Oil pipeline leak detection using GPR method - simple case study

Modelling experiment was used to investigate the abilities of using ground penetrating radar (GPR) to detect oil leaks in the underground pipeline system. Leaks not only waste precious natural resources but also create substantial damage to the transportation system within urban environments. Surface geophysical methods are noninvasive tools used to characterize the changes in the physical properties of the subsurface material. This characterization, in consequence, is used to interpret the geological and hydrogeological conditions of the strata. GPR is a reflection-based technique which uses high frequency electromagnetic waves to acquire subsurface information. GPR responds to changes in electrical properties, which are a function of soil and rock material and moisture content. A simple experiment was conducted to determine the validity and effectiveness of GPR technology in detecting leakage in metal pipelines. Initially, a prototype model was designed to simulate a pipe leak. A 1.5 GHz antenna modeling mode was used to collect GPR data. The test was modelled using sandy soil material that is representative for pipelines construction. Also model simulations are being used to select an appropriate equipment configuration (frequency band, type of antenna and real-time imaging software) prior to data acquisition.