LEAK DETECTION IN PIPES USING ACOUSTIC PULSE REFLECTOMETRY

This paper discusses the measurement of the acoustical properties of t ubular systems using pulse reflectometry. The technique involves the i njection of a sound pulse into the object under investigation and the recording of the resultant reflections. Analysis of the reflections gi ves information about the bore profile and input impedance of the obje ct. The effect of small leaks on both of these properties is investiga ted, leading to a method for detecting the presence of a leak in a gen eral tubular system. For the special case of a cylindrical pipe, the p osition and size of the leak are also determined.