Model Based Pipeline Monitoring with Leak Detection

We design a leak detection system consisting of an adaptive Luenbergertype observer based on a set of two coupled one dimensional first order nonlinear hyperbolic partial differential equations governing the flow dynamics. It is assumed that measurements are only available at the inlet and outlet of the pipe, and output injection is applied in the form of boundary conditions. Heuristic update laws for adaptation of the friction coefficient and leak parameters are given, and simulations demonstrate their ability to detect, quantify and locate leaks. Particular attention is given to time-varying boundary conditions, such as during pipeline shut-down. A scenario consisting of leak detection followed by pipeline shut-down during which the leak is accurately quantified and located is successfully simulated for both liquid and gas systems.