Pipeline Leak Detection and Location

A real time pipeline leak detection and location system has been developed. This system consists of a numerical model for transient flow, two sets of pressure and flow measurement equipment, a microcomputer, and a data acquisition board. Specific patterns of discrepancy between measured and computed head at pipe ends evolve when a small leak occurs. Usage of these patterns to identify and to locate the leak is explained. Laboratory results are presented to show the concept and the effectiveness of the system.