Algorithms for real-time leak noise correlator

Abstract: In the paper are discussed the modifications of a crosscorrelation digital signals processing algorithm to ensure its operability application to real-time pipeline leak detection. The distinguishing features of the proposed solution is an ability to recursively recalculate correlation function and normalization value after the acquisition of a new data segment. It makes computational costs comparatively low because no temporary data is stored and no extra computations are made. It makes the implementation of normal leak noise correlator’s function set on portable single-board computers possible. Real-time operability of the algorithms is demonstrated via experimental study in MATLAB. The computer-generated leak noise signals were used to study the impact of the coefficient on the information capacity of the signal on the output of the correlator. Thus, low-resolution window function and high overlap coefficient are proved to be a good option for timedelay estimation in application to leak detection.

Keywords: leak noise correlator, correlation analysis, time delay estimation, matlab