Pipeline leak monitoring systems are technological systems used for real-time monitoring of leaks in liquid transportation pipelines. They identify and locate leaks by analyzing changes in parameters such as pressure and flow rate, and are divided into two methods: direct detection (pre-set elements identify minute leaks) and indirect detection (analyzing operating parameters to infer leaks). The core technology is based on the negative pressure wave method, utilizing the time difference of pressure wave propagation at the leak point for location, combined with wavelet transform to reduce interference. The system consists of data acquisition, communication, and central processing modules, and can issue an alarm within 90 seconds.
This system technology has gradually developed since the pressure wave and acoustic wave fusion detection system developed by China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) in 2015. After 2023, multi-source information fusion technology improved positioning accuracy to 0.55%-1.357% error through GPS time stamping. In 2024, a patent proposed a welding joint monitoring mechanism and a media backflow maintenance mechanism. In the same year, AI image segmentation algorithms were introduced for leak identification. In 2025, distributed fiber optic temperature measurement technology enabled long-distance, blind-spot-free monitoring, and a vibration signal classification alarm system can distinguish between leaks and construction events. Technological evolution encompasses upgrades from single-parameter analysis to multi-sensor fusion, and from physical monitoring to intelligent algorithms.
