation in the pipeline control system (Di Blasi, M., 2004, “Detección y localización de fugas en sistemas de transporte de fluidos incompresibles,” MS thesis, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina). Applying real-time recursive linear regression to volume balance and average pipeline pressure signals, a statistically corrected volume balance signal with reduced variance is derived. Its average value is zero during normal operation whereas it equals the leak flow under a leak condition. Based on the corrected volume balance, differently configured sequential probability ratio tests are presented to extend the dynamic range of detectable leak flow. Simplified mathematical expressions are obtained for several system performance indices, such as spilled volume until detection, time to leak detection, minimum leak flow detected, etc. Theoretical results are compared with leak simulations on a real oil pipeline. A description of the system tested over a 500 km oil pipeline is included, showing some real data results.
Skip Nav Destination
e-mail: carlosm@ing.unlp.edu.ar
Article navigation
April 2009
Research Papers
Leak Detection in a Pipeline Using Modified Line Volume Balance and Sequential Probability Tests
Martín Di Blasi,
Martín Di Blasi
Dirección Técnica Refino and Logística,
REPSOL-YPF
, Avenida Roque Saenz Peña 777, CP 777, Capital Federal, Buenos Aires, Argentinamdiblasic@repsolypf.com
Search for other works by this author on:
Carlos Muravchik
Carlos Muravchik
Laboratorio de Electrónica Industrial Control e Instrumentación (LEICI), Facultad de Ingeniería,
e-mail: carlosm@ing.unlp.edu.ar
UNLP
, Buenos Aires, 47 CP 1900 Argentina
Search for other works by this author on:
Martín Di Blasi
Dirección Técnica Refino and Logística,
REPSOL-YPF
, Avenida Roque Saenz Peña 777, CP 777, Capital Federal, Buenos Aires, Argentinamdiblasic@repsolypf.com
Carlos Muravchik
Laboratorio de Electrónica Industrial Control e Instrumentación (LEICI), Facultad de Ingeniería,
UNLP
, Buenos Aires, 47 CP 1900 Argentinae-mail: carlosm@ing.unlp.edu.ar
J. Pressure Vessel Technol. Apr 2009, 131(2): 021701 (7 pages)
Published Online: January 21, 2009
Article history
Received:
January 11, 2007
Revised:
March 24, 2008
Published:
January 21, 2009
Citation
Di Blasi, M., and Muravchik, C. (January 21, 2009). "Leak Detection in a Pipeline Using Modified Line Volume Balance and Sequential Probability Tests." ASME. J. Pressure Vessel Technol. April 2009; 131(2): 021701. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.3062936
Download citation file:
Get Email Alerts
Cited By
Surface Strain Measurement for Non-Intrusive Internal Pressure Evaluation of a Cannon
J. Pressure Vessel Technol (December 2024)
Dynamic Response and Damage Analysis of a Large Steel Tank Impacted by an Explosive Fragment
J. Pressure Vessel Technol (February 2025)
Related Articles
Assessment of the Performance of Acoustic and Mass Balance Methods for Leak Detection in Pipelines for Transporting Liquids
J. Fluids Eng (January,2010)
Critical Buckling Strain Equations for Energy Pipelines—A Parametric Study
J. Offshore Mech. Arct. Eng (August,2006)
Minimal Order Nonlinear Observer for Leak Detection
J. Dyn. Sys., Meas., Control (September,2004)
New Developments for the Description of Oil Leakages by Advective Migration From Submarine Pipelines
J. Pressure Vessel Technol (June,2009)
Related Chapters
DEVELOPMENTS IN STRAIN-BASED FRACTURE ASSESSMENTS - A PERSPECTIVE
Pipeline Integrity Management Under Geohazard Conditions (PIMG)
Re-Qualification of Existing Subsea Pipelines for CO 2 and H 2 Transport, Structural Integrity Challenges
Ageing and Life Extension of Offshore Facilities
Pipeline Integrity and Security
Continuing and Changing Priorities of the ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Codes and Standards