Operating Principles

WaveControl® Pipeline Leak Detection System is based on the principle of detection and identification of pressure waves that occur in pipelines during leaks. When the hole forms, product escapes in the form of a high velocity jet. The product loss produces negative pressure waves which propagate in both directions within the pipeline with the following characteristics:

• the pressure waves travel over long distances because pipeline's walls guide the waves' fronts; pressure waves propagate in the product at the speed of sound;
• product loss is detectable due to the generated negative pressure waves;
• the amplitude of the pressure waves increases with leak size.

These pressure waves are analyzed by the local and central controllers and pass multiple levels of special filters and algorithms. WaveControl® WLDS detects small leaks quickly and provide means of limiting total product loss.