This project investigated and evaluated commercially available optical IR and acoustic technologies. The IR cameras were used to detect a temperature differential across the valve indicating a Joule-Thompson (JT) pressure drop and leak through the valve. Direct acoustically coupled instruments were used to detect “noise” generated from turbulence associated with through-valve leakage. In addition, other instruments were explored that had the potential to detect turbulence-induced vibrations. During the instrumentation evaluation, fugitive leak screening and detection methods for assessing...
This project investigated and evaluated commercially available optical IR and acoustic technologies. The IR cameras were used to detect a temperature differential across the valve indicating a Joule-Thompson (JT) pressure drop and leak through the valve. Direct acoustically coupled instruments were used to detect “noise” generated from turbulence associated with through-valve leakage. In addition, other instruments were explored that had the potential to detect turbulence-induced vibrations. During the instrumentation evaluation, fugitive leak screening and detection methods for assessing through-valve leakage were also explored.
IES completed a one-week laboratory and yard testing exercise on a single two- and eight-inch valve at the SoCal Gas Situation City facility in Pico Rivera, CA in November 2022. Noteworthy findings included the inability to detect a leak from valves that were previously in-service and known leakers. The reason for this has been hypothesized as improper valve stop position and/or debris in the valve that was removed to protect flow-rate measurement instrumentation in the test apparatus. Several instances of newly commissioned leaking valves have been shown to suffer from incorrect valve positioning and/or electronic transducer signal set points.
Additional testing and data collection are needed to complete the initial test campaign. Outdoor testing could not be completed during the week due to resource limitations that precluded testing more than one eight-inch valve. The initial laboratory testing included one 2-inch test valve that had no discernable usage. An additional 2-inch valve was screened prior to lab testing, however neither valve produced a leak under the conditions in the lab (both valves failed prior to commissioning).