Patent ID: 8346492
Filing Date: 2013-01-01
Classification: G01M

Abstract:
1. A system for detecting and locating leaks comprising: a pipeline; a plurality of strain sensors positioned along an external surface of said pipeline, said plurality of strain sensors suitable for measuring a strain of the external surface of said pipeline; a plurality of acoustic pressure sensors positioned at intervals along said pipeline, said plurality of acoustic pressure sensors suitable for sensing an acoustic signal within said pipeline, each of said plurality of strain sensors comprising an array of strain sensors positioned in spaced relation around a circumference of said pipeline, said array of strain sensors comprising: a plurality of local processors positioned at intervals along said pipeline, each of said plurality of local processors being connected to at least one of said plurality of acoustic pressure sensors and/or at least one of said plurality of strain sensors; and a central processor connected with said plurality of local processors, said central processor suitable for generating an output indicative of a location of a leak in said pipeline.