Detection of Distributed Deterioration in Single Pipes Using Transient Reflections
Publication: Journal of Pipeline Systems Engineering and Practice
Volume 4, Issue 1
Abstract
A number of different methods that use signal processing of fluid transients (water hammer waves) for fault detection in pipes have been proposed in the past two decades. However, most of them focus solely on the detection of discrete deterioration, such as leaks or discrete blockages. Few studies have been conducted on the detection of distributed deterioration, such as extended sections of corrosion and extended blockages. This is despite the fact that they commonly exist and can have a severe negative impact on the operation of pipelines. The research reported here proposes a method of detecting distributed deterioration by investigating the time-domain water hammer response trace from a single pipe with a deteriorated section. Through wave analysis using a step pressure input, a theoretical square-shaped perturbation is found to exist in the transient pressure trace as a result of distributed deterioration. The hydraulic impedance of this section can be derived from the magnitude of the reflected pressure perturbation, while the location and length of the corresponding deteriorated section can be determined by using the arrival time and duration of the perturbation. The proposed method has been validated by analyzing experimental data measured from a pipe with a section of wall thickness change.
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Acknowledgments
The research presented in this paper has been supported by the Australia Research Council through the Discovery Project Grant No. DP1095270. The first author thanks the Chinese Scholarship Council and the University of Adelaide for providing a joint postgraduate scholarship.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Pipeline Systems Engineering and Practice
Volume 4 • Issue 1 • February 2013
Pages: 32 - 40
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Aug 9, 2011
Accepted: May 16, 2012
Published online: May 19, 2012
Published in print: Feb 1, 2013
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