External Pipe Leak Detector Using Pressure Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leak detection methods in pipe systems require devices to be placed in-line or individual sensors throughout the system, which can be invasive and costly, and often rely on water "pucks" that may not detect microleaks effectively.
Innovation Solution
A removably coupled leak detector that uses a pressure sensor to measure fluid pressure in the pipe system, determining if a leak is present by comparing current pressure to steady and dynamic state pressures, and generating an alert when a leak is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If in-line devices or individual sensors are placed throughout the pipe system, then leak detection capability is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the leak detection function from the complex in-line sensor network and implements it through a simplified external monitoring system that attaches to the pipe exterior, eliminating the need for invasive in-line device installation while maintaining leak detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring device serves multiple functions: it detects leaks, determines leak location, and provides alerts through a single integrated unit attached to the pipe exterior, replacing the need for multiple individual sensors distributed throughout the system
2Ease of operation
If water pucks are used to detect leaked water, then detection is simplified, but microleak detection effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection by monitoring pressure changes in the pipe system before water actually leaks out, enabling early detection of microleaks through pressure anomalies rather than waiting for water to accumulate and contact detection surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical water puck detection method with a pressure-based sensing system that uses pressure sensors and electronic processing to detect leaks, providing superior sensitivity for microleak detection while maintaining operational simplicity
3Reliability
If in-line devices are installed in the pipe system, then leak detection is achieved, but ease of installation and cost effectiveness worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring device is extracted from the pipe interior and mounted on the exterior surface, eliminating the need for pipe disassembly and complex in-line installation while maintaining effective leak detection through external pressure sensing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs cost-effective pressure sensors and electronic components that can be mass-produced and easily replaced, reducing overall system cost compared to expensive in-line instrumentation while maintaining reliable leak detection functionality
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 allows for non-invasive and cost-effective leak detection, capable of identifying microleaks by analyzing pressure changes within the pipe system, thereby preventing damage from undetected leaks.
Implementation Method 1
uses a pressure sensor to measure fluid pressure in the pipe system
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses are described herein. In an example embodiment, a leak detector is provided. The leak detector includes a first fitting configured to couple to an outlet of a pipe system and a fluid pressure sensor configured to generate a plurality of fluid pressure measurements corresponding to fluid pressure in the pipe system. The leak detector is configured to generate fluid pressure data based on the plurality of fluid pressure measurements, the fluid pressure data including data representing at least a steady state pressure and a dynamic state pressure; determine, based on at least the fluid pressure data, that a current fluid pressure of the pipe system satisfies at least one leak condition; detect a leak based on the at least one leak condition being satisfied; and cause an alert to be generated based on the leak being detected.