Acoustic Emission Measurements in Valve Leakage Detection and Quantification: Final Report

Abstract:

National Grid has a large number of Cameron self-relieving ball valves of varying sizes in operation in the gas transportation system. A number of these are large diameter valves and a 42' Cameron self-relieving ball valve has recently been taken out of service as it was leaking. National Grid would like some leakage tests to be carded out on this valve.

National Grid uses a number of methods to detect and quantify leaks. One of these uses a portable acoustic emission (AE) device where a sensor is directly coupled to the surface of the valve. This device can be used on above-ground assets such as valves, etc. but a significant number of National Grid's assets are below the ground where access to the surface of the valve is not possible. National Grid has defined the overall objectives of this project, to be carded out by the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) as follows:

1. Validate the use of leak detection equipment (based on a portable acoustic emission monitor system) for above-ground and below-ground process valves.

2. Investigate the valve's self-relieving system and quantify the leakage through the self-relieving system.

Publication Year:

2015

Publisher:

Ofgem

DOI:

No DOI minted

Author(s):

National Grid Gas Transmission