Pipe Noisemaker Valve for Acoustic Integrity Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrastructure pipe systems, such as water, wastewater, and gas pipes, face challenges in detecting weakened sections due to varying decay rates, making it difficult to predict and prevent catastrophic failures, especially in inaccessible locations.
Innovation Solution
A noisemaker system that generates pressure pulses in fluid pipe systems by opening and closing a valve to create a pulsating flow, allowing for the measurement of sound velocity, which can indicate pipe wall thickness and condition, using acoustic signals to locate and assess pipe integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pipe replacement methods based on age and main breaks are used, then pipe system replacement can be planned, but weakened pipes cannot be detected early leading to catastrophic failures
Solution Approach 1:
The noisemaker generates acoustic signals by creating pressure pulses through rapid valve opening and closing, which propagate through the pipe system. These mechanical vibrations travel along the pipe and reflect off anomalies such as thin spots or breaks, enabling detection of pipe wall condition without direct visual inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical inspection methods (visual inspection, physical access) with acoustic-based detection. By substituting mechanical probing with sound wave propagation and analysis, the system can detect pipe weaknesses in inaccessible locations without physical contact or excavation.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If acoustic signals are used to detect pipe conditions in inaccessible locations, then detection capability is improved, but the complexity of the detection system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The noisemaker is self-contained and self-powered, utilizing the existing water pressure in the pipe system to operate the valve mechanism. The system generates its own acoustic signals without requiring external power sources or complex control systems, simplifying deployment while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The noisemaker serves multiple functions: it generates acoustic signals, acts as a temporary obstruction in the pipe, and can be deployed in various pipe configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
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
Enables effective detection and assessment of pipe conditions by measuring sound propagation velocity, facilitating early identification of weakened pipes and improving pipe system integrity through non-invasive means.
Implementation Method 1
closing the valve of the noisemaker to abruptly interrupt the flow of the fluid through the valve cavity
Implementation Method 2
measuring sound velocity, which can indicate pipe wall thickness and condition, using acoustic signals
Data Source
AI summary
A method for creating a pressure pulse in a fluid system with a noisemaker, the method includes opening a valve of the noisemaker to allow a fluid of the fluid system to flow through a valve cavity of the noisemaker, the valve disposed within the valve cavity, the noisemaker connected in fluid communication with the fluid system; closing the valve of the noisemaker to abruptly interrupt the flow of the fluid through the valve cavity; and repeatedly opening and closing the valve to generate a pulsating flow to the fluid system.