Virtual sensor array and regularization technology enhance the acoustic leakage location method of pipelines

Ultrasonic detection technology holds significant potential for the precise localization of gas leaks in pipelines. In the context of aircraft pipeline testing, several challenges arise, including the vast detection range, the complexity of sensor array deployment, and the accuracy of leak location determination. This paper first introduces a virtual sensor array employing two sensors and investigates the impact of varying the number of array elements on algorithm performance. Through analysis, the optimal array configuration for data acquisition is determined. Next, a three-dimensional positioning regularization method is proposed, significantly enhancing the algorithm’s accuracy and stability through the integration of a regularization matrix and multiple iterations. Finally, experimental methods are used to examine the influence of test distance and angle on the time–frequency domain of the detected signal, along with a data filtering strategy based on sound pressure effective value selection. Experimental results demonstrate an improvement in positioning accuracy from 75% to 90%.