Acoustic Pipe Material Identification Without Home Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utilities face challenges in identifying lead and galvanized steel service pipes non-intrusively due to the need for access to homes and the limitations of current testing methods, which are intrusive and inaccurate when pipes consist of multiple materials.
Innovation Solution
A method using acoustic wave analysis to identify pipe materials by generating controlled vibrations in the pipe through a curb stop shut-off valve, measuring the vibration response with transducers, and analyzing the response using a signal analyzer to determine the material based on resonant frequencies, damping factors, and harmonics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection and water sampling programs are used to identify lead pipes, then material identification can be performed, but access to the inside of the house is required which is difficult to arrange with occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces intrusive mechanical inspection methods (visual inspection requiring home entry) with acoustic wave analysis that can detect pipe material through external measurements. Acoustic waves are transmitted through the pipe and the material is identified by analyzing the acoustic response characteristics, eliminating the need for physical access to the interior of homes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to indirectly detect pipe material properties. Instead of directly observing or sampling the pipe material, acoustic waves serve as a mediator that carries information about the material's acoustic impedance, density, and elastic properties, allowing identification without direct contact or home entry.
2Measurement precision
If electrical resistivity testing devices are inserted inside the service pipe, then material identification can be performed, but the method is highly intrusive to the homeowner and dominated by the response of the pipe closest to the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical resistivity testing with acoustic wave analysis. Instead of inserting electrical sensors into the pipe, acoustic waves are transmitted through the pipe wall and the material is identified by analyzing acoustic impedance and resonance characteristics. This eliminates the intrusiveness of inserting devices into the pipe and avoiding domination by the closest pipe section.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional electrical resistivity measurement (dominated by the sensor's immediate vicinity) to multi-dimensional acoustic wave analysis that can penetrate and characterize the entire pipe section. Acoustic waves propagate through the pipe material and their reflection, transmission, and resonance patterns provide comprehensive material information from the full pipe length, not just the section nearest the sensor.
3Measurement precision
If testing methods require coordination with homeowners, then some material identification can be achieved, but the ability to proactively build a scaled replacement program is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces coordination-dependent testing methods with acoustic wave analysis that can be performed externally without homeowner involvement. This enables utilities to systematically identify lead pipes across entire service areas without needing to schedule individual home visits, thereby scaling the replacement program proactively and efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic wave analysis system enables the utility to independently perform material identification without requiring homeowner cooperation or participation. The system self-sufficiently transmits acoustic waves through the pipe and analyzes the returned signals to identify material, allowing the utility to conduct comprehensive surveys and plan replacements without being constrained by homeowner availability or willingness to participate.
4Measurement precision
If current testing methods are used, then material identification can be performed, but the results are dominated by the response of the pipe closest to the sensor which is problematic when the water service pipe includes multiple materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from localized electrical resistivity measurement to acoustic wave analysis that provides comprehensive coverage of the entire pipe section. Acoustic waves propagate through the pipe material and their interaction with different material sections creates distinctive reflection, transmission, and resonance patterns that reveal the composition and sequence of multiple materials along the pipe length, preventing domination by any single section.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes feedback from acoustic wave reflections and resonances to identify material composition. By analyzing the timing, amplitude, and frequency characteristics of acoustic waves that reflect off or resonate within different pipe sections, the system can determine the sequence and composition of multiple materials along the pipe, with each material section contributing distinct feedback signals that can be differentiated and interpreted.
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
Enables non-intrusive identification of pipe materials, allowing utilities to accurately detect lead pipes without entering homes, facilitating proactive replacement programs.
Implementation Method 1
generating controlled vibrations in the water pipe using a vibration exciter
Implementation Method 2
detecting a vibration response associated with the water pipe in response to the controlled vibrations using a vibration transducer
Implementation Method 3
analyzing the response using a signal analyzer to determine the material based on resonant frequencies, damping factors, and harmonics
Data Source
AI summary
A method for identifying a material of a water pipe buried below ground is provided. The method includes generating controlled vibrations in the water pipe using a vibration exciter, and detecting a vibration response associated with the water pipe in response to the controlled vibrations using a vibration transducer in vibrational communication with the water pipe. The method further includes analyzing and processing the vibration response using a vibration signal analyzer to identify the material of the water pipe based on a comparison of the processed vibration response of the water pipe to a known vibration response of a known water pipe material.