Two-Dimensional Pressure Intensity Function for Conduit Leak Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting and locating leaks in fluid conduits, such as pipelines, face challenges with false alarms from external vibrations and transient waves, and require time delays for accurate determination, making them inefficient for real-time monitoring and precise location.
Innovation Solution
A method involving continuous monitoring of fluid pressure at two points along the conduit, calculating second differential quantities, and combining them to produce a two-dimensional intensity function, which analyzes the magnitude to determine the presence and location of leaks, using pressure sensing means with low noise and high sampling rates to differentiate between natural fluctuations and quantization noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure wave front measurement method is used to detect leaks, then leak detection capability is provided, but false alarms occur from external vibrations and transient waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the leak detection problem from analyzing pressure data in one dimension (time) to two dimensions by introducing a spatial coordinate system along the pipeline. This dimensional transformation allows the system to distinguish between waves originating at different locations, enabling differentiation between actual leaks and false alarm sources based on their spatial-temporal patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual model of pressure wave propagation through the pipeline by solving the wave equation. This computational copy of the physical system allows comparison between actual measurements and expected wave behavior, enabling identification of anomalies that differ from normal propagation patterns and reducing false alarms
2Measurement precision
If flow meters are used to monitor fluid flow rate, then flow measurement is achieved, but time delay occurs between leak occurrence and detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the periodic nature of pressure wave propagation through the pipeline. By continuously monitoring pressure fluctuations and analyzing their temporal patterns, the system detects leaks at the moment they occur rather than waiting for integrated flow changes, eliminating the time delay inherent in flow meter methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical flow measurement approach with a wave-based detection method. Instead of measuring bulk fluid movement with flow meters, the system detects pressure waves generated by leaks, providing immediate detection without the integration time required by mechanical flow measurement systems
3Measurement precision
If pressure monitoring is performed at multiple points, then leak location accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computational model of wave propagation as an intermediary between the pressure sensors and the leak detection algorithm. This mathematical mediator processes the data from multiple sensor points, automatically determining leak location without requiring complex sensor networks or manual analysis, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining high location 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
This approach allows for accurate and timely detection and location of leaks, reducing false alarms by representing a continuous probability function that identifies leaks based on pre-determined criteria, and rejecting candidates that do not meet specific thresholds, thereby improving the reliability of leak detection in fluid conduits.
Implementation Method 1
When a leak occurs in a conduit carrying fluid under pressure, there will be a pressure loss at the point of the leak and a pressure wave will propagate from that point in both directions along the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present invention, there is provided a method of monitoring a fluid in a fluid carrying conduit comprising the steps of: monitoring a fluid characteristic at a first point and second point along the conduit substantially continuously; determining first and second quantities, being related to a differential with respect to time of the value of the fluid characteristic at the first and second points respectively; combining the first and second quantities to produce a two dimensional intensity function of time and a position variable and analyzing the magnitude of the intensity function to derive information relating to the fluid. The intensity function may represent a substantially continuous probability function, wherein its absolute value is related to the probability of a leak or theft having occurred in the conduit. Furthermore, a method of determining the presence and location of leaks in, or thefts from, the conduit by determining whether or not the magnitude of the intensity function satisfies pre-determined criteria is disclosed. A method of determining the speed of pressure waves propagating through a fluid flowing in a fluid carrying conduit by analyzing the two dimensional intensity function is also disclosed. An apparatus suitable for performing all of the above mentioned methods is also claimed.