Computational Study of Vibration-Based Leak Detection Approach in a 90-Degree Pipe Elbow

Vibration-based leak detection (VBLD) approach in pipeline systems has been a topic of research interest. Its identified as effective method for early leak detection and popular choice as its non-invasive and more suited for monitoring than inspection. Previous publications investigated VBLD approach experimentally using straight pipe with a small diameter in water loop systems. The current study investigates this approach computationally in oil and gas sector particularly in a large scale 90-degree pipe elbow. Reynolds Stress Model (RSM) is coupled with a finite element structural model to simulate the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) using one-way coupling. The RSM turbulence model and FSI model are validated against published experimental and numerical results [1][2][3]. Preliminary results presented in the figure below indicate that vibration signal increases as the leak size increases. The VBLD is found capable of assessing leakages with different damage severities. The FSI model developed in this current study is useful to design experiments within the context of the Fluid–Structure Interaction for pipeline systems including the vibration-based leak detection method. The FSI model can be used to gain the number of sensors required to detect a certain level of leakage, for a given case study, and thus can be useful for improving novel sensors and measurement technique about this topic. The findings from this work, provides some quantitative of different vibration measurements for comparison purpose for similar case studies.