IMPROVING LEAK DETECTION IN PETROLEUM PIPELINES.

In recent years, the pipeline transportation of highly compressible fluids has complicated the leak-detection problem considerably. The discussion is confined to the subject of leak-detection capability. The main objective is to review the fundamentals involved in leak detection and develop realistic parameters for defining minimum leak-detection capability for a specific pipeline system. The basic factors involved in leak-detection capability are: 1. Performance of metering systems and associated instrumentation. 2. Basic laws of nature which govern the ability of establishing meter factors and calculating line fill. 3. The analytical techniques used to detect the existence of a leak. 4. Personnel responsible for leak-detection analysis.