Ultrasonic Flow Meter Leak Detection via Acoustic Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current leak detection methods in fluid distribution networks are inefficient as they require temporary units and do not provide long-term monitoring, leading to undetected leaks that worsen over time, increasing costs and revenue loss.
Innovation Solution
The use of ultrasonic flow meters equipped with transducers that listen for noise patterns indicative of leaks, utilizing existing infrastructure to detect leaks by recording travel times of acoustic signals and applying correlation functions to determine leak locations, even during zero flow states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temporary leak detection units are clamped onto the pipe, then leak detection capability is provided, but the detection is limited to proximate location and temporary period only
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic flow meter is designed to perform multiple functions: it continuously measures fluid flow rate while simultaneously detecting leaks through acoustic signal analysis. The existing transducers are utilized for both flow measurement and leak detection, eliminating the need for separate temporary detection units and providing indefinite monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing ultrasonic transducers and processing capabilities to perform leak detection without requiring external temporary units. The flow meter's processor analyzes acoustic signals from the transducers to identify leak characteristics, making the system self-sufficient for both flow measurement and leak detection functions.
2Reliability
If temporary leak detection units are used, then leak detection is achieved, but continuous long-term monitoring is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic flow meter provides continuous operation for both flow measurement and leak detection. The transducers continuously transmit and receive ultrasonic signals, and the processor continuously analyzes the returned signals for leak indicators, ensuring uninterrupted monitoring capability over indefinite periods without requiring reinstallation of temporary units.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing flow meter infrastructure is utilized for leak detection, then cost-effectiveness is improved, but the system must be adapted for dual functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic flow meter is designed to perform multiple functions: it continuously measures fluid flow rate while simultaneously detecting leaks through acoustic signal analysis. The existing transducers are utilized for both flow measurement and leak detection, eliminating the need for separate temporary detection units and providing indefinite monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing ultrasonic transducers and processing capabilities to perform leak detection without requiring external temporary units. The flow meter's processor analyzes acoustic signals from the transducers to identify leak characteristics, making the system self-sufficient for both flow measurement and leak detection functions.
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 continuous, cost-effective leak detection and location identification, minimizing downtime and operational costs by integrating with existing flow meter technology, enabling early detection and reduction of revenue loss.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the pair of ultrasonic transducers typically sends and receives an ultrasonic pulse, or series of ultrasonic pulses, back and forth
Implementation Method 2
The time of flight of each pulse, or the average time of flight of the pulses in the series of pulses, is measured
Implementation Method 3
The fluid flow causes the pulses traveling downstream (i.e., with the fluid flow) to move faster, and those traveling upstream (i.e., against the fluid flow), to move slower
Implementation Method 4
listening to a first noise pattern of noise produced in the pipe, via an ultrasonic transducer, to detect noise that is characteristic of a leak
Implementation Method 5
transmitting an acoustic signal from the first ultrasonic transducer to the second ultrasonic transducer; recording a travel time of the acoustic signal between the first ultrasonic transducer and the second ultrasonic transducer
Implementation Method 6
applying a saved correlation function to the travel time to compute an indicator of a location of a leak
Data Source
AI summary
The use of ultrasonic transducers installed in utility meters is provided for the detection of fluid leaks in a conduit. Such transducers are normally used to transmit acoustic waves in order to measure the velocity of fluid flow, but it is disclosed that such transducers are also capable of detecting leak noises in addition to such transmitted acoustic waves.