An experimental investigation into the detection of internal leakage of gases through valves by vibration analysis

Abstract

The theme of the paper is the detection of through-valve leakage by vibration analysis. Experiments have been performed which demonstrate that a valve leaking internally excites the downstream pipework at particular frequencies in the range below 20 kHz. Several frequencies are excited. However, of note is that certain frequencies appear to depend only on the internal diameter of the pipe and the properties of the gas leaking through the valve. The results of extensive experiments are presented and an empirical relationship is suggested to predict the frequencies excited by the leakage. Thus, there is potential for the use of this method in a valve condition monitoring system to augment the range of methods presently available, none of which find widespread application. Keywords: valves, leakage, vibration analysis, safety hazard ©IMechE1997.