Simulation and experimental study of buried natural gas pipeline leak detection based on sound source characteristics

Buried pipe-line leakage will affect the thermal characteristics of the soil environment, leading to a poor soil environment. In addition, leakage of natural gas possibly produces an explosion and subsequent fire, which has fatal harm. Sustainable detection of underground gas pipe-line leaks is a significant part of current research. In this study, a method for leak detection of buried natural gas polyethylene pipe-lines based on sound source characteristics is investigated. The simulation software was applied in analyzing the variation of leakage rate and sound source in buried pipes under different leakage conditions including mainly different leakage apertures and pipe pressures. Also, an experiment platform was built to verify the simulation results. These results can provide help for gas pipe-line leakage detection and safety protection.