Acoustic method for detecting leaks from submerged pipelines
Patent
·
OSTI ID:5341545
This invention concerns the detection of liquids leaking from submerged pipelines. The detection function is predicted on the difference in acoustic properties between seawater and the foreign liquid material, such as hydrocarbon liquids (crude oil) escaping from a submerged pipeline. To enhance the detection technique gas such as gaseous hydrocarbons, air, nitrogen or CO/sup 2/ etc. and/or liquid such as fresh water, alcohol etc., may be introduced into the pipeline. The introduced gases and/or liquids escape through the leak into the seawater along with the liquid being conducted through the pipeline to provide a greater difference in acoustic impedance between seawater and the leaking gas and/or liquids than would be provided by the liquid alone. Sonar reflecting targets or transponders are prelocated along the submerged pipeline to direct the survey path of the sonar along the pipeline. Also, fluiids (liquid and/or gas) leaks in a pipeline may be located by comoaring leak and no-leak sonar scans of the pipeline.
- Assignee:
- Exxon Production Research Co.
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4001764
- OSTI ID:
- 5341545
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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