Acoustic Leak Detection via Pressure Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leak detection systems in utility distribution networks, such as water distribution systems, face challenges in efficiently identifying leaks due to high ambient noise levels and the need for extensive installation and maintenance of multiple acoustic sensors.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a plurality of acoustic sensors mounted at service connections to measure noise in the pipes, correlating noise indicators before and after a change in fluid pressure with the fluid pressure to identify potential leak locations, while filtering out ambient noise sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple acoustic sensors are installed throughout the network to achieve optimal coverage, then leak detection reliability is improved, but system complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling acoustic sensors to serve dual purposes: traditional leak detection and ambient noise filtering through pressure correlation analysis. This allows the system to maintain high reliability without proportionally increasing sensor density, as existing sensors perform multiple functions including noise discrimination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of acoustic sensors by introducing pressure-based discrimination. Instead of relying solely on acoustic signal thresholds, the system dynamically adjusts detection criteria based on pressure changes, allowing sensors to filter ambient noise and improve detection accuracy without additional hardware.
2Reliability
If acoustic sensors are installed inside residential houses to monitor service connections, then coverage is improved, but ambient noise from consumption flow and circulation pumps increases false positives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fluid pressure as an intermediary parameter to distinguish between leak-related acoustic signals and ambient noise. By correlating acoustic measurements with pressure data, the system uses pressure changes as a mediator to filter out ambient noise from consumption flow and circulation pumps, thereby improving detection accuracy in residential environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the relationship between acoustic signals and pressure changes. When acoustic noise does not correlate with pressure variations, the system identifies it as ambient noise and filters it out. This feedback mechanism allows real-time discrimination between genuine leak indicators and false positives.
3Reliability
If noise loggers are used to monitor network developments over time, then leak detection capability is improved, but installation time and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing smart meters and acoustic sensors multi-functional by enabling them to perform leak detection through pressure correlation analysis. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated noise logger installations, reducing installation time while maintaining leak detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by utilizing existing infrastructure (smart meters, pressure sensors) to perform leak detection functions. Existing devices automatically contribute to the monitoring system without requiring separate installation of dedicated leak detection hardware, thereby reducing installation time and maintenance requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly enhances the reliability of leak detection by reducing false positives and unnecessary maintenance, allowing for efficient identification of service connections with potential leaks.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of acoustic sensors are mounted at the service connections and where the acoustic sensors measure noise in the pipes
Implementation Method 2
The invention utilizes the cognition that the fluid pressure in a pipe is mathematically correlated to the noise in a pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method for identifying a leak indication in a utility distribution system is described. A pipe network for supplying a utility to a multitude of service connections includes a plurality of acoustic sensors mounted at the service connections. The acoustic sensors are preferably integrated in ultrasonic flow meters. The method comprises the steps of obtaining information about a time of change of a fluid pressure and then establishing a first noise indicator from the noise measured by the acoustic sensors before said time of change, establishing a second noise indicator from the noise measured after said time of change; and then correlating one or more first noise indicators and second noise indicators with the fluid pressure to identify service connections subject to leak indications. A leak detection system based on a mathematical cross correlation of noise indicators and fluid pressure in a fluid pipe system is also described.