Sheet Sensor Geomembrane Leak Localization

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing geomembrane integrity monitoring systems using point sensors face delays in accurately locating leaks due to complex three-dimensional algorithms and environmental interference, requiring costly manual or automated data analysis.

Innovation Solution

A geomembrane integrity monitoring system employing sheet sensors made of electrically conducting mesh material, physically isolated and connected through non-conductive joints, allowing for simultaneous detection and localization of leaks via a control system, either wired or wireless.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If point sensors are used in a fixed monitoring system, then leak detection capability is improved, but the time required to locate the leak position increases due to complex three-dimensional algorithms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak detection capabilityVSAvoidtime to locate leak position

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring area is divided into discrete zones, each monitored by a separate sheet sensor. When a leak occurs, the specific zone is immediately identified by which sensor triggers, eliminating the need for complex algorithms to locate the leak among multiple point sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A conductive geotextile layer is introduced between the geomembrane and the sheet sensors. This intermediary allows electrical current to flow through moisture that penetrates the geomembrane, enabling the sheet sensors to detect leaks without direct contact with the membrane or the protected material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If point sensors are used with complex algorithms for accurate positioning, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak position accuracyVSAvoidalgorithm complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring surface is segmented into discrete zones covered by individual sheet sensors. This segmentation provides inherent spatial information - when a sensor triggers, the leak location is immediately known to be within that sensor's coverage area, eliminating the need for complex positioning algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes from using multiple point sensors requiring algorithmic processing to using sheet sensors that provide direct spatial information. The parameter change is from point-based detection requiring mathematical reconstruction to area-based detection with immediate location identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If point sensors are used to detect leaks, then leak detection sensitivity is improved, but the system requires costly manual or automated data analysis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak detection sensitivityVSAvoiddata analysis complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring area is divided into discrete zones, each monitored by a separate sheet sensor. When a leak occurs, the specific zone is immediately identified by which sensor triggers, eliminating the need for complex algorithms to locate the leak among multiple point sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sheet sensor system provides self-locating capability - when a sensor triggers, it automatically identifies its own position and the leak location within its coverage area, eliminating the need for external analysis systems or manual investigation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If two layers of membrane with sensors in between are used, then alarm detection reliability is improved, but the system complexity and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealarm detection reliabilityVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A conductive geotextile layer is introduced between the geomembrane and the sheet sensors. This intermediary allows electrical current to flow through moisture that penetrates the geomembrane, enabling the sheet sensors to detect leaks without direct contact with the membrane or the protected material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The sheet sensors are made from flexible conducting material that can be laid directly against the inner surface of the geomembrane. This flexible film structure simplifies installation compared to rigid sensor arrays while maintaining conformability to the membrane surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 and accurate identification of leak positions by triggering adjacent sheet sensors, reducing the need for complex algorithms and manual analysis, and providing immediate alarm conditions.

Implementation Method 1

When a fault occurs in the geomembrane an electric connection occurs, which is detected as a current flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10809145B2Sensor and system for monitoring integrity of a waterproofing system or membrane

Publication Date: 2020.10.20 SENSOR SPOL

AI summary

A sensor and system for monitoring integrity of a waterproofing system membrane. A geomembrane integrity monitoring system includes control means 18 and a plurality of sensors 20. The sensors 20 are electrically isolated from each other and in electrical communication to the control means 18. The sensors 20 have a sheet form.