Leak detection in pipelines through spectral analysis of pressure signals

The development and test of a technique for leak detection in pipelines is presented. The technique is based on the spectral analysis of pressure sign als measured in pipeline sections where the formation of stationary waves i s favoured, allowing leakage detection during the start/stop of pumps. Expe rimental tests were performed in a 1250 m long pipeline for various operati onal conditions of the pipeline (liquid flow rate and leakage configuration ). Pressure transients were obtained by four transducers connected to a PC computer. The obtained results show that the spectral analysis of pressure transients, together with the knowledge of reflection points provide a simp le and efficient way of identifying leaks during the start/stop of pumps in pipelines.