Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: This paper investigates the application of Schlieren flow visualization for detecting leaks in pipelines carrying high-temperature fluids. Two experimental setups were constructed: one with a 25 mm PTFE tube featuring a 2 mm diameter perforation, and another with a 100 mm diameter pipe insulated with an aluminum jacket and featuring a 12 mm leak gap. A single-mirror-off-axis Schlieren system, employing a 150 mm diameter parabolic mirror, was used to visualize the leaks. The temperature of the leaking air varied between 20 and 100 °C, while the ambient temperature was maintained at 14 °C. To quantify the leaks, the coefficient of variation for pixel intensity within the leak region was calculated. Results showed that for the PTFE tube, leaks became detectable when the temperature difference exceeded 34 °C, with the coefficient of variation surpassing 0.1. However, in the insulated pipe, detecting clear leak patterns was challenging. This research demonstrates the potential of Schlieren visualization as a valuable tool in enhancing pipeline leak detection.
Source: Applied Sciences
DOI: 10.3390/app14188567
Authors: Tae-Jin Park, Kwang-Yeon Kim, Dong-Wook Oh
Institutions: Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Chosun University
Language: English
Subfield: Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,728
OpenAlex ID: W4402824481