Piezoelectric structural acoustic leak detection for pressurized pipelines

Jacob v.R. Pretorius; Marthinus C. Van Schoor; Gert J. Muller; Alec W. Jessiman

doi:10.1117/12.605933

5 May 2005 Piezoelectric structural acoustic leak detection for pressurized pipelines

Jacob v.R. Pretorius, Marthinus C. Van Schoor, Gert J. Muller, Alec W. Jessiman

Proceedings Volume 5762, Smart Structures and Materials 2005: Industrial and Commercial Applications of Smart Structures Technologies; (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.605933
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2005, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

This paper describes the development and testing of a structural-acoustic sensing and alert system that continuously monitors a pipeline without the need of an external power source. This system is based on Mide's patented PowerAct conformable packaged piezoelectric actuator and sensor. These sensors are extremely sensitive with very high gain and can detect the most minute and high frequency strains. Since leaks in high-pressure gas pipes fit this description, there is currently no better sensor to apply to the specific problem. The results of this effort led to the design of a system that can sense, locate and report leaks and impacts in a buried pipeline system. This system is estimated to cost less than $400 / km of pipe. In conclusion, the results of this paper are encouraging and indicate that it is feasible to use the PowerAct sensors in a cost effective system to locate impacts and leaks in pipelines.

Citation Download Citation

Jacob v.R. Pretorius, Marthinus C. Van Schoor, Gert J. Muller, and Alec W. Jessiman "Piezoelectric structural acoustic leak detection for pressurized pipelines", Proc. SPIE 5762, Smart Structures and Materials 2005: Industrial and Commercial Applications of Smart Structures Technologies, (5 May 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.605933

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