Chaotic features of acoustic waves related to natural gas pipeline leakage

In case of natural gas pipeline leakage, significant differences of pressures inside and outside the pipeline may generate dramatic changes in acoustic waves, which may travel upstream and downstream along the pipeline. By using acoustic wave detectors installed on both ends of the pipeline, acoustic waves produced by pipeline leakage can be detected to determine if any pipeline leakage occurs. In this paper, methods for calculation of maximum Lyapunov index, correlation dimensions and other key characteristic parameters are reviewed. Acoustic wave signals are acquired through simulation of pipeline leakage under practical conditions that natural gas is released from natural gas pipelines. Through calculation of parameters related to chaotic features of acoustic signals for pipeline leakage, it is confirmed that acoustic waves generated by natural gas pipeline leakage may contain some chaotic features. Relevant research results can be used for development of techniques related to leakage detection and positioning for natural gas pipelines.