5. Conclusion

The aim of this project was to study acoustic emission as an alternative to helium mass spectrometry for the detection of fugitive emissions.

To this end, the possibilities of acoustic emission in leak detection were studied in the course of a state-of-the-art study of theoretical knowledge and existing equipment. Acoustic emission tests were then carried out on fugitive emissions to determine the applicability of the method. Finally, alternative acoustic solutions were also identified.

Acoustic emission is a technique widely used in industry for leak detection. The method is more sensitive in gases than in liquids, and has often been used successfully. However, its sensitivity is uncertain and depends on many factors (nature of the fluid, geometry of the defect, surrounding noise, etc.). As a general rule, its sensitivity is in the order...