An improved cross-correlation method based on wavelet transform and energy feature extraction for pipeline leak detection

Early detection and precise location of leakage is of great importance for life-cycle maintenance and management of municipal pipeline system. In the past few years, acoustic emission (AE) techniques have demonstrated to be an excellent tool for on-line leakage detection. Regarding the multi-mode and frequency dispersion characteristics of AE signals propagating along a pipeline, the direct cross-correlation technique that assumes the constant AE propagation velocity does not perform well in practice for acoustic leak location. This paper presents an improved cross-correlation method based on wavelet transform, with due consideration of the frequency dispersion characteristics of AE wave and the contribution of different mode. Laboratory experiments conducted to simulate pipeline gas leakage and investigate the frequency spectrum signatures of AE leak signals. By comparing with the other methods for leak location identification, the feasibility and superiority of the proposed method are verified.