Calibrating Distributed Fiber-Optic Temperature Sensing for Sewer Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in accurately detecting sewer defects and illicit connections in drainage pipelines using distributed fiber-optic temperature sensing, due to noise interference in temperature data, which affects the reliability of data analysis.
Innovation Solution
A sensitivity testing device and simulation method are developed to calibrate the distributed optical fiber temperature sensing system (DOFTS) for inflow/infiltration (I/I) identification in drainage pipelines. The device includes a temperature-adjustable water supply tank, a water pump, an experimental pipeline, a PLC system, and a DOFTS, which simulates external water I/I scenarios to determine noise levels and detection sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If distributed fiber-optic temperature sensing is used to detect I/I points, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but noise interference in temperature data increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sensitivity testing device as an intermediary system that includes a simulation unit to generate controlled temperature variations and a testing unit to measure the DOFTS system's response. This intermediary apparatus allows for the quantification and characterization of noise levels under controlled conditions, enabling better separation of signal from noise in actual I/I detection applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensitivity testing device continuously monitors and measures the temperature sensing data from the DOFTS system, compares it against predefined sensitivity thresholds, and provides feedback for calibration and noise level identification. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to varying noise conditions and maintain accurate I/I detection despite noise interference.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If temperature sensing data is used to identify sewer defects, then detection capability is improved, but measurement precision decreases due to noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of temperature sensitivity thresholds and noise level criteria through the sensitivity testing device. By systematically varying test parameters such as temperature difference magnitudes, flow rates, and environmental conditions, the system establishes calibrated thresholds that optimize the balance between detection capability and measurement precision under different operating scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or electrical temperature sensing methods with distributed fiber-optic temperature sensing technology. This substitution enables continuous spatial temperature monitoring along the entire pipeline with higher precision and real-time capability, overcoming the limitations of point-based traditional sensors while managing noise through the sensitivity testing framework.
3Measurement precision
If sensitivity testing device is implemented, then noise level identification is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensitivity testing device is segmented into distinct functional modules: a simulation unit that generates controlled temperature variations, a testing unit that measures DOFTS responses, a data processing unit that analyzes noise characteristics, and a calibration unit that establishes sensitivity thresholds. This segmentation allows each module to be independently designed, tested, and maintained, reducing overall system complexity while improving noise level identification accuracy.
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
The solution enables high-accuracy detection and calibration of temperature sensing data, effectively identifying noise levels and determining the detection sensitivity of the optical fiber sensing system, thereby improving the reliability of sewer defect and illicit connection identification.
Implementation Method 1
the pulse laser source emits laser to the optical fiber; the laser is transmitted into the experimental pipeline along the optical fiber and is scattered in the experimental pipeline
Implementation Method 2
the data acquisition card acquires the scattered laser and de-codes the acquired information through the photoelectric converter
Implementation Method 3
a first heating rod and a second heating rod are arranged in the water supply tank and in the I/I water supply tank respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A sensitivity testing device and method calibrates the distributed optic-fiber temperature sensing (DOFTS) system for inflow and infiltration (I/I) identification in drainage pipeline. A temperature-adjustable water supply tank is provided with a heating rod and a high-accuracy physical water temperature sensor and is electrically connected with a centralized programmable logic controller (PLC) system; the temperature-adjustable water supply tank is connected with a water inlet of a water pump through a first connecting pipe; a water outlet of the water pump is communicated with a water inlet of an experimental pipeline through a second connecting pipe; and a water outlet of the experimental pipeline is communicated with the temperature-adjustable water supply tank through a third connecting pipe.