Detecting sound waves generated by leaks in buried water distribution pipes

Ray Kirby, Wenbo Duan, Mahmoud Karimi, Michael Brennan, Nicole Kessissoglou

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

It is common to use guided sound waves to detect leaks or cracks in pipelines. Applications include the nondestructive testing of oil and gas pipelines, which normally takes places at ultrasonic frequencies, as well as the detection of leaks and ruptures in water filled pipes at much lower audio frequencies. However, if the pipe is buried then sound leaks out of the pipe into the surrounding medium and this lowers the acoustic energy travelling along the pipe wall. This has the potential to limit the applications of this technology, and so it is necessary to develop knowledge of the acoustic properties of the guided waves in order to optimise detection techniques. Accordingly, this work examines the properties of sound waves propagating in an infinitely long fluid-filled buried pipe, with application to leak detection at low audio frequencies. A parametric study is undertaken to examine the sensitivity of sound propagation to the properties of the internal liquid, pipe walls and of the surrounding medium.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of ACOUSTICS 2017 Perth
Subtitle of host publicationSound, Science and Society - 2017 Annual Conference of the Australian Acoustical Society, AAS 2017
EditorsTerrance McMinn, Alec Duncan
PublisherAustralian Acoustical Society
ISBN (Electronic)9780909882075
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2017
EventACOUSTICS 2017 Perth: Sound, Science and Society - 2017 Annual Conference of the Australian Acoustical Society, AAS 2017 - Perth, Australia
Duration: 19 Nov 201722 Nov 2017

Publication series

NameProceedings of ACOUSTICS 2017 Perth: Sound, Science and Society - 2017 Annual Conference of the Australian Acoustical Society, AAS 2017

Conference

ConferenceACOUSTICS 2017 Perth: Sound, Science and Society - 2017 Annual Conference of the Australian Acoustical Society, AAS 2017
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityPerth
Period19/11/1722/11/17

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Detecting sound waves generated by leaks in buried water distribution pipes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this