Fire Water Network Leak Detection via Real-Time Signature Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fire water network (FWN) leak detection systems lack automated mechanisms, leading to delayed detection of leaks, which can cause significant damage and increase the risk of catastrophic failures, as they rely on personnel detection and fail to identify small, undetected leaks that may not produce visual evidence.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for real-time monitoring of FWNs using current instrument readings to generate a leak signature, comparing it to historical signatures, and providing automatic notifications upon detection, integrated with a hybrid solution combining physical instrumentation and mathematical algorithms to ensure timely and precise leak detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automated leak detection system is implemented, then leak detection speed and accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated electronic sensors and computer algorithms. Pressure sensors, flow meters, and acoustic detectors collect data that is processed by leak detection algorithms, substituting human mechanical inspection with electronic measurement and computational analysis systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate processing components including data acquisition modules, signal processing units, and leak detection algorithms that mediate between raw sensor data and final leak detection results. These intermediaries transform complex sensor signals into interpretable leak detection outcomes.
2Loss of time
If real-time monitoring is implemented, then response time to leaks is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sampling of pressure and flow data at predetermined intervals rather than continuous monitoring. The system collects sensor data at regular time intervals, processes these periodic samples through leak detection algorithms, and updates leak probability assessments periodically, reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective leak detection coverage.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors and algorithms are deployed, then leak detection reliability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional integrated system where a single controller performs multiple functions: collecting data from various sensors, processing signals, running leak detection algorithms, generating alarms, and providing user interface operations. This universal controller consolidates multiple separate components into one integrated unit, improving reliability through functional redundancy while controlling system cost.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods include a computer-implemented method for monitoring fire water networks. A fire water network (FWN) is monitored for leaks in real-time. Current instrument readings are received from instruments in the FWN. A leak signature associated with the FWN is generated in real-time using the current instrument readings. The leak signature is configured to identify the presence or absence of leaks in the FWN. The leak signature is compared, in real-time, to historical leak signatures associated with historical leaks. A determination is made, based on the comparing, the presence or the absence of a leak in the FWN. Upon determining the presence of the leak, a notification of the leak is automatically provided. Upon determining the absence of the leak, monitoring of the FWN for leaks is continued.