Apparatus of sensing leak point

Abstract

A leak detection device according to the present invention is a device for detecting a leak location from a water pipe, wherein the leak detection device comprises a first detection unit (S1) installed at a first point of the water pipe, a second detection unit (S2) installed at a second point of the water pipe, and a management server (S3) connected via communication with the first and second detection units, wherein the first and second detection units (S1, S2) comprise a vibration sensor unit (100) attached to the surface of the water pipe, a one-sided flow rate detection unit (200) installed penetrating the upper side of the water pipe, and a other-sided flow rate detection unit (300) installed at a predetermined distance from the one-sided flow rate detection unit and penetrating the lower side of the water pipe, wherein the vibration sensor unit (100) detects vibration sound waves transmitted from the water pipe, and the one-sided and other-sided flow rate detection units detect the flow rate of water flowing at the first point or the second point. It is composed.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for detecting whether a water leak has occurred in a water pipe buried underground. Background Technology

[0003] With the improvement of living standards, water usage is increasing day by day. Water supply pipes are generally buried underground, making it impossible to visually check for leaks. Buried water pipes may be equipped with valves, connecting pipes, and pipes made of different materials.

[0004] The vibration detection device detects vibration from the object to be detected and transmits the detected vibration signal to the server. The server analyzes the transmitted vibration signal and determines whether the vibration signal is a normal vibration signal or a vibration signal caused by a malfunction.

[0005] When the signal being analyzed is a signal caused by a leak, a vibration detection device is installed in the piping. Vibration detection devices are installed at one point and another point on the piping, respectively, and are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. If a leak occurs in the piping between the one point and the other point, the vibration signal caused by the leak is transmitted to the vibration detection device installed at the one point and the vibration detection device installed at the other point, and the speed at which the vibration signal is transmitted varies depending on the location of the leak. The server calculates the location of the leak based on the difference in vibration signals transmitted from the separated vibration detection devices.

[0006] For example, Patent No. 1454288 detects the location of a leak by utilizing the time difference of detected leak vibration waves. The prior art literature places multiple sensors spaced apart in a pipe buried underground and detects the location of the leak based on signals output from the sensors. Prior art literature

[0008] Published Patent Application No. 10-2010-0014046, Water supply distribution pipe leak suspected section detector and leak suspected section detection system Registered Patent Application No. 10-1454288, Leak detection system Registered Patent Application No. 10-1563279, Leak location detection method and leak location detection system based on elastic wave velocity measured by section in a pipe Published Patent Application No. 10-2011-0032272, Leak detection device and method The problem to be solved

[0009] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a device for detecting leakage from vibration waves transmitted from a water pipe and estimating the location of the leakage from the detected leakage vibration waves.

[0010] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a device for detecting leakage and estimating the location of leakage based on changes in the flow rate of water pipes and leakage vibration waves.

[0011] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned. Other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0013] A leak detection device according to the present invention is a device for detecting a leak location from a water pipe, wherein the leak detection device comprises a first detection unit (S1) installed at a first point of the water pipe, a second detection unit (S2) installed at a second point of the water pipe, and a management server (S3) connected via communication with the first and second detection units, wherein the first and second detection units (S1, S2) comprise a vibration sensor unit (100) attached to the surface of the water pipe, a one-sided flow rate detection unit (200) installed penetrating the upper side of the water pipe, and a other-sided flow rate detection unit (300) installed at a predetermined distance from the one-sided flow rate detection unit and penetrating the lower side of the water pipe, wherein the vibration sensor unit (100) detects vibration sound waves transmitted from the water pipe, and the one-sided and other-sided flow rate detection units detect the flow rate of water flowing at the first point or the second point. It is composed.

[0014] Additionally, the above-mentioned one-sided flow detection unit (200) comprises a first oscillator (210) and a second receiver (220), and the other-sided flow detection unit (300) comprises a first receiver (310) and a second oscillator (320), and is configured such that ultrasonic waves emitted from the first oscillator are received by the first receiver, and ultrasonic waves emitted from the second oscillator are received by the second receiver.

[0015] In addition, the management server (S3) comprises a pipeline flow rate calculation unit (S310) that calculates the flow rate using the ultrasonic propagation time and the water flow velocity, a leakage signal detection unit (S320) that detects a leakage signal included in the vibration signal detected from the vibration sensor unit, a leakage determination unit (S330) that determines whether there is a leakage based on the fluctuation in flow rate and the detected leakage signal, and a leakage location calculation unit (S340) that calculates the leakage location based on the arrival time of the detected vibration sound wave. Effects of the invention

[0017] Leakage signals detected from water pipes may not indicate an actual leak due to factors such as daily noise or usage noise. By determining that a leak exists when there is a change in flow rate along with the leak signal, costs associated with leak verification, such as excavation and equipment usage, can be reduced. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0019] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a leak detection device according to the present invention. Figure 2 is a configuration diagram of a detection unit according to the present invention. Figure 3 is a configuration diagram of a management server according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the state in which a detection unit is installed in a water pipe according to one embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the following, terms for components such as parts, modules, and units may include hardware and software mounted on said hardware.

[0022] The present invention relates to a leak detection device for estimating the location of a leak caused by a leak occurring in a water supply pipe.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a leak detection device according to the present invention.

[0024] The leak detection device includes a first detection unit (S1), a second detection unit (S2), and a management server (S3). The first detection unit and the second detection unit are installed in a water pipe (PP). The first detection unit (S1) is installed at a first point (A) of the water pipe, and the second detection unit (S2) is installed at a second point (B) of the water pipe. The first point and the second point are separated by a predetermined distance.

[0025] The first and second detection units described above detect vibrational sound waves from the water pipe. Additionally, the first and second detection units detect the flow rate flowing through the water pipe. Hereinafter, the first and second detection units may be simply referred to as detection units.

[0026] The above management server (S3) is wirelessly connected to the first and second detection units. The management server receives the vibration sound waves and flow rate values ​​detected from the first and second detection units and calculates the location of the water pipe leakage.

[0027] Figure 2 is a configuration diagram of a detection unit according to the present invention.

[0028] The above detection units (S1, S2) may be installed in a pipe fitting connecting the pipes. The detection unit is configured to include a vibration sensor unit (100), a one-sided flow rate detection unit (200), a other-sided flow rate detection unit (300), and a controller (400). The drawing shows the first detection unit, and the configuration of the second detection unit is identical. In one embodiment, the controller may be installed in the vibration sensor unit, and the one-sided flow rate detection unit and the other-sided flow rate detection unit may be connected to the controller. In this case, the one-sided and other-sided flow rate detection units may be wirelessly connected to a management server through a communication module installed in the controller of the vibration sensor unit.

[0029] The above vibration sensor unit (100) is attached to the surface of a water pipe and detects vibration sound waves transmitted from the water pipe, and the one-sided and other-sided flow detection units (200, 300) detect the flow rate of water flowing in the water pipe.

[0030] The above vibration sensor unit (100) is attached to the surface of a water pipe and detects vibration sound waves transmitted from the water pipe. The vibration sensor unit may be a piezoelectric accelerometer, a MEMS accelerometer, a strain gauge accelerometer, etc.

[0031] The above-mentioned one-sided and other-sided flow detection units may be composed of an oscillator, a receiver, and a controller. As an embodiment, the one-sided flow detection unit (200) may be composed of a first oscillator (210) and a second receiver (220), and the other-sided flow detection unit (300) may be composed of a first receiver (310) and a second oscillator (320). Additionally, the one-sided flow detection unit may be further equipped with a one-sided controller that controls the first oscillator and the second receiver, and the other-sided flow detection unit may also be further equipped with a other-sided controller that controls the first receiver and the second oscillator.

[0032] The first and second oscillators generate ultrasonic waves and project them onto a fluid, i.e., water flowing in a pipe, and the first and second receivers receive the ultrasonic waves projected from the first and second oscillators. For example, when the first oscillator (210) of one flow rate detection unit projects ultrasonic waves, the first receiver (310) of the other flow rate detection unit receives the ultrasonic waves. Subsequently, after a predetermined time difference, when the second oscillator (320) of the other flow rate detection unit projects ultrasonic waves, the second receiver (220) of the one flow rate detection unit receives the ultrasonic waves.

[0033] The above-mentioned one-sided controller controls the operation of the first oscillator (210) and the second receiver (220), and the other-sided controller controls the operation of the first receiver (310) and the second oscillator (320).

[0034] The above controller (400) controls the operation of the vibration sensor unit (100), the one-sided flow rate detection unit (200), and the other-sided flow rate detection unit (300), and transmits signals and data collected from these units to the management server (S3). The controller also outputs control signals transmitted from the management server to each unit.

[0035] Figure 3 is a configuration diagram of a management server according to the present invention.

[0036] The management server (S3) includes a pipeline flow rate calculation unit (S310), a leak signal detection unit (S320), a leak judgment unit (S330), and a leak location calculation unit (S340).

[0037] The above pipe flow rate calculation unit (S310) calculates the flow rate flowing in the water pipe based on data transmitted from the flow rate detection units (200, 300) on one side and the other side. The pipe flow rate calculation unit may be composed of a time difference calculation module (S311) and a pipe flow rate calculation module (S312).

[0038] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the state in which a detection unit is installed in a water pipe according to one embodiment.

[0039] One flow detection unit (200) is installed by penetrating one side of the lower part of the water pipe, and the other flow detection unit (300) is installed by penetrating the other side of the upper part of the water pipe at a point spaced a predetermined distance from the other flow detection unit. The one flow detection unit and the other flow detection unit are installed to face each other at a position spaced a predetermined distance apart.

[0040] The pipe flow rate calculation module (S311) calculates the flow rate using the ultrasonic propagation time and the water flow velocity. Specifically, it can be calculated using a first time (t1) when the ultrasonic moves in the direction of water flow and a second time (t2) when the ultrasonic moves through the water in a direction opposite to the water flow.

[0041]

[0042] Here, c is the propagation speed of ultrasound in water, θ is the installation angle of one flow detection unit and the other flow detection unit, and L is the distance between one flow detection unit and the other flow detection unit.

[0043] Next, the unit flow rate (V) of the fluid is calculated using the first time and the second time.

[0044]

[0045] Next, the flow rate (Q) of water flowing inside the water pipe is calculated by applying the cross-sectional area (S) of the water pipe to the unit flow rate (V).

[0046]

[0047] Next, the pipeline flow rate calculation module calculates the flow rates at the first point (A) and the second point (B), respectively, and calculates the difference in flow rates between the first point and the second point. If the difference in flow rates between the first point and the second point is within a predetermined pre-set allowable range value, it is determined that there is no change in flow rate, and if the difference in flow rates exceeds a predetermined pre-set allowable range value, it is determined that there is a change in flow rate. When a change in flow rate is determined, a flow rate change signal is generated and the flow rate change signal is output to the leak detection unit (S330).

[0048] The above leak signal detection unit (S320) detects a leak signal included in the vibration signal detected from the vibration sensor unit (100). The leak signal detection unit detects the leak signal by comparing it with a leak signal that has been previously stored and confirmed as a leak. The comparison of the signals can be performed through similarity comparison. The similarity determination can be performed by cross-correlation calculation or convolution calculation. At this time, if the vibration signal includes a leak signal, the leak detection signal is output to the leak confirmation unit (S330).

[0049] The above leak detection unit (S330) checks for leakage based on fluctuations in the flow rate in the water pipe and detected leakage signals. When both the flow rate fluctuation signal and the leakage detection signal are transmitted, the leak confirmation unit transmits the leakage detection signal to the leakage location calculation unit.

[0050] The above leak location calculation unit (S340) calculates the leak location based on the arrival time of the detected vibration sound wave. The leak location is calculated based on the time difference of the vibration signal and the length of the pipe. Specifically, the leak location can be calculated based on the time difference in which the vibration signal reaches the vibration sensor unit of the first detection unit and the vibration sensor unit of the second detection unit, and the distance between the first detection unit and the second detection unit.

[0051] The above leakage location is calculated as follows.

[0052]

[0053] Here, D is the length of the water pipe, c is the transmission speed of the vibration wave in the water pipe, and Δt is the time difference of arrival. d1 is the distance between the leakage point and the first vibration sensor unit, and d2 is the distance between the leakage point and the second vibration sensor unit.

[0054] Leakage signals detected from water pipes may not indicate an actual leak due to factors such as daily noise or usage noise. By determining that a leak exists when there is a change in flow rate along with the leak signal, costs associated with leak verification, such as excavation and equipment usage, can be reduced.

[0056] Although the present invention has been described in detail through specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0058] 100 : Vibration sensor unit 200 : One-sided flow detection unit 210: 1st oscillator 220 : 2nd receiver 300 : Other side flow detection unit 310: First receiver 320 : Second oscillator 400 : Controller S1: First detection unit S2: Second detection unit S3 : Management Server S310 : Pipeline flow rate calculation unit S320 : Leakage signal detection unit S330 : Leakage Checker S340 : Leakage location calculation unit

Claims

Claim 1 A device for detecting the location of a leak from a water pipe, wherein the leak detection device comprises a first detection unit (S1) installed at a first point of the water pipe, a second detection unit (S2) installed at a second point of the water pipe, and a management server (S3) connected via communication with the first and second detection units, wherein the first and second detection units (S1, S2) comprise a vibration sensor unit (100) attached to the surface of the water pipe, a one-sided flow detection unit (200) installed penetrating the upper side of the water pipe, and a other-sided flow detection unit (300) installed at a predetermined distance from the one-sided flow detection unit and penetrating the lower side of the water pipe, wherein the vibration sensor unit (100) detects vibration sound waves transmitted from the water pipe, and the one-sided and other-sided flow detection units are configured to detect the flow rate of water flowing at the first point or the second point. Leakage detection device. Claim 2 A leak detection device according to claim 1, wherein the one-sided flow detection unit (200) comprises a first oscillator (210) and a second receiver (220), and the other-sided flow detection unit (300) comprises a first receiver (310) and a second oscillator (320), wherein ultrasonic waves emitted from the first oscillator are received by the first receiver, and ultrasonic waves emitted from the second oscillator are received by the second receiver. Claim 3 A leak detection device according to claim 2, wherein the management server (S3) comprises a pipe flow rate calculation unit (S310) that calculates the flow rate using the ultrasonic propagation time and the water flow velocity, a leak signal detection unit (S320) that detects a leak signal included in a vibration signal detected from a vibration sensor unit, a leak determination unit (S330) that determines whether there is a leak based on the fluctuation in flow rate and the detected leak signal, and a leak location calculation unit (S340) that calculates the leak location based on the arrival time of the detected vibration sound wave.

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