Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for determining the location of a leak in a fluid containing pipeline. Plural monitoring stations sample fluid flow criteria which change in the presence of a leak. The change in the criteria as a function of a variable such as time will allow extrapolation to discern the location. At each location either pressure or flow rate or both are measured. The measurements occur at regular intervals and a record of fluid flow criteria is created for each monitoring station. The record of each monitoring station is continually transmitted to a central location where a data processor analyzes the records and establishes the leak's location. One of three algorithms, or any combination thereof, is used by the data processor to calculate the leak's location. Each algorithm is tuned to the specific pipeline to compensate for unique characteristics thereof. An output device communicates the location of the leak to an operator or automatically takes appropriate action in response to the leak.

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First Claim