US 12,264,993 B2
Pipeline leak detection apparatus, and methods thereof
Michael David Nash, Katy, TX (US); and Stuart Mitchell, Katy, TX (US)
Assigned to PipeSense, LLC, Clearbrook, MN (US)
Filed by Pipesense, LLC, Clearbrook, MN (US)
Filed on Nov. 20, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/514,733.
Application 18/514,733 is a continuation of application No. 17/733,973, filed on Apr. 29, 2022, granted, now 11,835,423.
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 2024/0085263 A1, Mar. 14, 2024
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. G01M 3/18 (2006.01); F17D 5/06 (2006.01); G01M 3/00 (2006.01); G01M 3/40 (2006.01)
CPC G01M 3/182 (2013.01) [F17D 5/06 (2013.01); G01M 3/007 (2013.01); G01M 3/40 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A pipeline leak detection apparatus for detection and location of a leak in a pipeline, the apparatus comprising:
a memory configured to store instructions;
a processor operatively coupled to the memory and to one or more fluid sensing devices for detecting fluid pressure in the pipeline, wherein the processor upon execution of the instructions is configured to:
detect a first pressure wave for a first pressure event in the pipeline;
measure a first time difference for the first pressure wave in the pipeline using the one or more fluid sensing devices;
detect a second pressure wave for a second pressure event in the pipeline;
measure a second time difference for the second pressure wave using the one or more fluid sensing devices; and
determine a leak event and a location of the leak event relative to the pipeline utilizing the first time difference for the first pressure and the second time difference of the second pressure wave.