Vista Research, Inc.

Other

James W Starr

Joseph W Maresca, Jr

Christopher P Wilson

Michael R Fierro

Richard F Wise

Maresca, Jr Joseph W

A method and improved apparatus for detecting leaks in pressurized pipeline systems, which compensate for the thermally induced volume changes of the liquid in the line during a test that are produced by both the nonlinear changes in the mean temperature of the liquid and the pressure-induced perturbations of the temperature of the liquid.

Apparatus for measuring the flow rate due to a leak in a pressurized

Methods for measuring the flow rate due to a leak in a pressurized pipe

An apparatus for detection of leaks in pressurized pipelines which utilizes a large pressure vessel and a small measurement vessel. The measurement vessel magnifies level changes during leak detection tests. The apparatus is connected to a pipeline through the measurement vessel. The entire system can be filled with liquid from the pipeline by opening a valve between the measurement and pressure vessels. Leak detection tests are conducted by measuring changes in volume with the measurement vessel over time while the pressure over the liquid in the pressure vessel and measurement vessel is maintained approximately constant. During tests, liquid communication between the measurement vessel and pressure vessel is prevented by closing the valve between them, but vapor communication between the vessels is permitted.

Simplified apparatus for detection of leaks in pressurized pipelines

A method for measuring thermally corrected leak rates in a pressurized pipeline system. The pipeline system is pressurized to at least two different pressures, and changes of volume of product required to maintain approximately constant pressure are measurized at each pressure. A temperature-compensated volume rate is computed.

Methods for measuring flow rates to detect leaks

A method for measuring the temperature-compensated change in the height of a surface of a liquid. The method positions an acoustic signal transducer for emitting and receiving acoustic signals below the surface of the liquid, positions a quasi-static reference device with a fiducial such that the fiducial lies within a predetermined range below the surface of the liquid, and positions one or more fiducials below the surface of the liquid to establish points separated by known distances. The transducer emits acoustic signals, and receives their reflections. The travel times of the reflections from the liquid surface and the fiducials are used to calculate changes in travel times during the measurement period, to estimate the speed of sound in the liquid, to correct for temperature-induced changes in the travel times, and to obtain a temperature-compensated change in travel time to the liquid surface. The temperature-compensated change in the height of the surface of the liquid during the measurement period is calculated using the product of the estimate of the speed of sound in the liquid and the temperature-compensated change in travel time to the liquid surface. The presence of a leak in a storage tank may be detected by converting the temperature-compensated change in the height of the surface of the liquid to temperature-compensated volume change using the known shape of the tank and liquid height, and then comparing the temperature-compensated volume change to a threshold value to determine whether the tank is leaking.

Methods for temperature-compensated liquid height and leak detection

An apparatus for measuring liquid levels and leak rates in a storage tank, using an acoustic transducer and a quasi-static reference device that positions an acoustic target within a predetermined distance range below the surface of the liquid.

Automatic tank gauging system with a quasi static reference subsystem

The piston displacement apparatus and method for detection of leaks in pressurized pipelines disclosed herein measures volume changes at different pressures to determine thermally compensated leak rates. The apparatus uses a piston displacement apparatus to precisely determine volume changes.

Temperature compensated methods for detection of leaks in pressurized

The apparatus and method for detection of leaks in pressurized pipelines disclosed herein measures thermally compensated leak rates. The apparatus uses an acoustic sensor and fiducial reference system to precisely determine leak rates.

The gas pressure control apparatus and method for detection of leaks in pressurized pipelines disclosed herein measures thermally compensated leak rates. The apparatus uses a pressure vessel and gas pressure control system to precisely determine leak rates.

The improved device for measuring liquid-level changes in storage tanks uses a float to track vertical displacement of the surface of a liquid and a linear variable differential transducer (LVDT) sensor positioned below the surface of the liquid to measure changes in the surface level. The center of gravity of the device is located below the center of buoyancy, thereby minimizing instability of the LVDT sensor.

Sensor for measuring liquid-level changes in storage tanks

Methods for measuring liquid levels and leak rates in a storage tank, using an acoustic transducer and a quasi-static reference device that positions an acoustic target within a predetermined distance range below the surface of the liquid. A method for measuring the height of the surface of a liquid, i.e., liquid level. In a tank comprising the steps of (a) positioning the emitting and receiving acoustic transducers below the surface of the liquid, (b) positioning a plurality of fiducials separated by known distances such that at least two of the fiducials lie below the surface of the liquid, (c) emitting acoustic signals, (d) receiving and measuring the travel times for the reflections of the acoustic signals from the liquid surface and the fiducials, (e) estimating the speed of sound in the liquid using the travel times for the acoustic signals in the liquid between at least two of the fiducials, and (f) calculating the height of the liquid surface by multiplying the speed of sound in the liquid by the travel time from the liquid surface to a known height above the bottom of the liquid, and adding the known height to the product of the speed of sound and travel time.

Methods for liquid measurement using quasi-static reference subsystem

The positive-displacement pump apparatus and method for detection of leaks in pressurized pipelines disclosed herein measures volume changes at different pressures to determine thermally compensated leak rates. The apparatus uses a positive-displacement pump apparatus to precisely determine volume changes.

Positive displacement pump apparatus and methods for detection of leaks

A method of determining the presence and temperature compensated volumetric flow rate of leaks in fluid pressurized pipelines. The pipeline is maintained at a first pressure and the fluid volume change per unit time is calculated. The pressure is then maintained at a second different pressure and a second fluid volume change per unit time is calculated. The system is then maintained at the first pressure while a third fluid volume change per unit time is calculated. The first and third rates are combined with the second rate to obtain a temperature compensated leak volumetric flow rate.

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Bound Brook, NJ, United States of America

James W Starr