Method, control system and valve unit for detecting leaks in a pipeline system

Abstract

A method for detecting leaks in a pipeline system, the pipeline system having: a distribution pipeline (10), a first end of the distribution pipeline (10) can be closed using a first valve (1), and at least one consumption device is arranged at a second end of the distribution pipeline (10); a pressure sensor (3), with which the pressure in the distribution pipeline (10) can be determined; and at least one second valve, wherein the at least one second valve is arranged between the pressure sensor (3) and the at least one consumption device. The method comprises the following steps: a) closing the first valve (1); b) determining a first pressure drop rate (PR1); c) closing the at least one second valve; d) determining a second pressure drop rate (PR2); e) determining the area of the leak based on the determined first pressure drop rate (PR1) and the second pressure drop rate (PR2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for detecting leaks in a pipeline system and to a control system for carrying out the method. The present invention aims to avoid water-induced damage. In particular, in a manner that enables the location of the leak to be determined. Background Art

[0002] A large number of water pipes are regularly laid in buildings, leading from a liquid source, such as a public water supply network, to various consumption devices, such as sanitary fixtures, dishwashers or washing machines. Leaks can occur, for example, in the form of pipe breaks or cracks in these liquid pipelines, through which the liquid can escape. The leaked liquid can cause significant damage to the building, masonry and / or the installations of the building at the leak point.

[0003] For this reason, a large number of methods for detecting leaks in liquid pipelines are already known. For example, flow sensors can be used to detect leaks accompanied by a large outflow of liquid, such as leaks that occur when a pipe bursts. The flow sensors used here require an extremely large measuring range of up to 100 L / min (liters per minute). Therefore, flow sensors are not suitable for determining small liquid leaks, such as those occurring in a drip, especially leaks less than 0.7 L / min. As a result, such drips can remain undetected for a long time, allowing the escaped liquid to cause considerable damage, for example, through mold growth.

[0004] Therefore, in order to detect drips, some methods are known in which the pressure drop in the liquid pipeline caused by the drip is measured over a longer period. In these measurement methods, for example, a valve must be used to close the liquid pipeline for a relatively long period (e.g., 15 minutes) in order to be able to measure the pressure progression in the liquid pipeline during this time. If a liquid consumption device in the building is activated during the measurement of the pressure drop, the liquid pipeline must be reopened immediately so that the consumption device can be supplied with liquid without delay. As a result, this leads to the termination of the measurement procedure, such that it must be repeated at a later time point. In addition, the consequence of this is that these methods cannot be used to detect leaks in liquid discharges within a certain range (especially from 0.3 L / h to 0.7 L / min), because drips in liquid discharges within this range cannot be distinguished from (low) liquid withdrawals carried out by the consumption device. This means that leaks in liquid discharges within this range always cause the termination of the measurement procedure. Therefore, the known methods are only suitable for detecting drips in liquid discharges within the upper limit range of 0.3 L / h.

[0005] EP3401659 discloses a method for detecting leaks in a liquid pipeline. Using this method, larger - scale drip leaks can be detected, but with this method, only the existence of a leak can be determined. Therefore, the leak can occur at any position in the liquid pipeline. After performing this procedure, the entire length of the liquid pipeline must be searched for the leak. This is time - consuming and incurs maintenance costs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a method for detecting leaks in a pipeline system and a control system for performing the method, which method and system allow for the localization of leaks.

[0007] This object is solved by a method having the features of the present invention. Other embodiments of the method and of the control system for performing the method are defined by the features of the present invention.

[0008] According to the method for detecting leaks in a pipeline system of the present invention, the pipeline system has a distribution pipeline, a first valve can be used to close the first end of the distribution pipeline, and at least one consumption device is arranged at the second end of the distribution pipeline; it has a pressure sensor which can be used to determine the pressure in the distribution pipeline; and has at least one second valve, wherein at least one second valve is arranged between the pressure sensor and each consumption device. The method comprises the following steps:

[0009] a) Closing the first valve;

[0010] b) Determining the first pressure - drop rate;

[0011] c) Closing at least one second valve;

[0012] d) Determining the second pressure - drop rate;

[0013] e) Determining the area of the leak based on the determined pressure - drop rates.

[0014] When at least one second valve is closed, the pipeline system, that is, from the first valve to at least one consumption device, is under a certain pressure. The pressure sensor can be used to determine this pressure. When all second valves are open, if only one tapping point is provided in the consumption device, the determined pressure corresponds to the pressure in the distribution pipeline, and if several consumption devices and / or several tapping points are provided in the consumption device, the determined pressure corresponds to the pressure of the entire system. If there is no water intake at the consumption device and if there is no leak in the system, this pressure remains constant for a long time or only decreases slightly.

[0015] For example, a pressure drop of less than 0.1 bar over a period of 10 minutes can be regarded as indicating no leak. More generally, a first threshold can be established for the system below which the system is considered to have no leak, and a second threshold can be established above which the system is considered to have a leak. The first and second thresholds can span a range, for example, from 0 bar to 0.5 bar, or the two thresholds can be the same and form a sharp boundary. Since a minimum pressure drop must be expected in an actual pipeline system, the actual range of the thresholds lies between 0.1 bar and 0.5 bar. The thresholds can vary with the system and, for example, depend on the pipeline length or the number of consumption devices. They can also be different in different sections of the pipeline system. If there is a leak, water will leak out of the pipeline system and the internal pressure will decrease. To determine the pressure drop rate, the dominant pressure in the distribution pipeline is recorded over a predetermined duration. For example, the determination can be made over a duration greater than 5 minutes, such as 5 to 15 minutes, for example 10 minutes. The pressure to be determined can be in the range of 0 to 10 bar, such as 0.1 to 8 bar, such as 0.2 to 6 bar, such as 0.3 to 3 bar. For example, a drinking water pipeline is under a pressure of 3 bar, while a compressed air pipeline is under a pressure of 6 to 8 bar. From an evaluation of the pressure drop rates before and after the closure of at least one second valve, it is possible to determine whether the leak is upstream or downstream of the second valve in the flow direction.

[0016] In one embodiment, a range is determined such that when the first pressure drop rate is greater than zero and the second pressure drop rate is zero, the leak is downstream of at least one second valve, and wherein when the first pressure drop rate and the second pressure drop rate are greater than zero, the leak is upstream of at least one second valve. This applies to one second valve, but also to any number of second valves.

[0017] In an embodiment in which two or more consumption devices and two or more second valves are provided in a pipeline system, wherein at least one second valve is provided between a pressure sensor and each consumption device, the method comprises the following steps:

[0018] f) Closing another second valve among the second valves after determining the second pressure drop rate;

[0019] g) Determining a third pressure drop rate before determining the area of the leak.

[0020] For example, the pipeline system includes a distribution pipeline that is designed as a riser in a building and supplies tap water to several floors. A second valve is provided on each floor. Consumption devices are connected to each second valve, and the second valves are connected to one or more consumption devices. Thus, this method can be used to determine whether the leak is on one of the floors or in the riser.

[0021] In one embodiment, a region is determined such that if a previously determined pressure drop rate is greater than zero and a third pressure drop rate is zero, the leak is downstream of another second valve, and wherein if all pressure drop rates determined so far are greater than zero, the leak is upstream of another second valve. For example, if the pressure drop rate is determined to be zero after the second valve on the first floor is closed, the leak must be downstream of the second valve on the first floor.

[0022] In one embodiment, the method terminates when the determined first pressure drop rate is zero. If the first pressure drop rate is zero, no leak can occur, and thus the execution of subsequent method steps can be dispensed with.

[0023] In one embodiment, when the determined pressure drop rate exceeds a predetermined value, a previously closed valve is reopened and closed again. A large pressure drop rate indicates intentional water withdrawal. A pressure drop rate, for example, exceeding 1 bar during determination indicates water withdrawal. There are also differences among large pressure drop rates, which are higher than a second threshold. For example, the pressure drop rate caused by handwashing is lower than that caused by showering. When the second threshold is exceeded, the method can be stopped to avoid the system's users running out of water.

[0024] The pressure drop rate can be different for systems of different designs. The pressure drop rate can also be different in different regions of the system. For example, the pressure drop rate can depend on the volume of water contained in the system. Accordingly, the first and second thresholds can also depend on the volume of water contained in the system. Thus, the thresholds can be determined based on the volume of water in the system. Alternatively, the thresholds can be determined by a reference measurement after installation. Based on the reference measurement, i.e., based on the curve of pressure versus time, it is also possible to determine the time period or duration during which the pressure will be measured in order to obtain a meaningful measurement value that can be used to reliably detect leaks. Alternatively, a learning system can be used to repeatedly determine the thresholds. For example, an initial determination of the pressure drop rate can be made over a long period of time. Based on this pressure drop rate, the length of time can subsequently be shortened or lengthened. The length of time can be the same for all segments of the pipeline system, or the times can have different lengths. The time can be determined based on an initial reference measurement in the entire system or in a separate segment of the system.

[0025] In one embodiment, the corresponding valve remains open for a predetermined time before being closed again. In this way, it can be ensured that the desired water withdrawal does not still affect the pressure conditions in the pipeline system.

[0026] In one embodiment, a flow sensor is provided in a pipeline system, and a predetermined time for which a corresponding valve remains open is determined based on a previously determined flow rate. By means of a flow meter, an intentional water withdrawal can be specifically determined, since a larger quantity of water flows in the pipeline system, which can be determined using the flow meter. If, for example, it is determined that a large quantity of water is withdrawn over a long period of time, the corresponding valve remains open for a longer time. If it is determined that a small quantity of water is withdrawn, the valve remains open for a shorter time. For example, washing hands requires less water and takes less time than, for example, taking a shower. Alternatively, the time for which the valve remains open can be determined based on a previously determined pressure drop rate, since a high pressure drop rate indicates a large water withdrawal and a low pressure drop rate indicates a small water withdrawal. If the pressure drop rate is high, the corresponding valve can then remain open for a longer time.

[0027] In one embodiment, the method is carried out over a predetermined time period. It is advisable to carry out the method during a time period in which no intentional water withdrawal is expected.

[0028] For example, at night, when it is certain that less or no water withdrawal is expected. For example, a statistical evaluation of the measured values of the flow sensor can be used to determine such time periods. Thus, it is possible to avoid carrying out the method when water is often withdrawn from the system.

[0029] In one embodiment, the method is carried out at a predetermined interval. The intervals can be distributed evenly or unevenly, i.e., the intervals between the executions of the method can have the same or different lengths.

[0030] Each consumption device can include at least one tapping point, which is connected to a consumption device pipeline, where the consumption device pipeline can be closed by a second valve and can thus be separated from the distribution pipeline. Thus, one, two or more tapping points can be provided on each consumption device pipeline.

[0031] In one embodiment, the second valve is arranged upstream of each tapping point, and in each consumption device pipeline, the last second valve arranged in each case is first closed, and then the second valve in the direction towards the pressure sensor is closed. If, for example, the last second valve of a consumption device is closed and the subsequently determined pressure drop rate is zero, the leak must be in the flow direction after the last second valve, i.e., in the region of the last tapping point.

[0032] In one embodiment, a number of second valves are provided in the distribution pipeline between at least one consumption device and the pressure sensor, and in the distribution pipeline, the last arranged second valve in each case is closed first, and then the second valve in the direction towards the pressure sensor is closed. Thereby, the distribution pipeline can be divided into sections, which simplifies the localization of leaks. For example, key points can be deliberately surrounded by two second valves on both sides in order to be able to analyze this area separately. The key points can be hard-to-reach locations, or they can be locations where leaks are more likely to occur. In the case of long pipelines, valves can also be provided at a predetermined distance from each other in order to be able to more accurately determine the location of the detected leak.

[0033] An alternative method for detecting leaks in a pipeline system, the pipeline system having a distribution pipeline, the first end of which can be closed using a first valve, and at least one consumption device arranged at the second end of the distribution pipeline, having a pressure sensor which can be used to determine the pressure in the distribution pipeline, and having at least one second valve, wherein at least one second valve is arranged between the pressure sensor and at least one of the consumption devices, the alternative method comprising the following steps:

[0034] a) Close all valves;

[0035] b) Determine the first pressure drop rate;

[0036] c) Open at least one second valve;

[0037] d) Determine the second pressure drop rate;

[0038] e) Determine the area of the leak based on the determined pressure drop rates.

[0039] As in the method described previously, the pipelines or areas of the system are inspected section by section, i.e., the pressure drop rates of the individual areas are determined one after another. Compared with the previously described method, here all valves are first closed, then the second valve adjacent to the first valve is opened, and then the second valve adjacent to this valve is opened.

[0040] In one embodiment, when the first pressure drop rate is greater than a first threshold, the leak is located upstream of at least one second valve, and when the first pressure drop rate is less than the first threshold and the second pressure drop rate is greater than the first threshold, the leak is downstream of at least one second valve.

[0041] In this method, compared with the first method, the determination of the pressure drop rate of the individual sections is performed in the reverse order.

[0042] This method can be used in conjunction with any type of pipeline system for transporting fluids (i.e., liquids or gases).

[0043] The embodiments of the two alternative methods can be used in any combination as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0044] A control system for detecting leaks in a pipeline system according to the present invention, the pipeline system having a distribution pipeline, which can be closed at a first end by a first valve, and at least one consumption device arranged at a second end of the distribution pipeline; having a pressure sensor, which can be used to determine the pressure in the distribution pipeline, and having at least one second valve, wherein at least one second valve is arranged between the pressure sensor and each consumption device, wherein the first valve, the at least one second valve and the pressure sensor are connected to a controller, and the controller is designed to execute the method as described in the present invention.

[0045] In one embodiment, the connections between the first valve, the at least one second valve, the pressure sensor and the controller are wired or wireless. A combination of wired and wireless connections is also possible. For example, the second valve can be used to easily retrofit the pipeline system, and the second valve can be wirelessly connected to the controller. This means that the retrofit effort can be kept at a low level. The wireless variant is suitable in the area of the consumption device because it is usually difficult to retrofit the sensor pipeline. In the area of the distribution pipeline, wired valves can be used because the cable routing therein is usually not hindered by the building structure.

[0046] In one embodiment, the control system includes a display unit, which can be used to display the area of the leak. Thus, the user can easily and quickly find the location of the leak, thereby preventing major damage caused by water. The display unit can be a screen.

[0047] In one embodiment, the control system includes a transmission unit, which can be used to transmit information from the control system or to transmit information to the control system. This allows for remote maintenance of the system, making on-site maintenance unnecessary. In this case, the display unit can also be a remote screen such as a computer or a smart phone.

[0048] The embodiments of the control system can be used in any combination as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0049] A valve for detecting leaks in a pipeline system according to the present invention includes a first valve and the control system as described in the present invention.

[0050] In one embodiment, the valve unit includes a pressure sensor or a pressure sensor and a flow sensor. Description of the Drawings

[0051] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. This is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as restrictive, wherein:

[0052] Figure 1 Schematic diagram showing a pipeline system. Detailed implementation

[0053] Figure 1 Illustration showing a pipeline system. The pipeline system includes a distribution pipeline 10, the first end of which can be closed by a first valve 1, and at least one consumption device 2, 2' is arranged at the second end of the distribution pipeline 10. A pressure sensor 3 is arranged in the distribution pipeline 10, adjacent to the first valve 1, and the pressure sensor 3 can be used to determine the pressure of the fluid in the distribution pipeline 10. The pipeline system includes a number of second valves 4, 4', each second valve being arranged between the pressure sensor 3 and one of the consumption devices 2, 2'. The distribution pipeline 10 can be separated from the supply pipeline 6 by the first valve 1. A flow sensor 7 that can be used to determine the flow rate of the liquid in the distribution pipeline 10 is arranged in the distribution pipeline 10 adjacent to the first valve 1. In this illustration, the distribution pipeline 10 corresponds to a riser in a building that supplies fluid, such as water, to each floor. Each consumption device 2, 2' includes a number of tapping points 20, 21, 22, which are interconnected by consumption device pipelines 11. The consumption device pipelines 11 can be separated from the distribution pipeline 10 by the second valves 4. The tapping points are, for example, washbasins 20, shower devices 21 or toilets 22. In the consumption device 2 on the top floor, another second valve 4 is arranged upstream of the toilet 22. Thus, it is possible to separately check whether a leak occurs in the area of the toilet. Obviously, other tapping points can also be provided with their own second valves. The critical area (i.e., the bending area) of the distribution pipeline 10 can be separately checked for leaks by two second valves 4 arranged on both sides thereof. All valves and sensors are connected to a controller 5, although not all of them are shown for the sake of clarity.

[0054] Alternatively, the consumption devices 2, 2' can be arranged in series one after another, rather than as Figure 1 shown. In this case, the consumption device pipelines 11 span several floors. In principle, this corresponds to a consumption device including a number of tapping points arranged on different floors and connected in series.

[0055] If the pipeline system is to be checked for leaks, first determine the period during which water is not normally used by the user. For example, in a residential building between two and three o'clock at night. During this period, the first valve 1 is closed, thus forming a closed pressure space in the liquid pipeline of the system. Subsequently, the pressure in the distribution pipeline is measured over a certain period of time (e.g., 10 minutes). If no pressure drop is measured during this time period, the pressure drop rate is zero and the process stops. If the pressure drop rate is too high, water extraction is considered to have occurred and the process is aborted. If the pressure drop rate is within a reasonable range, the second valve located downstream in the flow direction in the pipeline system is first closed. In the shown case, this is the second valve 4 at the last tapping point 22 in the consumption device 2 on the top floor. If the determined pressure drop rate is zero after closing this valve, the leak must be at the last tapping point 22. If the pressure drop rate is substantially the same, the leak is upstream of this valve in the pipeline system. Subsequently, the second valve 4 of the consumption device 2 on the top floor is closed. If the determined pressure drop rate is zero thereafter, the leak is upstream of the last tapping point 22 in this consumption device. If the pressure drop rate is not zero, the leak must be in the distribution pipeline 10 or in one of the consumption devices 2', 2" on the other two floors. By closing the second valves 4', 4", it is possible to similarly determine whether the leak must be in the corresponding consumption devices 2', 2" or in the distribution pipeline 10. If it is determined that the leak must be in the distribution pipeline 10, the leak can be determined to be in the riser area, in the bend area, or in the area between the bend and the first valve 1 by closing the second valve 4 in the downstream and upstream flow directions of the bend area. If the pressure drop rate is determined during the execution of the method, which indicates water extraction, the previously closed valve is opened again, closed again after a certain time, and the determination of the corresponding pressure drop rate is repeated. The flow sensor 7 can be used to determine the amount of water that has flowed during the extraction period. Additionally, if the flow sensor 7 indicates that water extraction is in progress, it may be possible to dispense with the execution of the method for detecting leaks. After detecting all flow rates, the result, i.e., the location of the leak, is displayed on the display unit of the control system. The display unit can be located on-site or can be wirelessly connected to the controller 5 of the control unit.

[0056] List of Reference Numerals

[0057] 1 First valve 4 Second valve

[0058] 10 Distribution pipeline 5 Controller

[0059] 11 Consumption device pipeline 6 Supply pipeline

[0060] 2 Consumption device 7 Flow sensor

[0061] 20 Washbasin

[0062] 21 Shower device PR1, 2, 3 Pressure drop rate

[0063] 22 Toilet SW1, 2 Threshold value

[0064] 3 Pressure sensor

Claims

1. A method for detecting a leak in a pipeline system, the pipeline system having a distribution pipeline (10), a first valve (1) being usable to close a first end of the distribution pipeline, and at least one consumption device being arranged at a second end of the distribution pipeline; having a pressure sensor (3), the pressure sensor (3) being usable to determine a pressure in the distribution pipeline (10); and having at least one second valve, wherein the at least one second valve is arranged between the pressure sensor (3) and the at least one consumption device, the method comprising the following steps: a) Closing the first valve (1); b) Using the pressure sensor (3) to determine a first pressure drop rate (PR1); c) Closing the at least one second valve; d) Using the pressure sensor (3) to determine a second pressure drop rate (PR2); e) Determining an area of the leak based on the determined first pressure drop rate (PR1) and the second pressure drop rate (PR2), wherein when the determined pressure drop rate exceeds a predetermined value, a previously closed valve is reopened and closed again.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein When the first pressure drop rate (PR1) is greater than a first threshold (SW1) and the second pressure drop rate (PR2) is less than a second threshold (SW2), the leak is located downstream of the at least one second valve, and when the first pressure drop rate (PR1) and the second pressure drop rate (PR2) are greater than the first threshold (SW1), the leak is located upstream of the at least one second valve.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein Two or more consumption devices (2, 2') and two or more second valves are provided in the pipeline system, wherein at least one (4) of the two or more second valves is arranged between the pressure sensor (3) and each of the two or more consumption devices (2, 2'), the method comprising the following steps: f) Closing another one (4') of the two or more second valves after determining the second pressure drop rate (PR2); g) Determining a third pressure drop rate (PR3) before determining the area of the leak.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, When the previously determined first pressure drop rate (PR1) and the second pressure drop rate (PR2) are greater than the first threshold (SW1) and the third pressure drop rate (PR3) is less than the second threshold (SW2), the leak is located downstream of the another one (4') of the two or more second valves, and when all of the first pressure drop rate (PR1), the second pressure drop rate (PR2) and the third pressure drop rate (PR3) determined so far are greater than the first threshold (SW1), the leak is located before the another one (4') of the two or more second valves.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that When the determined first pressure drop rate (PR1) is less than the second threshold (SW2), the method stops.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before closing again, the corresponding valve remains open for a predetermined time.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein A flow sensor is arranged in the pipeline system and determines the predetermined time based on a previously determined flow rate.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that, The execution of the method is carried out over a predetermined period of time.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The execution of the method is carried out at predetermined intervals.

10. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each of the two or more consumption devices (2, 2') includes a plurality of tapping points (20, 21, 22) and at least one of the two or more second valves (4) is arranged upstream of each of the plurality of tapping points (20, 21, 22), and in each consumption device pipeline (11), the last arranged corresponding second valve is first closed and then the second valve adjacent in the direction towards the pressure sensor (3) is closed.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein Two or more consumption devices (2, 2') and two or more second valves are arranged in the pipeline system, wherein at least one of the two or more second valves (4) is arranged between the pressure sensor (3) and each of the two or more consumption devices (2, 2'), each of the two or more consumption devices (2, 2') includes a plurality of tapping points (20, 21, 22) and at least one of the two or more second valves (4) is arranged upstream of each of the plurality of tapping points (20, 21, 22), and in each consumption device pipeline (11), the last arranged corresponding second valve is first closed and then the second valve adjacent in the direction towards the pressure sensor (3) is closed.

12. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A plurality of second valves are arranged in the distribution pipeline (10) between the at least one consumption device and the pressure sensor (3), and in the distribution pipeline (10), the last arranged second valve in each case is first closed and then the second valve adjacent in the direction towards the pressure sensor (3) is closed.

13. A method for detecting leaks in a pipeline system, the pipeline system having a distribution pipeline (10), a first end of the distribution pipeline can be closed using a first valve (1), and at least one consumption device is arranged at a second end of the distribution pipeline; having a pressure sensor (3), the pressure sensor (3) can be used to determine the pressure in the distribution pipeline (10); and having at least one second valve, wherein the at least one second valve is arranged between the pressure sensor (3) and the at least one consumption device, the method comprising the following steps: a) Closing all of the first valve (1) and the at least one second valve; b) Using the pressure sensor (3) to determine a first pressure drop rate (PR1); c) Opening the at least one second valve; d) Using the pressure sensor (3) to determine a second pressure drop rate (PR2); e) Determining the area of the leak based on the determined first pressure drop rate (PR1) and the second pressure drop rate (PR2), wherein when the determined pressure drop rate exceeds a predetermined value, the previously closed valve is reopened and closed again.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein When the first pressure drop rate (PR1) is greater than the first threshold (SW1), the leak is upstream of the at least one second valve, and when the first pressure drop rate (PR1) is less than the first threshold (SW1) and the second pressure drop rate (PR2) is greater than the first threshold (SW1), the leak is downstream of the at least one second valve.

15. A control system for detecting leaks in a pipeline system, the pipeline system having a distribution pipeline (10), a first end of the distribution pipeline (10) closable by a first valve (1), and at least one consumption device arranged at a second end of the distribution pipeline (10); having a pressure sensor (3) for determining the pressure in the distribution pipeline (10); and having at least one second valve, wherein the at least one second valve is arranged between the pressure sensor (3) and each of the at least one consumption devices, wherein the first valve (1), the at least one second valve and the pressure sensor (3) are connected to a controller (5), and wherein the controller (5) is designed to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The control system according to claim 15, wherein The connection between the first valve (1), the at least one second valve, the pressure sensor (3) and the controller (5) is wired or wireless.

17. The control system according to claim 15 or 16, comprising a display unit for displaying the area of the leak.

18. The control system according to claim 17, comprising a transmission unit for transmitting information from or to the control system.

19. A valve unit for detecting leaks in a pipeline system, characterized in that, The valve unit includes a first valve (1) and the control system according to any one of claims 15 to 18.

20. The valve unit according to claim 19, characterized in that, The valve unit includes a pressure sensor (3).

21. The valve unit according to claim 19, characterized in that, The valve unit includes a pressure sensor (3) and a flow sensor (7).

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