Petroleum fluids in production systems are frequently transported by surface steel pipelines of low diameter working at low pressures and under a two-phase flow regime. These pipelines operate without permanent, continuous supervision for leaks. The leaked volume is usually high before the leak is noticed and stopped. High leak volumes pollute the environment and increase production costs. This paper describes the expected performance of the acoustic emission leak detection system for low pressure flowlines in oil and gas gathering installations. The developed system detects acoustic emission signals generated by leaks. Specific features of the system are discussed. The system was tested in a closed field scale two-phase flowloop. Example results of tests are reported. The paper is completed with conclusions and discussion of potential applications of the system.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
February 1997
Research Papers
Pipeline Leak Detection System for Oil and Gas Flowlines
J. M. Rajtar,
J. M. Rajtar
Department of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering, New Mexico Tech, Socorro, NM 87801
Search for other works by this author on:
R. Muthiah
R. Muthiah
Department of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering, New Mexico Tech, Socorro, NM 87801
Search for other works by this author on:
J. M. Rajtar
Department of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering, New Mexico Tech, Socorro, NM 87801
R. Muthiah
Department of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering, New Mexico Tech, Socorro, NM 87801
J. Manuf. Sci. Eng. Feb 1997, 119(1): 105-109 (5 pages)
Published Online: February 1, 1997
Article history
Received:
August 1, 1995
Revised:
April 1, 1996
Online:
January 17, 2008
Citation
Rajtar, J. M., and Muthiah, R. (February 1, 1997). "Pipeline Leak Detection System for Oil and Gas Flowlines." ASME. J. Manuf. Sci. Eng. February 1997; 119(1): 105–109. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2836545
Download citation file:
Get Email Alerts
Effect of Laser Shock Peening on Electrochemistry and Wettability of Additively Manufactured Stainless Steel
J. Manuf. Sci. Eng (March 2025)
2024 Reviewers
J. Manuf. Sci. Eng
NoodlePrint: Cooperative Multi-Robot Additive Manufacturing With Helically Interlocked Tiles
J. Manuf. Sci. Eng (June 2025)
Related Articles
Gas Coupled Ultrasonic Measurement of Pipeline Wall Thickness
J. Pressure Vessel Technol (August,2005)
Test Results for the Static and Rotordynamic Characteristics of a Long ( L/D = 0.75) Smooth Seal in Two-Phase (Mainly Gas) Conditions With a 62-Bar Inlet Pressure
J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power (April,2021)
Evaluation of “Marching Algorithms” in the Analysis of Multiphase Flow in Natural Gas Pipelines
J. Energy Resour. Technol (December,2008)
Thermodynamic Analysis of Thermal Responses in Horizontal Wellbores
J. Energy Resour. Technol (May,2015)
Related Chapters
General and Historical Information
Pipeline Integrity Assurance: A Practical Approach
Introduction to Pipeline Systems
Pipeline Pumping and Compression Systems: A Practical Approach
Contamination and Impacts of Exploration and Production Waste Constituents
Guidebook for Waste and Soil Remediation: For Nonhazardous Petroleum and Salt Contaminated Sites