The simulation and experimental study of leakage noise sources in gas pipeline bends

Leakage acoustic source characteristics are essential for studying sound wave propagation. In natural gas pipelines, elbows alter flow velocity and pressure, affecting leak acoustic properties. This study focuses on elbow leak issues using aeroacoustic theory and CFD simulations with ANSYS Fluent, analysing leaks at 0° (straight pipe), 45°, and 90° elbows through a 10 mm hole under varying pressures. A test rig was built to compare simulation and experimental results. The findings indicate that: 1 the sound pressure level (SPL) of leak noise increases with pressure; 2) under the same pressure, larger elbow angles result in higher leak sound power, with the 90° elbow producing the highest; 3) at the same pressure, SPL in the 4-25 Hz range decreases as: straight pipe > 90° elbow > 45° elbow. These findings support acoustic-based leak localisation methods. [Received: October 1, 2024; Accepted: February 27, 2025]