A novel pipeline leak detection and localization method based on the FBG pipe-fixture sensor array and compressed sensing theory

Low localization accuracy and instability have always been two primary problems for the pipeline leak detection and localization method based on the negative pressure wave (NPW) technique. In this paper, based on compressed sensing (CS) theory, a novel pipeline leak detection and localization method is proposed to replace the solutions of the arrival time difference of NPW knee points. In addition, based on the presented method, the localization accuracy can be improved without increasing the number of sensors. To validate the localization accuracy and stability of the presented method, a pipeline leak simulation test under flow conditions is conducted on a steel pipe leak test platform. The fiber Bragg grating (FBG) pipe-fixture sensor array is developed and applied to detect pipeline leakage and measure the pressure variations in the NPW signals, which provides the data basis for pipeline leak localization based on CS theory. A concept of the relative localization coefficient bCS is proposed, and the test results indicate that when bCS is 0.5, all localization errors of different leakage points with different leakage rates are 2 m.