Patent ID: 6567006
Filing Date: 2003-05-20
Classification: G01M

Abstract:
A method for monitoring vibrations in a pipeline network, the method comprising:providing a set of two or more monitors, each monitor comprising a sensor, a timer, a processor, a memory unit, and a digital communication device; initializing the monitors; applying the sensors of the monitors to a pipeline network, the sensors detecting vibrations in the pipeline network and producing corresponding vibration signals; receiving vibration signals from the sensors at one or more programmed times under the control of processors of the monitors; digitally processing the received vibration signals with processors of the monitors and saving the processed data in the memory unit of the monitor; digitally communicating the processed signals between the monitors and a base station using the digital communication devices; measuring temporal drift between timers of the monitors; and analyzing the processed signals using the measured temporal drift to obtain measures of any leaks present in the pipeline network.