US 11,835,423 B2
Pipeline leak detection apparatus, and methods thereof
Michael David Nash, Katy, TX (US); and Stuart Mitchell, Katy, TX (US)
Assigned to Professional Flexible Technologies, Inc., Katy, TX (US)
Filed by Professional Flexible Technologies, Inc., Katy, TX (US)
Filed on Apr. 29, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/733,973.
Application 17/733,973 is a continuation of application No. 16/944,779, filed on Jul. 31, 2020, granted, now 11,359,989.
Application 16/944,779 is a continuation in part of application No. 16/532,371, filed on Aug. 5, 2019, abandoned.
Prior Publication US 2022/0260448 A1, Aug. 18, 2022
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. G01M 3/18 (2006.01); G01M 3/40 (2006.01); F17D 5/06 (2006.01); G01M 3/00 (2006.01)
CPC G01M 3/182 (2013.01) [F17D 5/06 (2013.01); G01M 3/007 (2013.01); G01M 3/40 (2013.01)] 23 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A pipeline leak detection apparatus for detection and location of a leak in a pipeline, the apparatus comprising:
a first pressure sensing means fluidly connected to the pipeline, wherein the first pressure sensing means is located at or near a pump or a valve of the pipeline;
a second pressure sensing means fluidly connected to the pipeline, wherein the second pressure sensing means is a known distance from the first pressure sensing means;
a processor means, wherein the first pressure sensing means is communicatively connected to the processor means and wherein the second pressure sensing means is communicatively connected to the processor means;
a memory storage means operatively coupled to the processor means;
instructions stored in the memory storage means and executable by the processor means to instruct the apparatus to:
open and close a valve to release an amount of fluid to create a first pressure wave for a first pressure event during an initial set-up of the apparatus;
measure a first time difference for the first pressure wave using the first pressure sensing means and the second pressure sensing means;
calculate an actual rate of propagation for the first pressure wave using the processor means;
detect a second pressure wave for a second pressure event during operation of the apparatus;
measure a second time difference for the second pressure wave using the first pressure sensing means and the second pressure sensing means;
calculate a rate of propagation for the second pressure wave using the processor means;
measure density of the fluid using the density sensing means; and
calculate a re-calibration point for sonic velocity.