Leak Detection – Different Types Of Methods
Pipeline leak detection uses various methods to detect whether and when a pipeline leak has happened in pipelines that consist of liquids and gases. Some of the detection methods include carbon-monoxide detection, hydrostatic testing, thermal imaging, and infrared technology once the pipeline has been installed and pipeline detection during maintenance. Other methods are pipeline mapping or inspection. There are different types of methods and these methods depend on the type of pipeline in question.
Pipeline Leak Detection Using Soft-Sensing Methods
In the case of leak detectors, infrared technology is widely used. This technology detects leaks by emitting a light and detecting movement at the same time. It is a fairly simple system compared to other systems. The infrared beam is picked up by the detector and sent to a video camera, which then records images of the area in question. The images are then processed through computer software and analyzed by a human operator. If there is movement detected, then it is important for the technician to look for visible signs of damage such as damaged pipes, cracks, broken fittings, or other indications of damage. The images of these areas can then be analyzed using infrared technology.
If there are no visible signs of damage, then a human operator should manually test the pipeline for signs of leakage through several different tests to detect leakages. There are many leak detectors available in the market and all of them work in a similar manner.