Gas pipeline leak detection system using the online simulation method

Management of natural gas pipeline is an important task for economical and safety operation, loss prevention and environmental protection from methane emission. A leak detection of gas pipeline, therefore, plays a key role in the overall integrity management for a pipeline system. Especially for a l ong pipeline operated alongside of densely populated areas, a leak detectio n system is an indispensable condition to allow its construction. In this p aper, a leak detection method based on a dynamic simulation with wave equat ions is presented. An industrial application to one of the longest gas pipe line is also presented with its performance information. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.