Pipe Leakage Detection via Distance Difference-Frequency Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting pipe leakage in noisy environments, such as power plants, face challenges in accurately determining multiple leakage points due to interference from machine operation noise, particularly when using cross-correlation functions.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method employing distance difference-frequency analysis, utilizing vibration detecting sensors and a control unit to calculate cross-correlation and time-delay frequency analysis diagrams, with compensation conversion using frequency-dependent propagation speed information, allowing for the visualization of leakage components as vertical lines distinct from machine noise horizontal lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cross-correlation function is used for leakage detection, then leakage detection capability is provided, but machine operation noise interferes with accurate determination of leakage truth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the leakage detection problem from the time domain to the frequency domain by applying Fourier transform to the cross-correlation function. This dimensional transformation allows the system to analyze frequency characteristics of leakage signals separately from machine operation noise, enabling accurate leakage detection even in noisy environments. The frequency domain analysis reveals distinct frequency patterns that differentiate leakage from noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies compensation conversion using frequency-dependent propagation speed information before performing distance difference-frequency analysis. This preliminary compensation action corrects for frequency-dependent variations in wave propagation speed through the pipe, ensuring that subsequent frequency analysis accurately reflects the true leakage characteristics rather than being distorted by propagation effects.
2Measurement precision
If phase information slope of cross-spectrum is used for leakage estimation, then single leakage point estimation is achieved, but multiple leakage points cannot be effectively detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency spectrum into multiple frequency bins and performs independent analysis for each frequency component. By dividing the continuous frequency spectrum into discrete segments, the system can identify multiple distinct leakage points, each appearing as a peak at specific frequency-distance combinations. This segmentation approach transforms the limitation of single-point detection into multi-point detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the analysis from one-dimensional time-domain cross-correlation to two-dimensional frequency-distance analysis. By introducing the frequency dimension to the distance difference analysis, the system creates a frequency-distance map where multiple leakage points appear as distinct features, enabling simultaneous detection and localization of multiple leaks that cannot be resolved by traditional single-dimensional methods.
3Measurement precision
If distance difference-frequency analysis is applied with compensation conversion, then leakage components are visualized as vertical lines distinct from noise, but calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex time-domain signal processing with frequency-domain analysis using Fourier transform. This substitution simplifies the identification of leakage components by transforming the problem into the frequency domain, where leakage appears as distinct vertical lines in the frequency-distance analysis diagram, making pattern recognition and automated detection more straightforward despite the additional mathematical operations required.
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
This approach enhances the reliability and accuracy of leakage detection and localization, even in environments with multiple leakage points and significant machine operation noise, enabling efficient identification of leakage positions.
Implementation Method 1
vibration detecting sensors, which are mounted at a predetermined interval in a longitudinal direction of a pipe and measure vibration signal of the pipe
Implementation Method 2
calculate a cross-correlation function by using the vibration signals, to reveal time delay information in the frequency domain by calculating time-delay frequency analysis diagram for the cross-correlation function
Implementation Method 3
calculate a distance difference-frequency analysis diagram by applying compensation conversion using frequency-dependent propagation speed information
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for detecting leakage of a pipe by using a distance difference-frequency analysis includes: vibration detecting sensors, which are mounted at a predetermined distance in a longitudinal direction of a pipe and are configured to measure vibration signals of the pipe; and a control unit, which is configured to calculate a cross-correlation function by using the vibration signals, to reveal time delay information in the frequency domain by calculating time-delay frequency analysis diagram for the cross-correlation function, to calculate a distance difference-frequency analysis diagram by applying compensation conversion using frequency-dependent propagation speed information to the time-delay frequency analysis diagram, and to detect a leakage component of the pipe in the distance difference-frequency analysis diagram.