Acoustic ESDV Leak Testing

[daviwy]

Is anyone familiar with the acoustic ESDV leak testing methods and know of any recommended / best practice available? I have heard that this could be used as alternatives to the normal leak testing process that requires full depressurization of the pipeline.

Mechanical Operations Engineer
Oil, Gas & Power

 

[gerhardl]

This question is difficult to answer on a general basis, as many other questions published here.

Details are needed as acoustics tests instrumentation/devices are available from different producers,in different forms and for different fluids. Accuracy will differ, and be greatly dependent also on fluid conditions and flow downstream/upstream and local disturbances.

Secondly comes the requirement for allowable leakage, which consequences a leakages of a given size will have, and the time and means of reporting and reaction if there is a failure.

The company's QA procedures, existing and new, would also be an issue. It seems obvious for me that it would be difficult to reach the same accuracy as a full, standard visual or 'normal' directly observed leakage test on a general basis.

Others might have practical experience if you details your question.