Acoustic Pipe Node Placement via Propagation Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current condition assessment techniques for water distribution systems, particularly those using acoustic monitoring, are not reliable and often require unnecessary visual inspections, and there is a need for accurate pipe degradation assessment and efficient placement of computing nodes in fluid distribution systems without relying on visual inspection.
Innovation Solution
A method involving graphical mapping and acoustical analysis to determine the equivalent length of pipe segments, group them into propagation categories, and create a visual map for computing node placement, utilizing acoustic data to predict pipe degradation and leak noise propagation, thereby optimizing computing node placement and reducing manual effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If acoustic monitoring systems are used for condition assessment, then cost and non-intrusiveness are improved, but reliability and accuracy of pipe degradation detection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical visual inspection methods with an acoustic monitoring system that uses sound wave propagation through pipes to detect wall thickness and degradation. The system calculates equivalent lengths based on acoustic propagation characteristics, providing reliable condition assessment without physical contact with the pipe interior.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct visual observation to acoustic signal analysis. By measuring sound propagation time and amplitude through pipe segments, the system derives wall thickness and degradation parameters, transforming the detection approach from mechanical to acoustic field-based measurement.
2Measurement precision
If visual inspection is performed to ensure accurate condition assessment, then measurement precision is improved, but time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic monitoring system performs self-diagnosis of pipe conditions by emitting sound waves and analyzing their propagation characteristics. The system automatically calculates equivalent lengths and identifies degradation without requiring external visual inspection, enabling continuous autonomous monitoring of pipe health.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical visual inspection with acoustic field-based measurement. By analyzing sound wave propagation through the pipe wall, the system obtains precise wall thickness and degradation data without human intervention or visual contact, eliminating the need for time-consuming visual inspections.
3Reliability
If computing nodes are placed throughout the fluid distribution system for comprehensive monitoring, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid distribution system into multiple pipe segments with defined propagation categories. By dividing the network into manageable sections and assigning computing nodes to specific segments based on acoustic propagation characteristics, the system achieves comprehensive detection coverage while simplifying node placement complexity through systematic segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculation of equivalent lengths and propagation categories for all pipe segments before deploying computing nodes. This preliminary analysis identifies optimal node locations in advance, allowing strategic placement that maximizes detection coverage while minimizing the total number of nodes required.
4Loss of time
If acoustic monitoring is used without visual inspection, then time and cost are reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical visual inspection with acoustic field-based measurement that provides precise wall thickness and degradation data. By analyzing sound wave propagation characteristics, the system achieves measurement precision comparable to visual inspection while eliminating the time and cost requirements of physical inspection activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement approach from direct physical observation to acoustic parameter analysis. By measuring sound propagation time, amplitude, and frequency characteristics through pipe segments, the system derives precise wall thickness and degradation parameters without requiring visual contact, maintaining measurement precision while reducing inspection time.
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 enables reliable condition assessment and efficient computing node placement, reducing the time and cost associated with leak detection and system maintenance by providing precise predictions of pipe degradation and noise propagation distances, thus enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of water distribution system management.
Implementation Method 1
Each utility component may be configured to engage with a computing node configured for leak detection via acoustical propagation
Data Source
AI summary
Examples for creating a graphical mapping of pipe node location selection for a fluid distribution system are disclosed. In one example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, a method for creating a graphical mapping of pipe node location selection for a fluid distribution system includes: receiving predetermined criteria for each pipe segment of a plurality of pipe segments in the fluid distribution system; determining an equivalent length for each pipe segment based at least on the predetermined criteria; grouping each pipe segment into a specific propagation category of a plurality of propagation categories based on the equivalent lengths; and creating a graphical map of the plurality of pipe segments and utility components utilizing a plurality of links.