Sewer Lateral Leak Detection Using Steam and Thermal Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smoke tests for detecting leaks and improper hookups in sewer lines are inefficient, hazardous, and require multiple workers, causing disruptions and regulatory notifications.
Innovation Solution
A portable steam generator is used to inject steam into sewer lines, combined with a thermal imaging camera, either drone-borne or handheld, to precisely locate leaks and unauthorized connections by detecting steam or water vapor emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If smoke tests are used to detect leaks in sewer lines, then leak detection capability is achieved, but safety hazards and regulatory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the test medium from smoke (gas phase, visible) to steam (liquid phase, thermal). This parameter change eliminates safety hazards associated with smoke while maintaining leak detection capability through thermal imaging detection of steam escape.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the optical detection method (visual observation of smoke) with thermal detection method (infrared imaging of steam). This replacement eliminates the need for visual smoke tracking and associated safety concerns while improving detection precision through thermal camera technology.
2Reliability
If smoke tests are used for sewer line inspection, then leak detection is achieved, but the number of workers required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service detection where the steam automatically escapes through leaks and is automatically detected by the thermal imaging camera system. This eliminates the need for multiple workers to manually track smoke, as the thermal camera autonomously identifies steam escape locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thermal imaging camera as an intermediary detection device between the steam source and the inspector. This intermediary automatically tracks and identifies leak locations, replacing the need for multiple human workers to visually monitor smoke movement.
3Measurement precision
If smoke is used for inspection, then leak locations can be identified, but environmental annoyance and hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the test medium from smoke to steam, altering the physical state from gaseous to vapor phase. This parameter change eliminates environmental hazards and annoyance associated with smoke while maintaining precise leak location identification through thermal imaging of steam escape points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful smoke into beneficial steam that can be safely detected. The steam, which would normally be invisible and useless for detection, becomes detectable through thermal imaging, turning a harmless substance into an effective detection medium while eliminating the harmful properties of smoke.
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 method allows for efficient and quick inspections with fewer workers, reducing regulatory requirements and environmental hazards, enabling precise detection of leaks and illegal connections in sewer systems.
Implementation Method 1
an operator operates a thermal imaging camera and views a screen... thermally-sensed images taken from the camera on the drone are fed to the control device and displayed on the screen
Implementation Method 2
A portable steam generator or boiler... is brought to the site of a sewer line... The boiler, a gas-fired device that boils water to produce steam
Data Source
AI summary
Sewer line and lateral inspections are made in order to detect leaks and improper connections, using steam injected into a section of sewer line. Thermal imaging of the vicinity indicates leaks and illegal connections.