Mathematical model for time of Leak estimation in natural gas pipeline

Abstract

The ability to detect leak is crucial in pipeline fluid transport operations. Leaks will inevitably occur in pipelines due to wide range of uncertainties. A good leak detection system should not only be able to detect leak but also accurately estimate the actual time of leak occurrence. This will enable proper estimation of the fluid loss, from the pipeline before shut-in of the pipeline or before remedial actions were carried out on the pipeline which ultimately will help quantified the degree of financial or environmental implications resulting from the leak incidence. This paper gives a new model for the estimation of the time of leak in natural gas pipeline. The idea for the model hinges on the notion that the time of response of most pipeline alarm are not necessarily the time actual time the leak occurred. Period of lapse depends on the accuracy, sophistication of the alarm system and volume of leak it is capable of detecting. Most alarm systems respond at later times than the time the leak occurred. Quantification of fluid loss volume demands that the actual time of leak occurrence be determined, this means that the time the leak occurred must be calculated accurately. The model was simulated using the Matlab software. The results show that the model is highly accurate when tested with field data

Description

A research article on "natural gas pipeline" It contains tables, mathematical equations and diagrams

Keywords

Leak detection, time of leak, pipeline rupture, Pressure wave, Department of Petroleum Engineering

Citation

Obibuike U. J., Ekwueme S. T., Ohia N. P., Igbojionu A., C., Igwilo K. C. & Kerunwa, A. (2019). Mathematical model for time of Leak estimation in natural gas pipeline. Petroleum Science and Engineering, 3(2): 68-73.