LT 2000 approaches computational pipeline monitoring with time tested practicality and API provided algorithms. LT 2000 is designed to be easy to use with little or no maintenance.
The basic premise of leak detection is the metering in and out of product while the pressure along the pipeline is used to compute an accurate line pack. This coupled with pressure drop analysis is used to identify the location of the leak. All functions taken together comprises the base line for viable leak detection. Additional leak information is performed by flow and pressure deviation analysis. Finally an analyzer function is utilized to monitor for potential leak patterns utilizing all available analysis data.
Leak Location Approximation
When a leak has been found, the leak location computation is begun. All pressures for each station along a pipeline are saved each scan of the SCADA system. These pressures are examined after the alarm to find the first and second pressure drop. Elapsed time between pressure drops from the first pressure drop to the second is used to compute the location of the leak using the locations of each station and using the sonic pressure rate. The leak symbol and alarm file are updated when a location has been determined. After the alarm has expired the location calculation is reset to wait for another excursion.
See Fig.8)
Another display is the Leak Locator to show the station the pressure drop is most prevalent. This display identifies the area should pressure drop not be enough to calculate a milepost. This display is a product of maintaining the linepack calculation for each station along a pipeline. (See Figure 9)
The final determination of the proximate leak location is the Pressure Graph. (See Figure 10)
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Last modified: May 22, 2008