System and method for locating release of fluid from a pipeline
US5708193A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 12, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jan 13, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 12, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01M3/2815
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention is a system for locating release of fluid in a pipeline. The system comprises means or mechanism for detecting a pressure wave within the fluid indicative of a release of fluid from the pipeline, such as a leak or an unauthorized offtake. The system also comprises means or mechanism for determining the location of the fluid release by creating a test pressure wave within the fluid after the detected pressure wave. The fluid can be gas or oil but is not limited thereto in that the system will work with any fluid in a pipeline. Preferably, the location determining means or mechanism comprises a mechanism for creating a test pressure wave within the fluid in the pipeline and a mechanism for detecting a reflection of the test pressure wave. The reflection detecting mechanism and the original pressure wave sensing means or mechanism can both use a pressure transducer which is in communication with signal processing and control means or mechanism, such as a computer. Pressure signals from the pressure transducer are fed into the computer where they are processed and analyzed. The computer can include a video display for displaying the pressure signals and a keyboard…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.