Method for leak detection in a pipeline system and a measuring well for use in a pipeline system in the method for leak detection
First Claim
1. In a method for monitoring an interconnected pipeline distribution network, for losses resulting from leaks, the network being comprised of a plurality of subnetworks, wherein at least one flow characteristic is recorded and analyzed at check sites for a particular subnetwork at given times in an automatic manner over a test-time interval, and whereby leaks detected in the subnetworks are localized by specific test and localization procedures, the improvement comprising:
- arranging the check sites across the distribution network in a spatially fixed arrangement, and measuring the flow characteristics during an always equal time interval of about 1/2 hour at least one of once a day, and once a week, at all check points at those times when the regularly measured flow characteristic remains substantially constant over a substantially long time interval.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for the detection of leaks in an interconnected pipeline system are disclosed. The method involves recording flow characteristics over a specific, short time period, e.g., one-half hour daily, at control stations distributed throughout the network. By arranging the control stations in this manner, subnetworks are defined and the existence of leaks therein determined in accordance with deviations in measurements which facilitate localization procedures for the leaks. The apparatus is a well for use at the control stations immovably fixed in the network and accessible from the outside.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. In a method for monitoring an interconnected pipeline distribution network, for losses resulting from leaks, the network being comprised of a plurality of subnetworks, wherein at least one flow characteristic is recorded and analyzed at check sites for a particular subnetwork at given times in an automatic manner over a test-time interval, and whereby leaks detected in the subnetworks are localized by specific test and localization procedures, the improvement comprising:
arranging the check sites across the distribution network in a spatially fixed arrangement, and measuring the flow characteristics during an always equal time interval of about 1/2 hour at least one of once a day, and once a week, at all check points at those times when the regularly measured flow characteristic remains substantially constant over a substantially long time interval. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A prefabricated measuring well adapted for being integrated in an immobile manner into a pipeline distribution network as a check site for implementing a method of monitoring the network for losses resulting from leaks, wherein check sites are arranged across the distribution network in a spatially fixed arrangement for measuring a flow characteristics at each check site during an always equal time interval at least one of once a day, and once a week, at all check points at times when the regularly measured flow rate characteristic remains substantially constant over a substantially long time interval, the measuring well comprising:
casing means (31, 32 and 33,
61) having passage opening means (46) comprising an inlet and an outlet for allowing a pipeline (51) of the distribution network which is to be measured to pass therethrough, said passage opening means (46) forming a hermetic seal with the pipeline (51) at the inlet and outlet thereof, and said casing means being open at the top and having cover means (35, 57,
62) for hermetically sealing said casing means at the open top at least one of a test panel means (42) and an instrument box means mounted on an inside wall of said casing means (31, 32 and 33,
61) and having at least one test instrument means, and at least one of a flow characteristic test sensing means (48, 56,
63) and a flow-meter signal generating means operatively associated with said test panel means or instrument box means, and mounted in said pipeline (51) between the inlet and outlet.- View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A prefabricated measuring well adapted for being integrated in an immobile manner into a pipeline distribution network as a check site for implementing a method of monitoring the network for losses resulting from leaks, comprising:
casing means (31, 32 and 33,
61) having passage opening means (46) comprising an inlet and an outlet for allowing a pipeline (51) of the distribution network which is to be measured to pass therethrough, said passage opening means (46) forming a hermetic seal with the pipeline (51) at the inlet and outlet thereof, and said casing means being open at the top and having cover means (35, 57,
62) for hermetically sealing said casing means at the open top, at least one of a test panel means (42) and an instrument box means mounted on an inside wall of said casing means (31, 32 and 33,
61), and having at least one test instrument means, and at least one of a flow characteristic test sensing means (48, 56,
63) and a flow-meter signal generating means operatively associated with said test panel means or instrument box, and mounted in said pipeline (51) between the inlet and outlet.- View Dependent Claims (15)
Specification