Hydrophone Valve for Continuous Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting leaks in water distribution networks, such as gas injection and pre-locators, face challenges like inaccessibility, signal distortion, and limited monitoring capabilities, making it difficult to accurately locate and monitor leaks in buried networks.
Innovation Solution
A tap with a hydrophone integrated into its body, connected to an electronic monitoring module, which uses acoustic sensors to directly measure vibrations in the water, allowing for continuous and precise leak detection without interfering with the valve's operation or drilling process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pre-locators are installed on taps or valves to detect leaks, then acoustic signal detection is enabled, but the acoustic signal is distorted and impoverished due to passing through multiple interfaces (clamping collar, tap, seal, discontinuity)
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the acoustic sensor from the external pre-locator device and integrates it directly into the valve body, positioning it in direct contact with the water flow. This eliminates the need for acoustic signals to pass through multiple interfaces (clamping collar, tap, seal, discontinuity) that cause distortion and information loss, thereby improving measurement precision while preserving signal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic sensor is nested within the valve body structure itself, specifically positioned in the water flow path. This integration allows the sensor to be embedded in the system rather than attached externally, enabling direct acoustic coupling with the water and eliminating signal degradation through multiple transmission interfaces.
2Reliability
If a pre-locator is fixed by magnetization on the valve operating means, then the device is securely positioned, but the valve operation becomes inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the acoustic sensor from the valve operating means (handwheel or actuator) and relocates it to the valve body in direct contact with the water flow. This extraction eliminates the conflict between secure positioning and operational accessibility, as the sensor is now integrated into the valve body structure rather than attached to the moving operating components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the functions of the valve system: the valve body handles flow control and houses the acoustic sensor, while the operating means remains separate and accessible for manual operation. This functional segmentation allows the sensor to be positioned optimally for acoustic detection without interfering with valve maneuverability.
3Measurement precision
If gas injection is used to detect large leaks, then very large leaks can be detected, but the system requires pre-location of the leak and cannot detect smaller leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the detection parameter from gas concentration (which only detects large leaks) to acoustic signal frequency and intensity analysis (which can detect both large and small leaks). The acoustic sensor captures vibrations caused by water escaping at the leak point, and electronic processing distinguishes between different leak sizes based on signal characteristics, thereby expanding the detection range while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical gas injection system with an acoustic sensing system. Instead of injecting gas and detecting its physical presence, the system uses acoustic sensors to detect vibrations and pressure waves generated by leaks of any size, eliminating the need for pre-location and enabling detection across a broader range of leak magnitudes.
4Measurement precision
If pre-locators are moved periodically to different areas for monitoring, then local monitoring is performed, but continuous network-wide monitoring is not achieved and repositioning is frequent
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes each valve-equipped with an acoustic sensor a multi-functional unit that serves both its primary valve function and leak detection function. Since valves are distributed throughout the water network at strategic locations, this creates a permanent, network-wide monitoring system that eliminates the need to move equipment between locations, thereby improving productivity while maintaining detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary action by installing acoustic sensors in the valves during the initial network setup or valve replacement activities. This creates a pre-configured, permanent monitoring network that is ready for continuous operation, eliminating the need for periodic repositioning of monitoring equipment and enabling continuous network-wide surveillance from the outset.
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 hydrophone tap provides continuous, high-quality acoustic monitoring of the water distribution network, enabling precise leak detection and location, reducing the need for frequent repositioning of equipment and improving the overall monitoring efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrophone (9) for detecting leaks in the water distribution network... the hydrophone comprising a sound pickup end (19.1) disposed in the tap in contact with water
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The valve (1) has a hydrophone (9) whose sound collecting end is placed in the valve in contact with water and connection end is placed outside the valve. The connection end sealingly retains an end of a connecting cable (10) whose another end is provided with a connector (11). The connector is connected to an electronic monitoring module (12). The sound collecting end is positioned without mechanically interfering a sphere during installation of the valve on a main pipe (2) and a passage of a drilling tool during drilling of the main pipe. An independent claim is also included for an installation unit for connecting a branch pipe to a main pipe.