Gas Network Leak Detection Using Relief Valve Scenarios
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods are inadequate for detecting and quantifying leaks in complex gas networks between source and consumers, as they are designed for long, straight pipelines and do not account for the distribution network, which is a significant source of leaks.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses adjustable relief valves, sensors, and a mathematical model to detect and quantify leaks in gas networks under pressure or vacuum, allowing for the creation of a relationship between sensor measurements to identify and locate leaks without requiring the exact topology of the network, and can simulate leaks during training using sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional leak detection methods are used, then they work for long straight pipelines, but they fail for complex gas networks with distribution systems
Solution Approach 1:
The complex gas network is divided into multiple segments by strategically placing relief valves at different locations. Each segment can be independently tested by controlling specific relief valves, allowing leak detection in complex network topologies that traditional methods cannot handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls relief valves in different states (open/closed) to create various test scenarios. This dynamic configuration allows the same sensor system to adapt to different network segments and operating conditions, enabling reliable leak detection throughout the complex network.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are deployed to cover the entire network, then leak detection coverage improves, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Existing sensors in the gas network are made multi-functional by combining them with a control system that manages relief valves and analyzes data from multiple valve states. This universal approach allows the same sensor to contribute to leak detection in different network segments without requiring additional sensors for each location.
Solution Approach 2:
Relief valves serve as intermediaries between the gas network and the sensor system. By controlling the state of relief valves, the system creates different pressure scenarios that enable existing sensors to detect leaks indirectly, reducing the need for direct sensor placement at every potential leak point.
3Measurement precision
If the network is shut down for leak detection, then detection accuracy improves, but productivity and operational continuity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous leak detection during normal network operation by dynamically adjusting relief valve states without requiring network shutdown. The control system analyzes sensor data from different valve configurations while the gas network remains operational, maintaining both productivity and detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system periodically changes relief valve states to create different test scenarios during operation. This periodic action allows the system to gather sufficient data for accurate leak detection while minimizing disruption to network operations, balancing detection needs with operational continuity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method, for detecting and quantifying leaks {13} in a gas network (1) under pressure or vacuum, the gas network (1) comprising: - one or more sources (6) of compressed gas or vacuum; - one or more consumers (7) or consumer areas of compressed gas or vacuum applications; - pipelines or a network of pipelines (5) to transport the gas or vacuum from the sources (6) to the consumers (7), consumer areas or applications; - a plurality of sensors (9a, 9b) which determine one or a plurality of physical parameters of the gas at different times and.locations in the gas network (1); characterized in that the gas network (1) is further provided with a number of controllable or adjustable relief valves (10) and that the method comprises the following steps: - a training phase (16) in which a mathematical model is established between the measurements of a first group of sensors (9a, 9b) and a second group of sensors (9a, 9b), based on different measurements of these sensors (9a, 9b) in which the adjustable relief valves (10) are controlled in a predetermined order and according to well-designed scenarios to generate leaks (13); - an operational phase (17), in which the mathematical model established between the measurements of the first group of sensors (9a, 9b) and the second group of sensors (9a, 9b) is used to detect, locate and quantify leaks (13) in the gas network (1); wherein the operational phase (17) comprises the following steps: - controlling the relief valves in a predetermined order and according to 'well-designed scenarios; - reading out the first group of sensors (9a, 9b); based on these readout measurements, calculating or determining the value of the second group of sensors (9a, 9b) with the help of the mathematical,model; - comparing the calculated or determined values of the second group of sensors (9a, 9b) with the read values of the second group of sensors (9a, 9b) and determining the difference between them; - determining whether there is a leak (13) in the gas network (1) on the basis of the aforementioned difference and any of its derivatives; - generating an alarm if a leak (13) is detected and/or; generating a leakage rate and/or generating the corresponding leakage cost as well as any location if a leak (13) is detected.