Time-reversal technique for pipeline defect detection

In this paper, time-reversal (TR) technique is proposed for the detection of discrete defects (e.g., leaks and blockages) in pressurized fluid-filled pipelines using active transient waves. The proposed technique is based on the one-dimensional wave equation and decouples the search for the location from that of the size of the defect. Another key feature of this method is that the measured pressure head signal can be truncated so as to eliminate undesirable reflections from unknown or uncertain parts of the pipe system so as not to compromise the accuracy and robustness of the detection. The proposed method is tested through numerical simulations for a single leak, multiple leaks, and multiple mixed-type of defects (i.e., leaks and blockages) in elastic as well as visco-elastic pipe systems. The proposed method is also validated through laboratory experiments wherein leaks and blockages of various sizes are considered. The sensitivity analysis of the method with respect to wave speed and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is also performed. In all cases, the method has shown accurate results in terms of localization, classification, and size estimation of the defects even for SNR as low as 0 dB.