Portable Electro-Acoustic Leak Detection Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting leaks in pipes, especially those under pressure like water pipes, are inefficient, imprecise, and require extensive expertise, often being complex and time-consuming, with existing solutions either invasive or extremely costly and impractical.
Innovation Solution
A portable device utilizing a microphone for electro-acoustic leak detection with real-time signal processing, including frequency analysis, entropy calculation, and principal component analysis, optimized by genetic algorithms and artificial intelligence, to quickly and accurately identify leaks in pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If artisanal solutions using human analysis of sound are used, then leak detection can be performed, but the process is tedious, imprecise and requires technicians with great expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human listening and analysis with an electronic system comprising a microphone for acoustic signal capture, an amplifier for signal enhancement, and a processor for automated analysis. This substitution eliminates the need for expert technicians while improving detection precision through objective electronic measurement and analysis of acoustic signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-service operation by automatically capturing, amplifying, and analyzing acoustic signals without requiring human expertise. The processor autonomously identifies leak characteristics from the amplified signals, allowing any user to perform precise leak detection without specialized training.
2Measurement precision
If invasive solutions using photonic detection technology are used, then leak detection capability is improved, but the cost becomes extremely expensive and the implementation becomes very impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive, portable components such as standard microphones, amplifiers, and processors that can be easily manufactured and deployed. This approach replaces expensive photonic detection systems with affordable electronic components that achieve sufficient detection precision for practical field use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses acoustic signals as an intermediary to detect leaks without requiring physical intrusion into the pipeline. The microphone captures sound waves generated by leaks, providing indirect but effective detection that avoids the complexity and cost of invasive photonic sensors while maintaining practical implementability.
3Measurement precision
If complex detection systems are used, then detection accuracy is improved, but the time required for detection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous amplification and real-time processing of acoustic signals, allowing the system to continuously analyze sound waves as they are captured. This continuous operation enables rapid detection without requiring extended measurement periods, achieving both high accuracy and speed by maintaining uninterrupted signal analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The amplifier pre-enhances weak acoustic signals before they reach the processor, preparing the signal in advance for rapid analysis. This preliminary action allows the processor to quickly identify leak characteristics without requiring extended processing time, thereby reducing overall detection time while maintaining detection accuracy.
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 rapid, precise, and automatic leak detection with high acuity, achieving results in under a minute and facilitating easy use, even in hard-to-reach locations, with the potential for 100% accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the acoustic signal emitted during a fluid-structure interaction
Data Source
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AI summary
Method (500) for electro-acoustic leak detection in a pipeline carrying a fluid, implemented by a portable device (100) and comprising: a step (510) of acquiring a sound signal (S) emitted by the pipeline by means of a microphone (10); a step (520) of real-time signal processing (S) with frequency analysis (521) of the signal (S) by means of a periodogram and extraction (522) of characteristics of the signal (S), including entropy, a fault-sensitive characteristic called DSF and a centered frequency corresponding to the centroid of the periodogram; a step (530) of applying a Kalman filter to estimate residuals; a step (540) of principal component analysis allowing to model a normal signal of the pipeline and to detect a possible leak by comparing the observed signal (S) to the normal signal; and an alert and/or notification step (560) in case of leak detection.