LEAK DETECTION USING A FUZZY SYSTEM

A methodology for pipeline leakage detection using a combination of clustering and classification tools for fault detection is here presented. A fuzzy system is used to classify the running mode and identify the operational and pr ocess transients. The relationship between these transients and the mass balance deviation are discussed. This strategy allows a better identification of the leakage because the thresholds are adjusted by the fuzzy system as a function of the running mode and the classified transient level. The fuzzy system is initially off-line trained with modified data set including simulated leakages. The methodology is applied to a small-scale LGP pipeline monitoring case where portability, robustness and reliability are amongst the most important criteria for the detection system. The results are ve ry e ncouraging with relatively low levels of f alse alarms and obtaining an increased leakage detection with low computational costs.