Gas Network Leak Detection Using Relief Valve Training Scenarios
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods are inadequate for detecting leaks in complex gas networks under pressure or vacuum, as they are designed for long, straight pipelines and do not account for the complexities of distribution networks.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses adjustable relief valves and sensors to create controlled leak scenarios, allowing for the establishment of a mathematical model that can detect, quantify, and locate leaks in the gas network, regardless of its exact topology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing leak detection methods are used, then they work for long straight pipelines, but they fail for complex gas networks with distribution nodes and consumer areas
Solution Approach 1:
The gas network is divided into multiple segments by strategically placing virtual barriers at consumer areas and distribution nodes. Each segment is independently monitored for pressure changes, enabling leak detection in complex network topologies while maintaining the simplicity of pressure-based detection methods used in straight pipelines.
Solution Approach 2:
Virtual barriers are introduced as intermediary conceptual elements that represent consumer areas and distribution nodes. These virtual barriers mediate between the physical network infrastructure and the leak detection algorithm, allowing the system to handle complex topologies without requiring direct physical modification of the network.
2Measurement precision
If traditional monitoring methods are applied, then they assume equal incoming and outgoing flow, but gas compressibility causes flow imbalance in real networks
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing pressure sensors and flow meters already installed in the gas network to perform leak detection. By analyzing pressure changes over time segments and comparing them against expected compression/expansion behavior, the system achieves accurate leak detection using only existing infrastructure without requiring additional specialized equipment.
3Reliability
If leak detection is performed continuously, then leaks can be detected rapidly, but network operation is interrupted frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The leak detection system operates periodically by dividing network operation into time segments and performing detection at segment boundaries. Pressure changes are accumulated over each segment and analyzed only when the segment ends, allowing continuous network operation while maintaining effective leak detection capability. This periodic approach minimizes interruptions while ensuring leaks are detected promptly.
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.