Piezo Structural Acoustic Pipeline Leak Detection System

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• Gas Pipeline
• Liquid Pipeline
• Leak Detection
• Emerging Technology

Main Objective

This R&D program will offer a low-cost solution to early detect leaks and reduce environmental damage.

Public Abstract

Midé is proposing an innovative method for detecting leaks in pipelines. In Phase I Midé will demonstrate that piezoelectric materials can be used to sense leaks, that a low power event recorder can be used to store detected leaks and that an innovative low-power/self powered acoustic data transmission monitor system can be used to report leaks and their location. Monitor data will be transmitted along the pipeline to a "central" station by sending the "status" of a monitor from monitor to monitor. Data will be retrieved from all monitors sequential or in a sequence prioritized by pipe sections that are knows or considered to be high risk. This "upload" activated will occur at a predetermined time using a protocol that will be determined in Phase I. Midé is proposing that the piezo-sensor is also used as the actuator (transmitter) and as the data receiver (transceiver). The monitor will pulse its "sensor," causing it to create a structural acoustic wave in the pipe structure, the next monitor on the pipeline will receive and re-transmit the data to the next monitor using its piezo-element.

Final Report

ProjNo137 Final Rpt June 04-Sm

ProjNo137_Final_Rpt_June_04-Sm.pdf (6,773,779 bytes) [View] [Download/Save...]