Integrated Flow Vibration Sensor for Pipe Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current leak detection systems in pipe networks, such as AMR devices and vibration data loggers, are unable to detect leaks below a certain threshold or accurately locate them due to noise artifacts from water consumption flow, and require high sensor density increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple flow meters and vibration detectors with microprocessors and transceivers that communicate over a network to analyze flow and vibration data for leak detection, integrating flow metering and vibration sensing to distinguish between leak-induced and consumption-induced vibrations, and using a central processor to issue alerts on leak location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vibration data loggers are used for leak detection, then leak detection capability is provided, but noise artifacts from water consumption flow reduce detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful noise artifacts from water consumption flow from the vibration signal. By separating the leak-induced vibration signal from the consumption-induced noise through signal processing techniques, the system eliminates the interfering factors that reduce detection accuracy while preserving the useful leak detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful noise artifacts into beneficial information by analyzing the characteristics of consumption-induced vibrations. The system uses flow meter data to understand normal consumption patterns and transforms this previously harmful noise into a reference that helps identify abnormal leak patterns, thereby improving detection accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If high density of sensors is distributed over the pipeline network, then detection resolution is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated device: vibration sensing, flow metering, and data processing are combined in one unit attached to the pipe. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate high-density sensor networks while maintaining detection resolution, as the integrated device can distinguish leak signals from consumption noise using the flow meter data, thereby reducing system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it detects vibrations for leak identification, measures flow rate to characterize consumption patterns, processes signals to separate leak from consumption effects, and communicates data remotely. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate devices, reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining high detection resolution.
3Loss of information
If vibration sensors are used to detect leaks, then leak location information is obtained, but synchronization clock drift reduces location accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through the integration of flow meter data into the leak detection process. The flow meter provides continuous feedback about consumption patterns that helps correct and validate the timing and location information from vibration sensors. This feedback mechanism compensates for clock drift by providing reference data that anchors the leak location determination in absolute terms rather than relative timing measurements.
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
Enhances leak detection accuracy by reducing noise artifacts and providing precise location of leaks within the pipe network, reducing costs by minimizing the need for high sensor density while maintaining high detection resolution.
Implementation Method 1
vibration data loggers and correlators that measure pipe vibrations that are generated by the characteristic flow turbulence caused by a leak
Implementation Method 2
pipe vibrations that are generated by the characteristic flow turbulence caused by a leak
Implementation Method 3
The sensor may be based, for example, on an inductive coil, a Hall effect sensor, or a magnetoresistive device
Implementation Method 4
Recently ultrasonic flow meters have been introduced that are based on sound velocity or Doppler phase shift measurements
Implementation Method 5
Vibration data loggers include a vibration sensor such as a piezo element that is attached to a pipe element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a system for leak detection of a fluid in a pipe network. The system includes flow meters, and vibration detectors adapted to be attached to a pipe at a location in the pipe network. A processor analyzes signals generated by the flow meters and vibration detectors to identify the presence of one or more leaks in the pipe network. The invention also provides a method for detecting and localizing leaks in a pipeline network, and a device comprising a flow meter integral with a vibration detector for use in the system of the invention.