Sensors & Electronics
Macro Property Measurement
Acoustic Detection of Damage & Tampering (327)
Problem: Need to effectively detect tampering and accidental damage to pipelines to ensure safety
Project Activity Scope (from Technical Overview Chart): Measurement and Analysis Method Development through Integrated Systems
PNNL Solution:
- Determine that sounds associated with tampering & mechanical damage transmit long distances along steel pipeline walls
- Select sensors and electronics for practical pipeline deployment
- Develop frequency spectral signal processing to discriminate events of interest from background activities
- Successful field demonstration
Capabilities Employed to Meet Client Needs: Pipeline testing to determine broad spectral acoustic signatures and levels associated with normal operation; testing to determine acoustic signatures associated with tampering and mechanical damage events; analysis of broad spectrum acoustic data to determine spectral signatures that allowed reliable event detection; transducer selection; electronics design; signature analysis development based on exploitable acoustic signature; prototype equipment development for on-line equipment monitor; mechanical design for instrument housing and plant installation; equipment installation on pipeline; on-line testing to verify operation with low false alarms and reliable failure detection.
Selected Links to Related Information:
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Contact: Leonard Bond
