Papadopoulou K., Glover D., Lennox B., McKay D., Taylor A., Turner J.T.

A novel method4, 5 for the remote detection of leakage and blockage in pipelines will be discussed. Experimental results obtained in air and water filled pipes, with and without flow, and from 40 to 305 mm diameter, will confirm the validity of the method. Interrogation distances in excess of 1 km appear to be achievable. Many techniques for the detection and location of pipeline failures have been proposed1, 3. Unfortunately, none is entirely satisfactory because of poor sensitivity, slow response, susceptibility to external noise, or inability to operate remotely. An alternative approach 2, 6, based on acoustic wave propagation through the fluid, has merits, although the complicated nature of the acoustic wave reflections generated by the internal features of the pipe makes interpretation of the signal extremely difficult. The results of an on-going experimental study will be discussed. It will be shown that the new method4, 5 eliminates many of these difficulties and is well suited to remote operation. References 1. Billman and Isermann, 1984, 'Leak detection methods for pipelines', IFAC World Congress, Hungary. 2. Morgan, 1979, 'Experience with the Acoustic Ranger etc.', ASNT/CSNDT Conf., Niagara Falls. 3. Muggleton, et al., 2004, 'Axisymmetric wave propagation in fluid-filled pipes etc.', JSV, 270. 4. Papadopoulou, et al. 2005, 'A novel acoustic technique etc.'. Chem. Eng. World Congress, Newcastle. 5. Shamout, et al., 2001, 'Remote pipeline leakage detection', UK Pat. App. 0128704.4. 6. Sharp, 1996, 'Acoustic pulse reflectometry etc.', Ph.D. thesis, Univ. Edinburgh.