Acoustic Systems, Inc.

Acoustic Systems, Inc. (Tx)

Acoustic Systems, Inc. (Ny)

Marion Recane

Bao-Wen Yang

Eric Yang

Stephanie H Yang

A tracking system for use with a pipeline includes a scraper having signal generation capability for generating acoustic signals, a plurality of acoustic pressure sensors positioned at intervals along the path traveled by the scraper, and a plurality of local processors positioned at intervals along the path traveled by the scraper. Each of the local processors is in communication with a respective acoustic pressure sensor. A central processor is in communication with the local processors and determines the location of the scraper using time-stamped acoustic signals received by the pressure sensors and a speed of sound, in a fluid within the pipeline.

Trackable pipeline scraper for active tracking and locating

A tracking system for use with a pipeline includes a scraper having signal generation capability for generating acoustic signals, a plurality of acoustic pressure sensors positioned at intervals along the path traveled by the scraper, and a plurality of local processors positioned at intervals along the path traveled by the scraper. Each of the local processors is in communication with a respective acoustic pressure sensor. A central processor is in communication with the local processors and determines the location of the scraper using time-stamped acoustic signals received by the pressure sensors and a speed of sound in a fluid within the pipeline.

Tracking system for a pipeline

A method for tracking a scraper within a pipeline has the steps of moving the scraper along a path in the pipeline such that the scraper produces an acoustic signal, sensing the acoustic signal as produced by the scraper by at least a pair of acoustic sensors positioned in spaced relation along the pipeline, time-stamping the sensed acoustic signal, and calculating a location of the scraper based on the time-stamped acoustic signal. The acoustic signal can be a transient pressure wave produced by the movement of the scraper or a pressure signal produced by a mechanism positioned on the scraper.

Method for tracking a scraper within a pipeline

A system for detecting and locating leaks includes a pipeline, strain sensors positioned on the external surface of the pipeline, acoustic pressure sensors positioned at intervals along the pipeline, local processors connected to the strain sensors and acoustic pressure sensors, and a central processor connected to the local processors. The strain sensors measure a strain on the external surface of the pipeline indicative of changes in the pressure of the fluid within the pipeline. The acoustic pressure sensors sense acoustic signals within the pipline. Sensed acoustic pressure signals and sensed strain measurements are compared to each other and to stored profiles to detect and locate leaks.

Integrated acoustic leak detection system using intrusive and non-intrusive sensors

A method and apparatus is provided for detecting and locating leaks in a pipeline. Pattern match filtering is used to reduce false alarm rate, increase sensitivity and improve leak location accuracy, while quickly detecting leaks by the acoustic signal generated from a leak event in pipelines containing gas or liquid under pressure. The pattern match filter technique detects a pressure wave generated by a leak, but discriminates against background noise and pressure disturbance generated by other non-leak sources that might otherwise be detected as a leak. The pattern match filter derives a sharp peaked output from the signal of the expansion wave which allows for a distinctive point of reference for a time stamp. This provides for improved accuracy in leak location calculations. The pattern match filter is incorporated into site processors located at multiple points along a pipeline, and at a central node processor which receives data from all site processors. The pattern match filter includes using previously recorded leak profiles. At site processes located at multiple points along a pipeline, a series of previously recorded signature leak profiles are continuously compared in real time against pipeline pressure signals. Data from each site processor are used collectively at a node processor and compared against multiple leak profiles to provide further false alarm rejection. The leak event data generated at each site processor is used by the node processor to declare a leak. By the application of this pattern match filter technique, the signal to noise ratio (S/N ratio) required to identify a leak event is reduced and the sensitivity of leak detection is increased.

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Cypress, TX, United States of America

Marion Recane