A system and a method for automatic and predictive testing of a pipeline

Abstract

A system for automatic and predictive testing of a pipeline, comprising: a pipeline testing device 10 and a remote device 12. The pipeline testing device is configured to communicate with the remote d

Description

Field of the invention The present disclosure relates to a system and a method for automatic and predictive testing of a pipeline. Background One of the main reasons for refurbishing water distribution, transmission and sewerage pressure pipelines is to replace and refurbish those pipelines that have proven to have unsatisfactory levels of leakage. It is of paramount importance that the new pipework installations are fit for purpose and therefore the new system should be proven to be as safe and leak-free as possible. Procedures (IGN 4-01-03 GUIDE TO PRESSURE TESTING OF PRESSURE PIPES AND FITTINGS FOR USE BY PUBLIC WATER SUPPLIERS) have been adopted for manual testing all new PE and PVC water and sewerage pressure pipes, and testing ductile iron, steel and GRP pressure pipes. These procedures require manual implementations by experienced water engineers. Also, during the implementation, manual adaption of the procedures is required to apply the procedures to different types of tests and different types of pipelines. Summary of the invention Aspects of the invention are as set out in the independent claims and optional features are set out in the dependent claims. Aspects of the invention may be provided in conjunction with each other and features of one aspect may be applied to other aspects. A first aspect of the disclosure provides a system for automatic and predictive testing of a pipeline, comprising: a pipeline testing device and a remote device; wherein the pipeline testing device is configured to communicate with the remote device via a wireless connection, wherein the pipeline testing device comprises a pump, at least one sensor and a data logger; the pump is configured to raise a pressure in the pipeline to a predetermined test pressure by pumping a flow in the pipeline, the at least one sensor is configured to obtain data comprising an indication of at least one parameter relating to the pipeline over a period of time, wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one of (i) a pressure sensor, and (ii) a flow meter; the data logger is configured to record the data obtained by the at least one sensor; wherein the data logger is configured to send the data to the remote device via the wireless connection, and wherein the remote device is configured to receive information relating to at least one property of the pipeline from a user, and the data from the pipeline testing device, and determine the pipeline performance based on the information relating to at least one property of the pipeline and the data from the pipeline testing device over the period of time and issue a pass or fail certificate in response to the determined pipeline performance. For example, information relating to the at least one parameter may be obtained by the remote device repeatedly (for example at set intervals) over a selected time window. For example, the remote device may actively “poll” the data logger for this information, or the data logger may repeatedly send or “push” this information to the remote device. Embodiments of the disclosure allow the system for automatic and predictive testing of a pipeline to be used for different tests and different pipelines. For example, different pipelines (PE and PVC water and sewerage pipes) may be made with different materials or made in different sizes. Information relating to at least one property of the pipeline may comprise information relating to the type, material and size of the pipeline. Information relating to at least one property of the pipeline may be input at the remote device or at the data logger by a user. Optionally, the remote device may be configured to send a command to the pipeline testing device via the wireless connection to initiate the test by raising the pressure in the pipeline (for example, to a standard testing pressure, STP). Embodiments of the disclosure may allow the remote initiation of the whole pipeline testing device without the need of individual, manual control of the components including the pump, sensors and data logger. Optionally, the remote device may be configured to send the pass or fail certificate to a remote database. For example, the history pass or fail certificates may be saved at the remote database and may be accessible to the user. Optionally, the at least one property of the pipeline may comprise at least one of a type of the pipeline and a diameter of the pipeline. Optionally, the at least one property of the pipeline may be used to determine initial air content in the pipeline before the test is initiated. Embodiments of the disclosure may improve the accuracy of the testing by considering the effect of the initial air content on the pressure change in a pipeline. For example, performance of the test may be adjusted based on the determined initial air content - for example, the duration of the test may be adjusted based on the initial air content, for example the duration of the test may proportionately be extended based on the determined initial air content. In an example, the initial air content may be calculated based on the reference / estimated water volume and actual input water volume pumped into a pipeline when the pressure is raised to its system test pressure (STP). In particular, the reference water volume may be determined based on information relating to the type, the size and the material of the pipeline from a user. Information relating to the size of the pipeline may comprise a diameter of the pipeline. Additionally, and / or alternatively, information relating to the material of the pipeline may comprise one or more stiffness properties of the material. It will be understood that pipelines of varying dimensions (such as diameter) and materials (e.g. PE, PVC etc.) may need to be tested. The procedures referenced above (IGN 4-01-03), however, only cover the required reference water volume for PE100 pipelines. However, PE100 and PE80 pipelines may have different stiffness properties, for example due to their difference in diameter. Therefore, use of the procedures referenced above may result in an inaccurate calculation of the initial air content using the reference water volume (i.e. for PE100 pipelines) when used to test PE80 pipelines. Accordingly, the reference water volume needed for the PE80 pipelines may be correspondingly adapted based on the difference of the stiffness properties (such as Young’s modulus) between PE100 and PE80 pipelines. As such, embodiments of the disclosure may enable the ability to differentiate pipelines (for example, PE100 and PE80) to give an accurate result. Optionally, the data logger may be configured to record the data in a memory to continue the test without interruption in response to the wireless connection being interrupted or weakened, and send the data recorded in the memory to the remote device in response to the wireless connection being restored. The wireless connection being weakened may comprise signal strength or bandwidth being too low (for example, below a selected minimum threshold level) to meet the minimum requirement of the network. Embodiments of the disclosure may therefore allow continuous recording of the data without interruption. In one example, in response to a loss of the wireless signal or a weak wireless signal, the data logger may continue to record the data, log the data to its memory, and buffer the data ready for the remote device to retrieve or for the data logger to send to the remote device when the wireless connection is re-established, or when the signal strength is enhanced (for example, above the selected minimum threshold level). When the wireless connection is resumed the remote device may request all the buffered data from the data logger so there’s no loss of the data and the data is received sequentially. In an example, the wireless connection may be a Bluetooth® connection. In another example, the data logger may comprise a memory management system to monitor the amount of memory remaining so the memory may be managed in real-time. Optionally, the information relating to the type of the pipeline may comprise a look-up table for determining the initial air content in the pipeline. In an example, the look-up table may comprise information relating to the dimensions and / or material of the pipeline, for example, one or more stiffness properties of the material. Optionally, the remote device may be configured to calculate the initial air content in the pipeline based on the look-up table, and issue a fail certificate or calibrate the initial air content based on whether the initial air content is outside of a selected range. For example, each look-up table may be specific to properties of the pipeline (such as material and / or dimensions), so that for different pipelines with different properties, a different look-up table may be consulted. It will be understood therefore that the remote device may be configured to select a look-up table based on the property of the pipeline from the user and determine the pipeline performance using the look-up table. Embodiments of the disclosure may reduce the impact of the initial air content in the pipeline. An initial air content greater than 4% may complicate the interpretation of the data and cause inaccurate testing. In one example, when the initial air content is higher than 8%, the testing may be aborted (for example, the remote device and / or the data logger may be configured to abort the test). Additionally, and / or alternatively, when the initial air content is lower than 4%, no action is needed. Additionally, and / or alternatively, when the initial air content is between 4 and 8%, the test time may be extended to counteract the effect of air in slowing the pressure change and to accurately determine whether the pipe is leaking. Optionally, the pump may be configured to stop pumping in response to the predetermined test pressure being reached, and the remote device may be configured to determine the pipeline performance based on whether the at least one parameter relating to the pressure is outside of a selected range. Embodiments of the disclosure may determine whether the pipe is leaking based on the at least one parameter relating to the pressure. Optionally, the at least one parameter relating to the pressure may comprise at least one of (i) a pressure slope, nT, over a time interval T, (ii) a slope ratio, SR12=nT1 / nT2, between a first pressure slope nT1 and a second pressure slope nT2, and (iii) a pressure change. In some examples the remote device and / or data logger may be configured to determine these values from pressure data obtained as a function of time. The pipeline performance may be determined to be failed because the at least one parameter relating to the pressure may be outside of a selected range. For example, the pipeline performance is determined to be failed because at least one of the pressure slopes are negative, i.e. the pressure increases instead of decreasing. Additionally, and / or alternatively, the pipeline performance may be determined to be failed because the pressure slope, for example, the terminal pressure slope, is higher than a maximum pressure slope value (for example, 0.13 for PE pipelines and 0.08 for PVC pipelines). Additionally, and / or alternatively, the pipeline performance may be determined to be failed because the slope ratio is higher than a maximum slope ratio value (for example 1.25) and / or the slope ratio is lower than a minimum slope ratio value (for example 0.75). Additionally, and / or alternatively, the pipeline performance may be determined to be failed because the pressure change is negative and / or the pressure change is higher than a maximum pressure change value (for example, 0.5 or 0.75 depends on the selected time). In another example, the pipeline performance may be determined to be failed because the duration of the pressurisation phase for the pressure to raise to its system test pressure (STP) is shorter than a selected duration, for example, 60 seconds. In some circumstances the remote device may be configured to send a notification or alert to the user in the event that a test is determined to be failed before the test has completed. For example, a standard Type II test may run for several hours. If, within a few minutes of conducting the test, a parameter of the pipeline performance is outside of a selected range (for example, the slope ratio of the pressure is lower than a minimum slope ratio) the remote device may determine that the test will fail even before the test has completed (i.e. run its normal duration). In this instance, the remote device may send an alert or notification to the user so that they can end the test early to save time and remedy the fault more quickly. In some examples the thresholds for the notification or alert to be triggered may be greater than the thresholds for a test to be failed, for example so that only in very clear cases where a test will definitely fail will the alert or notification be sent to the user. Optionally, the remote device may be configured to issue a warning with the certificate in response to the difference between a first slope ratio SR12 and a second slope ratio SR’12 being outside a selected range. Embodiments of the disclosure may allow the determination of the robustness of the results. For example, the first slope ratio SR12 is calculated using the slopes of time intervals T1 and T2, and then the second slope ratio SR’12 using the slopes of time intervals TT and T2’. If the difference between SR12 and SR’12 is higher than a maximum ratio change value (e.g. 0.25), the level of robustness may be reduced. Optionally, the pump may be configured to maintain the predetermined test pressure for a maintenance period of time, and the remote device may be configured to determine the pipeline performance based on whether the at least one parameter relating to the flow rate is outside of a selected range. Embodiments of the disclosure may allow a quick testing of renewed pipelines, for example, around 10 minutes. The pressure may be maintained at a constant pressure rather than a constant volume. Optionally, the at least one parameter relating to the flow rate may comprise at least one of (i) an averaged flow rate and (ii) a slope of the flow rate. For example, the averaged flow rate and / or the slop of flow rate may be determined by the remote device based on flow rate information received from the data logger. For example, the pipeline performance may be determined to be failed because an average flow rate is over a maximum, predetermined average flow rate. Additionally, and / or alternatively, a slope of flow rate is over a maximum, predetermined slope of flow rate. Optionally, the slope may be calculated based on trendline analysis. Embodiments of the disclosure may make the results less sensitive to random variations. Optionally, the pipeline testing device may be battery powered. Embodiments of the disclosure may allow flexible and portable testing of a pipeline. Optionally, the pipeline testing device (such as the data logger) may further comprise a GPS module to identify the test location on the pipeline. Embodiments of the disclosure may enable location-based testing. For example, the location of testing may determine the type of the pipelines. For example, the remote device may obtain location information from the pipeline testing device and use this information when issuing the pass or fail certificate. Additionally, or alternatively, the remote device may comprise a location determining means, such as a GPS module, to determine the location of the remote device (and thereby infer the location of the test site as the remote device, if communicating via short range wireless communications interface such as Bluetooth® must inherently be relatively close to the location of the test site). Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method for automatic and predictive testing of a pipeline, comprising: communicating, by the pipeline testing device, with a remote device via a wireless connection, wherein the pipeline testing device comprises a pump, at least one sensor and a data logger; raising, by the pump, a pressure in the pipeline to a predetermined test pressure by pumping a flow in the pipeline; obtaining, by the at least one sensor, data comprising an indication of at least one parameter relating to the pipeline over a period of time, recording, by the data logger, the data obtained by the at least sensor; sending, by the data logger, the data to the remote device via the wireless connection, receiving, by the remote device, information relating to at least one property of the pipeline from a user, and the data from the pipeline testing device; determining, by the remote device, the pipeline performance based on the information relating to at least one property of the pipeline and the data from the pipeline testing device over the period of time, and issuing, by the remote device, a pass or fail certificate in response to the determined pipeline performance. For example, receiving information relating to the at least one parameter may comprise receiving and / or obtaining, repeatedly (for example at set intervals), over a selected time window information from the pipeline testing device. For example, the remote device may actively “poll” the testing device for this information, or the testing device may repeatedly send or “push” this information to the remote device. Embodiments of the disclosure allow the method for automatic and predictive testing of a pipeline to be used for different tests and different pipelines. For example, different pipelines (PE and PVC water and sewerage pressure pipes) may be made with different materials or made in different sizes. Information relating to at least one property of the pipeline may comprise information relating to the type, material and size of the pipeline. Information relating to at least one property of the pipeline may be input at the remote device or at the data logger by a user. Optionally, the method may further comprise sending, by the remote device, a command to the pipeline testing device via the wireless connection to initiate the test by raising the pressure in the pipeline. Embodiments of the disclosure may allow the remote initiation of the whole pipeline testing device without the need of individual, manual control of the components including the pump, sensors and data logger. Optionally, the method may further comprise sending, by the remote device, the pass or fail certificate to a remote database. For example, the history pass or fail certificates may be saved at the remote database and may be accessible to the user. Optionally, the at least one property of the pipeline may comprise at least one of a type of the pipeline and a diameter of the pipeline. Optionally, the at least one property of the pipeline may be obtained to determine initial air content in the pipeline before the test is initiated. Embodiments of the disclosure may improve the accuracy of the testing by considering the effect of the initial air content on the pressure change in a pipeline. In an example, the initial air content may be calculated based on the reference / estimated water volume and actual input water volume pumped into a pipeline when the pressure is raised to its system test pressure (STP). In particular, the reference water volume may be determined based on information relating to the type, the size and the material of the pipeline from a user. Information relating to the size of the pipeline may comprise a diameter of the pipeline. Additionally and / or alternatively, information relating to the material of the pipeline may comprise one or more stiffness properties of the material. It will be understood that pipelines of varying dimensions (such as diameter) and materials (e.g. PE, PVC etc.) may need to be tested. The procedures referenced above (IGN 4-01-03), however, only cover the required reference water volume for PE100 pipelines. However, PE100 and PE80 pipelines may have different stiffness properties, for example due to their difference in diameter. Therefore, use of the procedures referenced above may result in an inaccurate calculation of the initial air content using the reference water volume (i.e. for PE100 pipelines) when used to test PE80 pipelines. Accordingly, the reference water volume needed for the PE80 pipelines may be correspondingly adapted based on the difference of the stiffness properties between PE100 and PE80 pipelines. As such, embodiments of the disclosure may enable the ability to differentiate pipelines (for example, PE100 and PE80) to give an accurate result. Optionally, the method may further comprise keeping recording, by the data logger, the data in a memory to continue the test without interruption in response to the wireless connection being interrupted or weakened, and sending, by the data logger, the data recorded in the memory to the remote device in response to the wireless connection being restored. The wireless connection being weakened may comprise signal strength or bandwidth being too low (for example, below a selected minimum threshold level) to meet the minimum requirement of the network. Embodiments of the disclosure may allow continuous recording of the data without interruption. In one example, in response to the loss of the wireless signal or the weak wireless signal, the data logger may continue to record the data, log the data to its memory, and buffer the data ready for the remote device to retrieve when the wireless connection is re-established, or when the signal strength is enhanced. When the wireless connection is resumed the remote device may request all the buffered data from the data logger so there’s no loss of the data and the data is received sequentially. In an example, the wireless connection may be a Bluetooth® connection. In another example, the data logger may comprise a memory management system to monitor the amount of memory remaining so the memory may be managed in real-time. Optionally, the information relating to the type of the pipeline may comprise a look-up table for determining the initial air content in the pipeline. In an example, the look-up table may comprise information relating to the material of the pipeline, for example, one or more stiffness properties of the material. Optionally, determining the pipeline performance may comprise calculating the initial air content in the pipeline based on the look-up table, and issuing a fail certificate or calibrate the initial air content based on whether the initial air content is outside of a selected range. For example, each look-up table may be specific to properties of the pipeline (such as material and / or dimensions), so that for different pipelines with different properties, a different look-up table may be consulted. It will be understood therefore that the remote device may be configured to select a look-up table based on the property of the pipeline from the user, and determine the pipeline performance using the look-up table. Embodiments of the disclosure may reduce the impact of the initial air content in the pipeline because the initial air content greater than 4% may complicate the interpretation of the data and cause inaccurate testing. In one example, when the initial air content is higher than 8%, the testing may be aborted. Additionally, and / or alternatively, when the initial air content is lower than 4%, no action is needed. Additionally, and / or alternatively, when the initial air content is between 4 and 8%, the test time may be extended to counteract the effect of air in slowing the pressure change and to accurately determine whether the pipe is leaking. Optionally, the method may further comprise stopping, by the pump, pumping in response to the predetermined test pressure being reached, and issuing a pass or fail certificate in response to the pipeline performance based on whether the at least one parameter relating to the pressure is outside of a selected range. Embodiments of the disclosure may determine whether the pipe is leaking based on the at least one parameter relating to the pressure. Optionally, the at least one parameter relating to the pressure may comprise at least one of (i) a pressure slope, nT, over a time interval T, (ii) a slope ratio, SR12=nT1 / nT2, between a first pressure slope nTland a second pressure slope nT2, and (iii) a pressure change. The pipeline performance may be determined to be failed because the at least one parameter relating to the pressure may be outside of a selected range. For example, the pipeline performance is determined to be failed because at least one of the pressure slopes are negative, i.e. the pressure increases instead of decreasing. Additionally, and / or alternatively, the pipeline performance may be determined to be failed because the pressure slope, for example, the terminal pressure slope, is higher than a maximum pressure slope value (for example, 0.13 for PE pipelines and 0.08 for PVC pipelines). Additionally, and / or alternatively, the pipeline performance may be determined to be failed because the slope ratio is higher than a maximum slope ratio value (for example 1.25) and / or the slope ratio is lower than a minimum slope ratio value (for example 0.75). Additionally, and / or alternatively, the pipeline performance may be determined to be failed because the pressure change is negative and / or the pressure change is higher than a maximum pressure change value (for example, 0.5 or 0.75 depends on the selected time). In another example, the pipeline performance may be determined to be failed because the duration of the pressurisation phase for the pressure to raise to its system test pressure (STP) is shorter than a selected duration, for example, 60 seconds. In some circumstances the method may comprise sending a notification or alert to the user in the event that a test is determined to be failed before the test has completed. For example, a standard Type II test may run for several hours. If, within a few minutes of conducting the test, a parameter of the pipeline performance is outside of a selected range (for example, the slope ratio of the pressure is lower than a minimum slope ratio) the remote device may determine that the test will fail even before the test has completed (i.e. run its normal duration). In this instance, the remote device (or data logger) may send an alert or notification to the user so that they can end the test early to save time and remedy the fault more quickly. In some examples the thresholds for the notification or alert to be triggered may be greater than the thresholds for a test to be failed, for example so that only in very clear cases where a test will definitely fail will the alert or notification be sent to the user. Optionally, the method may further comprise issuing, by the remote device, a warning with the certificate in response to the difference between a first slope ratio SR12 and a second slope ratio SR’12 being outside a selected range. Embodiments of the disclosure may allow the determination of the robustness of the results. For example, the first slope ratio SR12 is calculated using the slopes of time intervals T1 and T2, and then the second slope ratio SR’12 using the slopes of time intervals TT and T2’. If the difference between SR12 and SR’12 is higher than a maximum ratio change value (e.g. 0.25), the level of robustness may be reduced. Optionally, the method may further comprise maintaining, by the pump, the predetermined test pressure for a maintenance period of time, and determining, by the remote device, the pipeline performance based on whether the at least one parameter relating to the flow rate is outside of a selected range. Embodiments of the disclosure may allow a quick testing of renewed pipelines, for example, around 10 minutes. The pressure may be maintained at a constant pressure rather than a constant volume Optionally, the at least one parameter relating to the flow rate may comprise at least one of (i) an averaged flow rate and (ii) a slope of the flow rate. For example, the averaged flow rate and / or the slop of flow rate may be determined by the remote device based on flow rate information received from the data logger. For example, the pipeline performance may be determined to be failed because an average flow rate is over a maximum, predetermined average flow rate. Additionally, and / or alternatively, a slope of flow rate is over a maximum, predetermined slope of flow rate. Optionally, the slope may be calculated based on trendline analysis. Embodiments of the disclosure may make the results less sensitive to random variations. Optionally, the pipeline testing device may be battery powered. Embodiments of the disclosure may allow flexible and portable testing of a pipeline. Optionally, the pipeline testing device may further comprise a GPS module to identify the test location on the pipeline. Embodiments of the disclosure may enable locationbased testing. For example, the location of testing may determine the type of the pipelines. Optionally, the at least one sensor comprises at least one of (i) a pressure sensor, and (ii) a flow meter. Another aspect of the disclosure provides a data logger for automatic and predictive testing of a pipeline, wherein the data logger is configured to record data obtained by the at least one sensor comprising at least one of (i) a pressure sensor, and (ii) a flow meter, wherein the data comprises an indication of at least one parameter relating to the pipeline over a period of time. For example, information relating to the at least one parameter may be obtained repeatedly (for example at set intervals) over a selected time window. Optionally, the data logger may be configured to control a pump based on whether the at least one parameter being outside a selected range, wherein the pump is configured to raise a pressure in the pipeline by pumping a flow in the pipeline. Embodiments of the disclosure may allow a direct control of the pump by the data logger independently of a command from the remote device. In one example, the data logger may be configured to manually start or stop the pump by a user. In another example, the data logger may be configured to stop the pump in response to the pressure in the pipeline being higher than a predetermined maximum pressure. Optionally, the data logger may be configured to receive information relating to at least one property of the pipeline from a user. Drawings Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is an illustration of an example of a system for automatic and predictive testing of a pipeline. Fig. 2 is an illustration of a functional block of a pipeline testing device and a remote device. Fig. 3 is an illustration of a diagram of a method for automatic and predictive testing of a pipeline. Fig. 4 shows a first example of a Type II test result. Fig. 5 shows a second example of a Type II test result. Fig. 6 shows a third example of a Type II test result. Fig. 7 shows a fourth example of a Type II test result. Fig. 8 shows a fourth example of a 10-minute test result. Fig. 9 shows an example of a Type II test certificate. Specific description The following detailed description illustrates exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and the ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practising the present disclosure are also possible. Fig. 1 is an illustration of an example of a system 01 for automatic and predictive testing of a pipeline 11. The pipeline 11 includes PE and PVC pipelines, and ductile iron, steel and GRP pressure pipelines. The system 01 comprises a pipeline testing device 10 and a remote device 12. The pipeline testing device 10 is configured to communicate with the remote device 12 via a wireless connection. For example, the wireless connection may be short range wireless connections, such as a Bluetooth® connection. The remote device 12 includes mobile phones, personal computers, portable computers, and other computing devices. Examples of remote device 12 include laptop computers, desktop computers, tablets, personal computers, wearable devices, e-reader devices, mp3 players, hard disc drives and other devices containing a memory and a processor, or can be a combination of a plurality of remote devices. The pipeline testing device 10 comprises a pump 14, a pressure sensor 16’, a flow meter 16 and a data logger 18. The pump 14 is configured to raise a pressure in the pipeline 11 to a STP (System Test Pressure) by pumping a flow in the pipeline 11. The pressure sensor 16’ is configured to obtain pressure data in the pipeline and the flow meter 16 is configured to obtain flow rate data over a period of time (for example, at selected time intervals over a selected time window which could correspond to the duration of the test). The data logger 18 is configured to record the data obtained by the pressure sensor 16’ and the flow meter 16 continuously. The data logger 18 is configured to send the pressure and flow rate data to the remote device 12 via the wireless connection. The remote device 12 may prompt the data logger 18 for this information (i.e. “pull”) or the data logger 18 may be configured to send (i.e. “push”) this information to the remote device 12 when a connection with the remote device 12 is established and optionally above a selected threshold signal strength. The remote device 12 is configured to receive information relating to at least one property of the pipeline 11 from a user, and the pressure and flow rate data from the pipeline testing device 10 and determine the pipeline performance based on the information relating to at least one property of the pipeline and the data from the pipeline testing device 10 over the period of time and issue a pass or fail certificate in response to the determined pipeline performance. For example, different pipelines (PE and PVC water and sewerage pressured pipes) may be made with different materials or made in different sizes. Information relating to at least one property of the pipeline 11 comprises information relating to the type, the material and size of the pipeline 11. Information relating to at least one property of the pipeline 11 is input at the remote device 12 or at the data logger 18 by a user. It will be understood information relating to at least one property of the pipeline 11 may only comprise the type of the pipeline 11, the material the pipeline 11 or the size of the pipeline 11. The remote device 12 is configured to send a command to the pipeline testing device 10 via the wireless connection to initiate the test by raising the pressure in the pipeline 11 by the pump 14. The remote device 12 is configured to send the pass or fail certificate to a remote database. The history pass or fail certificates are saved at the remote database and are accessible to the user. The pump 14 is configured to stop pumping in response to the STP being reached, and the remote device 12 is configured to determine the pipeline performance based on whether the at least one parameter relating to the pressure is outside of a selected range. The pump 14 is also configured to maintain the STP for a maintenance period of time, and the remote device 12 is configured to determine the pipeline performance based on whether the flow rate is outside of a selected range, to allow a quick testing of renewed pipelines, for example, around 10 minutes. The pressure is maintained at a constant pressure rather than a constant volume The pipeline testing device 10 is battery powered to allow flexible and portable testing of the pipeline 11. It will be understood that the pipeline testing device 10 may be powered by mains electricity. The pipeline testing device 10 further comprises a GPS module to identify the test location on the pipeline to enable location-based testing. For example, the location of the testing may be used to determine the type of the pipelines. The data logger 18 is configured to control the pump 14 based on whether the at least one parameter is outside a selected range, to allow a direct control of the pump by the data logger independently of a command from the remote device. The data logger 18 is configured to manually start or stop the pump 14 by a user. The data logger 18 is also configured to stop the pump 14 in response to the pressure in the pipeline 11 being higher than a predetermined maximum pressure. Fig. 2 is an illustration of a functional block of a pipeline testing device and a remote device. As shown in Fig.2, the pipeline testing device 20 comprises a pump 24, a sensor 26, and a data logger 28. The sensor 26 includes a pressure sensor and a flow meter. It will be understood that in some examples other sensors such as a thermometer may be used. The pump 24 is configured to raise a pressure in the pipeline to a STP (System Test Pressure) by pumping a flow in the pipeline. The sensor 26 is configured to obtain data comprising an indication of at least one parameter relating to the pipeline over a period of time. The data logger 28 is configured to record the data obtained by the sensor 26 continuously. The data logger 28 is configured to record the data in a memory 27 to continue the test without interruption in response to the wireless connection being interrupted or weakened, and send the data recorded in the memory 27 to the remote device 22 in response to the wireless connection being restored. This allows continuous recording of the data without interruption. The wireless connection being weakened may comprise signal strength or bandwidth being too low to meet the minimum requirement of the network. ln the example shown in Fig. 2, in response to the loss of the wireless signal or the weak wireless signal, the data logger 28 is configured to continue to record the data, log the data to its memory 27, and buffer the data ready for the remote device 22 to retrieve when the wireless connection is re-established, or when the signal strength is enhanced. When the wireless connection is resumed the remote device 22 is configured to request all the buffered data from the data logger 28 so there’s no loss of the data and the data is received sequentially. The data logger 28 comprises a memory management system to monitor the amount of memory remaining so the memory 27 is managed in real-time. The data logger 28 is configured to send the data to the remote device 22 via the wireless connection. The remote device 22 is configured to receive information relating to at least one property of the pipeline from a user, and the data from the pipeline testing device 20, and determine the pipeline performance based on the information relating to at least one property of the pipeline and the data from the pipeline testing device 20 over the period of time and issue a pass or fail certificate in response to the determined pipeline performance. It will be appreciated that the wireless connection may be established via antennas suitable for use in a short-range radio-frequency network such as a wireless local area network, e.g. a Wi-Fi network, a Bluetooth® network or such like, as well as a long-range radio-frequency wireless communication network, such as a cellular telephone network, e.g. using a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) or 2G protocol, and / or a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) or 4G protocol, and / or a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) or 3G protocol, and / or 5G protocols. It will be understood, however, that, in some embodiments, the wireless connection may be established based on more than one of these types of communication at once. The pipeline testing device 20 further comprises a GPS module 29 to identify the test location on the pipeline, to enable location-based testing. For example, the location of testing may determine the type of the pipeline. The pipeline testing device 20 is battery powered to allow flexible and portable testing of the pipeline. The data logger 28 is configured to control the pump 24 in the event that the at least one parameter is outside a selected range (e.g. a selected safety range) to allow a direct control of the pump by the data logger independently of a command from the remote device. The data logger 28 is additionally or alternatively configured to enable manual start or stop of the pump 24 by a user. The data logger 28 is also configured to stop the pump 24 in response to the pressure in the pipeline being higher than a predetermined maximum pressure. Fig. 3 is an illustration of a diagram of a method for automatic and predictive testing of a pipeline. The pipeline testing device communicates 301 with a remote device via a wireless connection and the pipeline testing device comprises a pump, at least one sensor and a data logger. The remote device sends a command to the pipeline testing device via the wireless connection to initiate the test by raising the pressure in the pipeline. This allows the remote initiation of the whole pipeline testing device without the need of an individual, or manual control of the components including the pump, sensors and data logger. It will be understood that in some examples the whole pipeline testing device may be initiated by the data logger without a command from the remote device. The pump then raises 302 a pressure in the pipeline to a STP by pumping a flow in the pipeline. The at least one sensor obtains 303 data comprising an indication of at least one parameter relating to the pipeline over a period of time. The at least one sensor comprises at least one of (i) a pressure sensor, and (ii) a flow meter. It will be understood that in some examples other sensors such as a thermometer may be used. The data logger records 304 the data obtained by the at least sensor and then sends 305 the data to the remote device via the wireless connection. The data logger keeps recording the data in a memory to continue the test without interruption in response to the wireless connection being interrupted or weakened, and sends the data recorded in the memory to the remote device in response to the wireless connection being restored. This allows continuous recording of the data without interruption. The wireless connection being weakened comprises signal strength or bandwidth being too low (such as below a selected signal threshold) to meet the minimum requirement of the network. It will be understood, however, that in some examples the data logger may only transmit the data to the remote device and therefore function without memory. The data logger may comprise a memory management system to monitor the amount of memory remaining so the memory may be managed in real-time. In response to the loss of the wireless signal or a weak wireless signal, the data logger continues to record the data, log the data to its memory, and buffer the data ready for the remote device to retrieve when the wireless connection is reestablished, or when the signal strength is enhanced (for example above the selected signal threshold). When the wireless connection is resumed the remote device requests all the buffered data from the data logger so there’s no loss of the data and the data is received sequentially. The wireless connection may be a short range wireless connection such as a Bluetooth® or ZigBee® connection. The remote device receives 306 information relating to at least one property of the pipeline from a user, and the data from the pipeline testing device. The at least one property of the pipeline comprises at least one of a type of the pipeline, a material of the pipeline and a diameter of the pipeline. The user inputs the type, the material and the size of the pipeline, for example, at an application running on the remote device. The remote device determines 307 the pipeline performance based on the information relating to at least one property of the pipeline and the data from the pipeline testing device over the period of time. It will be understood that the method for automatic and predictive testing of a pipeline may be used for different tests and different pipelines. The tests comprise: a Type II test, 10-minute test for renewed mains and Water Loss I Water Added test. (Type II PE and PVC pipelines) The first example is the Type II test for new PE and PVC pipelines. The pressure should be raised to the test level (STP) by pumping in a controlled manner. The pressure changes and the added volume of water should be continuously logged. A more accurate estimate of air volume can be calculated by comparing the actual water input volume required to bring the pipeline up to STP (obtained from the flow meter) with the estimated water volume calculated prior to pressurisation. If the actual input volume is significantly more than predicted, this suggests that the air volume is also greater than predicted, and the test should either be extended or abandoned and restarted once the air content has been reduced. After the test pressure (STP) has been reached, the system should be isolated, the pump shut off and the pressure decay is logged for the minimum test decay time. As discussed, this test requires a determination of initial air content in a new PE and PVC pipeline before the test is initiated, to improve the accuracy of the testing by considering the effect of the initial air content on the pressure change in a pipeline. The at least one property of the pipeline is obtained to determine the initial air content in the pipeline. In the example shown in Fig.3, the initial air content is calculated based on the reference / estimated water volume and actual input water volume pumped into a pipeline when the pressure is raised to its system test pressure (STP). In particular, the reference water volume is determined based on the information relating to the type, the size and the material of the pipeline from a user. Information relating to the material of the pipeline comprised one or more of the material of the pipeline and its dimensions. It will be understood that the stiffness properties of the pipeline may be inferred or determined (for example, using a look-up table) based on the material of the pipeline and its diameter. It will be understood that in some examples the information relating to the type, the size and the material of the pipeline is input at the remote device or at the data logger by a user. It is known that the procedures only cover the required reference water volume for PE100 pipelines. However, PE100 and PE80 pipelines, even if made from the same material, may have different stiffness properties, for example due to their different diameters. Therefore, it causes inaccurate calculation of the initial air content using the reference water volume (i.e. for PEI 00 pipelines) in the procedures for testing PE80 pipelines. A look-up table is used for determining the stiffness properties of the pipeline in the example shown in Fig. 3. It will be understood in some examples the look-up table may comprise other information relating to the type, the size and the material of the pipeline, for example, a diameter. Accordingly, the reference water volume for the PE80 pipelines is correspondingly adapted based on the difference of the stiffness properties between PE 100 and PE80 pipelines, to differentiate PE100 and PE80 pipelines to give an accurate result. The remote device issues a fail certificate and / or calibrates the initial air content based on whether the initial air content is outside of a selected range. The impact of the initial air content in the pipeline will be reduced because the initial air content greater than 4% complicates the interpretation of the data and cause inaccurate testing. In the example shown in Fig.3, when the initial air content is higher than 8%, the testing is aborted. When the initial air content is lower than 4%, no action is needed. When the initial air content is between 4 and 8%, the test time is extended to counteract the effect of air in slowing the pressure change and to accurately determine whether the pipeline is leaking. The pump stops pumping in response to the STP being reached, and issues a pass or fail certificate in response to the pipeline performance based on whether the at least one parameter relating to the pressure is outside of a selected range. The at least one parameter relating to the pressure comprises at least one of (i) a pressure slope, nT, over a time interval T, (ii) a slope ratio, SR12=nT1 / nT2, between a first pressure slope nT1 and a second pressure slope nT2, and (iii) a pressure change. The pipeline performance is determined to be failed because the at least one parameter relating to the pressure is outside of a selected range. For example, the pipeline performance is determined to be failed because at least one of the pressure slopes are negative, i.e. the pressure increases instead of decreasing. The pipeline performance is also determined to be failed because the pressure slope, for example, the terminal pressure slope, is higher than a maximum pressure slope value (for example, 0.13 for PE pipelines and 0.08 for PVC pipelines). The pipeline performance is also determined to be failed because the slope ratio is higher than a maximum slope ratio value (for example 1.25) and / or the slope ratio is lower than a minimum slope ratio value (for example 0.75). The pipeline performance is also determined to be failed because the pressure change is negative and / or the pressure change is higher than a maximum pressure change value (for example, 0.5 or 0.75 depends on the selected time). The pipeline performance is also determined to be failed because the duration of the pressurisation phase for the pressure to raise to its system test pressure (STP) is shorter than a selected duration, for example, 60 seconds. In this context, four exemplary testing results of the Type II test shown in Fig.3 are shown in Fig. 4 to Fig.7. In each testing, four reference decay times t1 to t4 (from the STP) are selected based on fixed time or pressure intervals and the corresponding pressures are p1 to p4. The x-axis in the figures represents time (t) and the y-axis represents pressure (mbar). As mentioned, when the initial air content is between 4 and 8%, the test time is extended to counteract the effect of air in slowing the pressure change and to accurately determine whether the pipe is leaking. The terminal time is either t3, if no air correction was applied, or extended decay time t4, if air correction was applied. It is considered in Fig.4 to Fig.7 that air correction is applied to the four examples therefore t4 is the terminal time. A list of key parameters is shown as follows: n1 = The first slope [t1, t2]., between the reference decay times t1 and t2. n2 = The second slope [t2, t3], between the reference decay times t2 and t3. ne = The first terminal slope [t3, t4] (i.e. n3), between the reference decay times t3 and t4. n2e = The second terminal slope [t2, t4], between the reference decay times t2 and t4. ratiol = The first slope ratio n3 / n1 = slope [t3, t4] / slope[t1, t2], ratio2=The second slope ratio n2e / n1 = slope [t2, t4] / slope[t1, t2]. As shown in Fig. 4, the pressure drop between the pressure p2 (around 8.5 bar) and the pressure p3 (around 0 bar) is around 8.5 bar. It can be seen that the pressure change is higher than a maximum pressure change value (0.5 or 0.75 depends on the selected time). Therefore, the pipeline performance is determined to be failed. As shown in Fig. 5, in the second example, the initial air content is 5.0% >4%, air correction is therefore applied. The second slope ratio (i.e. slope [t2, t4] / slope[t1, t2]) is calculated as 0.72, which is lower than a minimum slope ratio value (0.75 in this example). The pipeline performance is therefore determined to be failed. Fig. 6 shows a successful and completed test. As one selected parameter, a slope ratio is calculated as 0.79 which is higher than a minimum slope ratio value (0.75 in this example) and lower than a maximum slope ratio value (1.25 in this example). Fig. 7 shows another failed test. The initial air content is 6.9% >4%, air correction is therefore applied. The testing is failed for two reasons. First, the first terminal slope ne is negative, i.e. the pressure increases instead of decreasing. Second, the second slope ratio (i.e. slope [t2, t4] / slope [t1, t2]) is 0.64 which is lower than a minimum slope ratio value (0.75 in this example). Lastly, the remote device issues 308 a pass or fail certificate in response to the determined pipeline performance. The remote device sends the pass or fail certificate to a remote database. For example, the history pass or fail certificates may be saved at the remote database and may be accessible to the user. In this context, one exemplary certificate of the Type II test shown in Fig.3 is shown in Fig. 9. In the certificate, it can be seen that a selected slope ratio n2 / n1 is calculated as 1.02614 therefore it is lower than a maximum slop ratio value 1.25 and higher than a minimum slope ratio value 0.75. The testing therefore is a pass. The remote device further issues a warning with the certificate in response to the difference between a first slope ratio and a second slope ratio being outside a selected range to allow the determination of the robustness of the results. As shown in Fig.5, the first slope ratio ratiol and the second slope ratio ratio2 are considered to be inconsistent, because the difference between ratiol and ratio2 is calculated to be higher than a maximum ratio change value (0.25 in this example). The level of robustness is therefore be reduced. 10-minute test The second example is a 10-minute test for renewed pipelines. The rehabilitation of mains water pipelines is often conducted under severe time constraints to ensure disruption to customers’ supplies is kept to a minimum. The test for renewed mains does not provide the same level of robustness (especially with regards to data interpretation and therefore identification of a small leak) as the longer Type II or Water Loss test but can provide an element of confidence in the system being installed, especially if there are few joints (e.g. the testing of two 100 m coils with an electrofusion coupler joining them). It can identify leaks at joints or, if a straight coil is being tested, it can identify damage such as that caused during slip lining. The pressure should be raised to the STP by pumping in a controlled manner. Once the STP has been reached, the pump should be left running to maintain the STP for a minimum of 10 min. The pressure is maintained at a constant pressure rather than a constant volume. A successful test is one where the pressure does not fluctuate significantly and there are low, reducing flow rates. If the volume inputted over three equal periods in the duration of the test is analysed, there should be steady volume or reduction in the volume inputted to maintain the pressure. An unsuccessful test is one where the pressure fluctuates significantly and a significant amount of water, which does not reduce, is required to maintain pressure. The at least one parameter relating to the flow rate comprises (i) an averaged flow rate and (ii) a slope of the flow rate. This may be determined, for example, based on a series of discrete flow rate measurements recorded as a function of time. For example, the pipeline performance is determined to be failed because an average flow rate is over a maximum, predetermined average flow rate and / or the slope of flow rate is over a maximum, predetermined slope of flow rate. In this context, one exemplary testing results of the 10-minute test shown in Fig.3 are shown in Fig.8. In Fig.8, the successful test shows the pressure is kept around 15 bar and does not fluctuate significantly. The flow rates are low and reducing. Also, there are steady volume or reduction in the volume inputted to maintain the pressure. Water Loss / Water Added test A pump with the capacity to raise and control the System Test Pressure (STP). If the Water Added method is being used, a separate, specialised pump is required. This pump should be capable of maintaining the test pressure, measuring the volume of water pumped into the pipeline to achieve this, and should have data logging capabilities. This pump could also be used with the Water Loss method to accurately measure the water required to bring the pipeline back to STP. Alternatively, a hand pump could be used for the Water Loss method. Measurement and recording equipment are as follows: Pressure gauge: A digital pressure gauge with a 0.01 bar resolution or better. For rigid or semi-rigid pipes, a calibrated conventional circular pressure gauge, minimum 200 mm diameter. Flow Meter: A calibrated flow meter, ideally with a resolution of 1 litre or better, to measure the volume of water added during the pressure rise phase. Data Logger System: a pressure transducer with an accuracy of 0.25% of full scale connected to a logger that can record data at fixed time intervals or at fixed pressure decay intervals. Time intervals of 20 sec. are normally suitable unless the test is unusually long or short. Pressure decay intervals of a minimum of 0.1 bar are recommended. It is recommended that the data logger has GPS capabilities to allow the test location and pipeline to be easily identified. Volume container (Water Loss test): A calibrated container, suitable for the expected volume loss (e.g. a 200 ml measuring cylinder would be suitable for small volumes). This will allow the draw off to be accurately measured. It will be understood that the system shown in Fig. 1 and Fig.2 and the method shown in Fig.3 are suitable for implementing Water Loss / Water Added test. The slope is calculated based on trendline analysis such as Polynomial Curve Fitting to make the results less sensitive to random variations. The data logger controls a pump based on whether the at least one parameter is outside a selected range, wherein the pump is configured to raise a pressure in the pipeline by pumping a flow in the pipeline, to allow a direct control of the pump by the data logger independently of a command from the remote device. The data logger manually starts or stops the pump by a user. The data logger also stops the pump in response to the pressure in the pipeline being higher than a predetermined maximum pressure. It will be appreciated from the discussion above that the embodiments shown in the 5 Figures are merely exemplary, and include features which may be generalised, removed or replaced as described herein and as set out in the claims. In the context of the present disclosure other examples and variations of the apparatus and methods described herein will be apparent to a person of skill in the art. 27 01 25

Claims

1. A system for automatic and predictive testing of a pipeline, comprising:a pipeline testing device and a remote device;wherein the pipeline testing device is configured to communicate with the remote 5 device via a wireless connection,wherein the pipeline testing device comprises a pump, at least one sensor and a data logger;the pump is configured to raise a pressure in the pipeline to a predetermined test pressure by pumping a flow in the pipeline,io the at least one sensor is configured to obtain data comprising an indication of at least one parameter relating to the pipeline over a period of time, wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one of (i) a pressure sensor, and (ii) a flow meter;the data logger is configured to record the data obtained by the at least one sensor;wherein the data logger is configured to send the data to the remote device via the 15 wireless connection, andwherein the remote device is configured to receive information relating to at least one property of the pipeline from a user, and the data from the pipeline testing device, and determine the pipeline performance based on the information relating to at least one property of the pipeline and the data from the pipeline testing device 20 over the period of time and issue a pass or fail certificate in response to thedetermined pipeline performance;wherein the at least one property of the pipeline is obtained to determine initial air content in the pipeline before the test is initiated;wherein the information relating to at least one property of the pipeline comprises a 25 look-up table for determining the initial air content in the pipeline and wherein the remote device is configured to calculate the initial air content in the pipeline based on the look-up table, and issue a fail certificate or calibrate the initial air content based on whether the initial air content is outside of a selected range.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the remote device is configured to send a command to the pipeline testing device via the wireless connection to initiate the test by raising the pressure in the pipeline.

3. The system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the remote device is configured to send 5 the pass or fail certificate to a remote database.

4. The system of any of the previous claims, wherein the at least one property of the pipeline comprises at least one of a type of the pipeline and a diameter of the pipeline.

5. The system of any of the previous claims, wherein the data logger is configured to io record the data in a memory to continue the test without interruption in response to the wireless connection being interrupted or weakened, and send the data recorded in the memory to the remote device in response to the wireless connection being restored.

6. The system of any of the previous claims, wherein the pump is configured to stop pumping in response to the predetermined test pressure being reached, and the remote device is configured to determine the pipeline performance based on whether the at least one parameter relating to the pressure is outside of a selected range.

7. The system of any of the previous claims, wherein the at least one parameterrelating to the pressure comprises at least one of (i) a pressure slope, nT, over a20 time interval T, (ii) a slope ratio, SR12=nT1 / nT2, between a first pressure slopenTland a second pressure slope nT2, and (iii) a pressure change.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the remote device is configured to issue a warning with the certificate in response to the difference between a first slope ratio SR12 and a second slope ratio SR’12 being outside a selected range.25 9. The system of any of previous claims 1 to 5, wherein the pump is configured tomaintain the predetermined test pressure for a maintenance period of time, and the remote device is configured to determine the pipeline performance based on whether the at least one parameter relating to the flow rate is outside of a selected range.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one parameter relating to the flow 30 rate comprises (i) an averaged flow rate and (ii) a slope of the flow rate.27 01 2511. The system of any of the previous claims, wherein the slope is calculated based on trendline analysis.

12. The system of any of the previous claims, wherein the pipeline testing device is battery powered.5 13. The system of any of the previous claims, wherein the pipeline testing devicefurther comprises a GPS module to identify the test location on the pipeline.

14. A method for automatic and predictive testing of a pipeline, comprising:communicating, by the pipeline testing device, with a remote device via a wireless connection, wherein the pipeline testing device comprises a pump, at least one io sensor and a data logger; raising, by the pump, a pressure in the pipeline to a predetermined test pressure by pumping a flow in the pipeline;obtaining, by the at least one sensor, data comprising an indication of at least one parameter relating to the pipeline over a period of time, recording, by the data logger, the data obtained by the at least sensor;15 sending, by the data logger, the data to the remote device via the wireless connection, receiving, by the remote device, information relating to at least one property of the pipeline from a user, and the data from the pipeline testing device;determining, by the remote device, the pipeline performance based on the information relating to at least one property of the pipeline and the data from the 20 pipeline testing device over the period of time, and issuing, by the remote device, a pass or fail certificate in response to the determined pipeline performance;wherein the at least one property of the pipeline is obtained to determine initial air content in the pipeline before the test is initiated; wherein the information relating to at least one property of the pipeline comprises a look-up table for determining the 25 initial air content in the pipeline and wherein determining the pipeline performance comprisescalculating the initial air content in the pipeline based on the look-up table, andissuing a fail certificate or calibrate the initial air content based on whether the initial air content is outside of a selected range.27 01 2515. The method of claim 14, further comprisingsending, by the remote device, a command to the pipeline testing device via the wireless connection to initiate the test by raising the pressure in the pipeline.

16. The method of claim 14 or claim 15, further comprising sending, by the remote 5 device, the pass or fail certificate to a remote database.

17. The method of any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the at least one property of the pipeline comprises at least one of a type of the pipeline and a diameter of the pipeline.

18. The method of any of claims 14 to 17, further comprising keeping recording, by io the data logger, the data in a memory to continue the test without interruption in response to the wireless connection being interrupted or weakened, and sending, by the data logger, the data recorded in the memory to the remote device in response to the wireless connection being restored.

19. The method of any of claims 14 to 18, further comprising, stopping, by the pump, 15 pumping in response to the predetermined test pressure being reached, and issuing a pass or fail certificate in response to the pipeline performance based on whether the at least one parameter relating to the pressure is outside of a selected range.

20. The method of any of claims 14 to 19, wherein the at least one parameter relating to the pressure comprises at least one of (i) a pressure slope, nT, over a 20 time interval T, (ii) a slope ratio, SR12=nT1 / nT2, between a first pressure slope nTland a second pressure slope nT2, and (iii) a pressure change.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising issuing, by the remote device, a warning with the certificate in response to the difference between a first slope ratio SR12 and a second slope ratio SR’12 being outside a selected range.25 22. The method of any of claims 14 to 18, further comprisingmaintaining, by the pump, the predetermined test pressure for a maintenance period of time, anddetermining, by the remote device, the pipeline performance based on whether the at least one parameter relating to the flow rate is outside of a selected range.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the at least one parameter relating to the flow rate comprises (i) an averaged flow rate and (ii) a slope of the flow rate.

24. The method of any of claims 14 to 23, wherein the slope is calculated based on trendline analysis.5 25. The method of any of claims 14 to 24, wherein the pipeline testing device isbattery powered.

26. The method of any of claims 14 to 25, wherein the pipeline testing device further comprises a GPS module to identify the test location on the pipeline.

27. The method of any of claims 14 to 26, wherein the at least one sensor comprises io at least one of (i) a pressure sensor, and (ii) a flow meter.

28. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a remote device in any of claims 1 to 13, cause the computing device to perform the method of any of claims 14 to 27.27 01 25

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