Operating Procedure for the Portable Acoustic Monitoring Package (Pamp)

Abstract

(250 words)To detect natural gas pipeline infringements and leaks, the acoustic energy generated inside the line is monitored with a sensitive pressure-equalized microphone and a step function type ∆p transducer. The assembly is mounted on a 1000 psig pipe fittingtree called the Portable Acoustic Monitoring Package (PAMP). The electronics required to record, store and analyze the data are described within this report in the format of an operating manual.Included is a section on data processing for infringement detection procedure.6 Executive SummaryThe Portable Acoustic Monitoring Package (PAMP) has been designed to record and monitor acoustic signals in high-pressure natural gas (NG) transmission lines. Of particular interest are the three acoustic signals associated with a pipeline fracture. The system is portable (less than 30 lbm) and can be used at all line pressures up to 1000 psig. The PAMP requires a shut-off valve equipped ½" NPT access port in the pipeline. It is fully functional over the typical pressure range found in the natural gas transmission pipelines in the West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio areas. With the use of the PAMP, a full spectrum of acoustic signals can be recorded and defined in terms of acoustic energy in decibels.