A Novel approach to estimation of leak location in an oil pipeline
Date
2015-08
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
U. P.
Abstract
This paper presents various approaches to the location of leak in an oil pipeline. However these approaches are based on the available input data for the leak location study. The first approach is the hydraulic gradient intersection approach using Pipes and Excel worksheet. This method relies on the expectation that a leak disturbance settles out eventually to a new Steady-state position. The second approach utilizes a new concept of flow through an orifice and liquid relief through a valve to evolve a criterion for elapsed leak time in an event of a leak as well actual leak time to determine leak location. Orifice area was determined through a liquid relieving scenario and back-pressure at the point of leak assumed to be at atmospheric pressure. A set of mathematical equations were developed and integral solution of the form function of a function was used to solve the resulting differential equation describing the depressurizing process. The model was however validated using a pipeline profile data of a pipeline X which has suffered spill in time past at Niger Delta region where it performed well. The two approaches vary in their input data requirements as mentioned before. Key inputs to the former are the input and output flow conditions of temperature, pressure and flow rate while the latter requires the time (shut-in time and time of leak). Key outputs are the rate variation of flow rates against leak location.
Description
The article has figures
Keywords
Oil pipeline, leaks location, hydraulic gradient, mathcad, ORIFLO model, Department of Petroleum Engineering
Citation
Obibuike, U. J., Obah, B., Aboniyi, C., Anyadiegwu, C. I. C. & Ogwo, O.U. J. (2015). A Novel approach to estimation of leak location in an oil pipeline. Journal of Multidisciplinary Engineering Science and Technology, (2)8, 2023-2032