Leak Detection and Location by Hydraulic Gradient Profiles in Liquefied Petroleum Gas Pipeline

This work presents an innovative methodology for accurately detecting and localizing single leaks in real LPG pipelines, overcoming the limitations of controlled laboratory experiments and idealized models. It develops a comprehensive mathematical model that integrates field data (inlet and outlet measurements), topographic information, and a dynamic friction factor calculation to accurately represent real pipeline conditions. Based on the volumetric balance method and the principle of hydraulic gradient intersections, the model solves a system of nonlinear equations to recursively calculate pressure and flow velocity along the pipeline. A key contribution is the introduction of a practical methodology for identifying hydraulic gradient intersections, enabling precise leak localization. Using synchronized measurements of flow, pressure, and temperature, the method demonstrates exceptional accuracy, achieving a leak localization error of less than 1 %. Validated on a 43.4 km pipeline with complex topography, this approach proves its robustness, scalability, and adaptability to real world conditions. This work bridges the gap between theoretical models and practical applications, establishing a transformative framework for enhancing pipeline safety, reliability, and monitoring systems in hydrocarbon transportation.