Temperature Logging for Anomalous Flow Detection in Water Mains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Identifying the source of anomalous flows in water distribution networks is challenging due to their complexity and the risks associated with traditional step testing methods, which can be time-consuming, hazardous, and inefficient, especially in networks with materials that poorly transmit noise.
Innovation Solution
The use of temperature logging apparatus to measure ground and mains water temperatures, allowing for the calculation of flow rates and identification of anomalous sections within the network, thereby reducing the search area and pinpointing leaks or unusual consumption patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If step testing is used to identify anomalous flows, then the search area can be reduced, but the time required and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical step testing method (manually operating valves to isolate sections) with a temperature-based detection system. Temperature sensors continuously monitor water temperature in distribution mains, and anomalies are identified through thermal analysis without requiring physical intervention or manual valve operations, thereby eliminating the time-consuming step testing process while maintaining the ability to locate anomalies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the water distribution network's own thermal characteristics to detect anomalies. By monitoring temperature variations in the mains themselves, the system allows the network to 'self-diagnose' without requiring external testing equipment or manual intervention. The temperature data from existing sensors is analyzed to automatically identify anomalous flows and locate their positions.
2Area of stationary object
If step testing is performed at night to reduce search area, then anomaly location improves, but personal safety and health risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for night-time manual valve operations and physical access to distribution mains by using automated temperature sensing and analysis. The system continuously collects temperature data from sensors installed in the network, processes this data to identify anomalies, and determines their locations without requiring human presence in hazardous environments, thereby removing safety risks entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors act as intermediaries between the water distribution network and the anomaly detection system. These sensors continuously monitor thermal conditions and transmit data to a processing system that analyzes temperature variations to identify and locate anomalies, eliminating the need for direct human interaction with the network infrastructure and its associated safety hazards.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional leak location methods are used in pressurised networks, then existing infrastructure can be utilized, but leaks in materials with poor noise transmission cannot be located
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces acoustic-based leak detection methods (which rely on noise transmission) with temperature-based detection. By monitoring temperature variations in the water mains, the system can detect leaks regardless of the pipe material's acoustic properties. This thermal approach works effectively with modern materials like polyethylene that poorly transmit sound, enabling leak detection in previously inaccessible networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from acoustic noise to temperature. Instead of listening for leak sounds, the system measures temperature variations caused by anomalous water flow. This parameter change allows the system to detect leaks in materials with poor noise transmission, as temperature changes occur regardless of the pipe material's acoustic characteristics.
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 reduces the time and difficulty of locating anomalies, allows for the detection of leaks in pressurized networks and unknown consumption, and minimizes risks associated with traditional testing methods, providing a more efficient and safer approach to identifying and addressing water flow issues.
Implementation Method 1
temperature logging apparatus to measure ground and mains water temperatures
Implementation Method 2
measuring the temperature of the ground and the mains water
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods (200, 230) for localising a cause of anomalous water flow in a water distribution network are disclosed. One method (200) comprises installing (210) temperature logging apparatus at upstream and downstream ends of a section of water main of the network, measuring (214) the temperature of water at the upstream and downstream ends of each section and storing the water temperature data, determining (212) the temperature of the ground surrounding the water main at the upstream and downstream ends and storing the ground temperature data, and processing (218) the water temperature data and the ground temperature data to determine whether a section includes a cause of anomalous water flow. Another method (230) comprises estimating (232) an expected water flow rate along a section, calculating (240) an actual water flow rate along the section from measurements (236) of the temperature of water within each section and measurements (234) of the temperature of the ground surrounding the section, determining an anomalous flow rate (242) from the expected flow rate and the calculated actual water flow rate; determining (244) a lower bound for the anomalous flow rate; and comparing the lower bound for the anomalous flow rate with a threshold value of flow rate to determine (246) whether the section includes anomalous water flow. An installation (300) for localising a cause of anomalous water flow in a water distribution network is also disclosed.