Volume 4: Innovative Solutions for Energy Transitions: Part III

Experimental Study on Blockage Detection in Gas Pipeline by Using Pressure Pluse Wave Method Jiawei Chu, Yu Liu* , Xingbo Li, Jiafei Zhao, Yongchen Song

Abstract

The partial blockage in gas pipeline due to solid deposition is one of the major risks for the pipelines transportation system. Determining the location and severity of blockage is the key to mitigate or remove it with a high efficiency. In this year, the pressure pulse wave method has been considered as a promising method for blockage detection for their operational speed, maneuverability, and long detection range. However, the application results of this method showed the low accuracy of detecting blockages in pipelines. In this work, a series of tests was performed in a 106 m pipelines with a 22 mm pipe diameter, the experimental result indicated that the blockage location predications based on pressure pluse wave method have an acceptable accuracy. The cross-sectional shape of the blockage will greatly affect the intensity of the reflect wave. It is necessary to consider the cross-sectional shape when calculating the blockage percentage.

Keywords oil and gas transportation, pressure pulse wave, blockage detection, multiple blockage types.