Leak Detection Systems

A leak in subsea pipelines can cause a serious problem. The primary purpose of leak detection systems is to assist pipeline operators in detecting and locating leaks. The leak detection methods may be divided into two categories, external-based detection system and internal-based detection system. In this chapter, the fundamental principle of common pipeline leak detection methods are described first. The key attributes of different detection methods were compared and analyzed. The monitoring techniques of different leak detection system are summarized, and the governing equations for the leak detection are provided.