Flow Detector Leak Detection Using Statistical Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current leak detection systems in liquid and gas transportation networks are inadequate for detecting small leaks, determining flow direction, and pinpointing the location of leaks or blockages, often requiring complex and expensive hardware with multiple sensors.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a flow detector and controller that measures and analyzes the rate and direction of flow, compares data against a database of typical flow patterns, and uses statistical analysis to detect leaks or blockages, potentially identifying their location with a single detector without the need for multiple sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If acoustic or electromechanical detectors are used to detect leaks, then major leaks can be detected, but small leaks (1% of flow or less) cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the measurement parameter from acoustic signals or electromechanical responses to flow rate measurements. By continuously measuring flow rate and comparing it against expected values, the system can detect small leaks that would be imperceptible to acoustic or electromechanical detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/acoustic detection systems with a flow measurement system. Instead of using acoustic detectors or electromechanical sensors that fail to detect small leaks, the system uses flow rate measurement and statistical analysis to achieve reliable detection of leaks as small as 1% of flow.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are placed at different points in the transporting network to measure flow changes, then leak detection may be achieved, but the system becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function to a single point. Instead of requiring multiple sensors distributed throughout the network, the system takes out the measurement function to a single flow detector that measures flow rate at one location and uses statistical analysis to detect leaks.
Solution Approach 2:
The single flow detector performs multiple functions: it measures flow rate, detects leaks, determines leak severity, and can identify leak location. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized sensors while maintaining comprehensive leak detection capability.
3Measurement precision
If statistics tools are used to measure flow rate or throughput over a long period, then small changes may be detected, but the detection time is too long and accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic measurement of flow rate at regular intervals and compares each measurement against expected values. This periodic action enables real-time detection of leaks without requiring long-term statistical accumulation, thus reducing detection time while maintaining accuracy for small flow changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously compares measured flow rate against expected flow rate and provides immediate feedback when a leak is detected. This feedback mechanism enables rapid detection and response to leaks without the delayed detection inherent in long-period statistical analysis tools.
4Reliability
If prior art detectors are used, then leak detection may be achieved, but the direction of flow and location of leaks cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurements to establish the expected flow rate pattern under normal conditions. By comparing actual measurements against this pre-established baseline, the system can not only detect leaks but also determine flow direction and leak location based on deviations from the expected pattern.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems, devices, and methods for detecting leaks or blockages of liquids or gases in a transporting network. In various embodiments, either a flow or a pressure detector is attached to the network, changes are sensed over time, and data about flow or pressure is sent to and from a controller. In alternative embodiments, static and dynamic states are identified to discover relatively small leaks or blockages, sometimes by emptying the network in whole or in part. In some embodiments, aggregate measurement data is processed to identify usage and performance features particular to the transporting network, which allows a continuous improvement in the measurement of leaks and flow direction. In some embodiments, one detector can measure changes in multiple paths of the transporting network. In some embodiments, corrective action is taken automatically, while in other embodiments human operators order corrective action.