Estimate leak rate through pit hole in a pipeline
Estimate leak rate through pit hole in a pipeline
(OP)
Does anyone know how to estimate the Leak Rate through a pitted hole of a pipeline?
The key point here is that the hole diameter is not a fixed value. It grew from 0 at the begging of the leak to a final size of 0.25". The leak rate varies with time.
Given the following data, I would appreciate if anyone can give an insight into the problem. I need to estimate the total time (from the start of leak) to have a leakage amount of 108 cubic meters.
Pipe diameter: 3.5" (88.9 mm)x 0.125" (3.2mm) wall thickness
Diameter of leak hole: 0.25" (6 mm)
Volume flow through pipe: 340 cubic meter/day
Total volume of leak: 108 cubic meters
Normal operating pressure: 138 psi (950 KPa)
Pipeline: buried 2 meters underground (clay)
Fluid: 98% salt water + 3% oil
Thanks in advance,
The key point here is that the hole diameter is not a fixed value. It grew from 0 at the begging of the leak to a final size of 0.25". The leak rate varies with time.
Given the following data, I would appreciate if anyone can give an insight into the problem. I need to estimate the total time (from the start of leak) to have a leakage amount of 108 cubic meters.
Pipe diameter: 3.5" (88.9 mm)x 0.125" (3.2mm) wall thickness
Diameter of leak hole: 0.25" (6 mm)
Volume flow through pipe: 340 cubic meter/day
Total volume of leak: 108 cubic meters
Normal operating pressure: 138 psi (950 KPa)
Pipeline: buried 2 meters underground (clay)
Fluid: 98% salt water + 3% oil
Thanks in advance,





RE: Estimate leak rate through pit hole in a pipeline
RE: Estimate leak rate through pit hole in a pipeline
The disch. coefficients are available from many sorces.
RE: Estimate leak rate through pit hole in a pipeline
I still have a question regarding the effect of mostly clay soil surrounding the pipeline.
Will the permeabiltiy or seepage through clay affect the leak rate? If yes, how do I account for the effect in the calculation?
I know this question may be slightly out of piping and fluid mechanics area.
Any suggestions will be apprecitated.
RE: Estimate leak rate through pit hole in a pipeline
What is your goal here though, it seems like you are trying to use math to justify and event. Like if your pipe leaks it wont leak that much. This is true for a short period of time, but the true defination of a leak is that it will approach orifice flow. The effect of the soil will only increase the time it takes the leak to reach maximum flow.
I guess I would sume it up as.....a leak is a leak, of course, of course.....or is that a horse??? LOL
BobPE