Temperature compensated methods for detection of leaks in pressurized pipeline systems using gas controlled apparatus
First Claim
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1. A method for measuring the change in the temperature-compensated flow rate produced by a leak while compensating for thermally induced volume changes in a pressurized pipeline system containing a liquid product, comprising:
- (a) pressurizing said pipeline system to a first pressure and measuring with measurement means those changes in the volume of product in said pipeline that are required to maintain approximately constant pressure over a first measurement period, wherein said measurement means comprises a pressure vessel connected to said pipeline system, a gas source to adjust the pressure in said pipeline system and said pressure vessel, and sensing system means mounted within said pressure vessel;
(b) changing the pressure in said pipeline to a second pressure and measuring with said measurement means those changes in the volume of product in said pipeline that are required to maintain approximately constant pressure over a second measurement period;
(c) computing the temperature-compensated change of volume from the changes of volume during said measurement periods; and
(d) computing the rate of change of temperature-compensated volume.
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Abstract
The gas pressure control apparatus and method for detection of leaks in pressurized pipelines disclosed herein measures thermally compensated leak rates. The apparatus uses a pressure vessel and gas pressure control system to precisely determine leak rates.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method for measuring the change in the temperature-compensated flow rate produced by a leak while compensating for thermally induced volume changes in a pressurized pipeline system containing a liquid product, comprising:
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(a) pressurizing said pipeline system to a first pressure and measuring with measurement means those changes in the volume of product in said pipeline that are required to maintain approximately constant pressure over a first measurement period, wherein said measurement means comprises a pressure vessel connected to said pipeline system, a gas source to adjust the pressure in said pipeline system and said pressure vessel, and sensing system means mounted within said pressure vessel; (b) changing the pressure in said pipeline to a second pressure and measuring with said measurement means those changes in the volume of product in said pipeline that are required to maintain approximately constant pressure over a second measurement period; (c) computing the temperature-compensated change of volume from the changes of volume during said measurement periods; and (d) computing the rate of change of temperature-compensated volume. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification