Advanced Passive Acoustic Leak Location and Detection Verification System for Underground Fuel Pipelines
Abstract
Accurate location of leaks in buried bulk and hydrant fuel pipelines is a challenging, time-consuming, and expensive problem. This problem has both operational readiness and environmental implications to the Department of Defense (DoD). Under the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP), the Pipeline Acoustic Leak-location System (PALS) was demonstrated and validated under a wide range of operational conditions. All of the objectives of the project were met, and the PALS is ready for commercial use. This ESTCP project was a follow-on to research and development projects conducted on this technology by the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). PALS is a portable, computer-controlled, passive acoustic system where the innovation is the application of robust signal processing algorithms that allows small leaks to be located accurately over separation distances that are operationally practical. PALS can be retrofitted to existing lines or designed into new lines. The PALS consists of three cylindrical acoustic sensors, three small pre-amplifiers and, a field-worthy notebook computer having a data acquisition card. The sensors are attached with epoxy directly to the pipe wall or to a flange connection. Each sensor measures the acoustic signal generated by the turbulent flow through a hole in the pipe. A pair of sensors brackets the leak and determines the location of the leak relative to one of the two sensors, called the Reference sensor. A second pair of sensors that do not bracket the leak is used to measure the speed of propagation of the acoustic wave in the pipe. A leak-location measurement can take as little as 2 to 5 minutes to complete. The PALS is operated using a Graphical User Interface (GUI) software package. The PALS is easy to set up and can be operated by a field technician with a minimal amount of training.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA607034
Entities
People
- Gary A. Hayter
- George F. Watson
- James W. Starr
- Joseph W. Maresca Jr.
- Leslie A. Karr
- Michael Ramsey
- Patrick L. Fink
- Robert Seay
- Vincent F. Hock
- William R. Major
Organizations
- Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command