Water Network Pressure Transient Source Localization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Maintaining constant pressure in drinking water networks is challenging due to complex pipe systems and external devices, leading to undesirable effects like structural failures, contamination risks, and pipe fatigue from pressure transients, making it difficult to predict and locate the source of these transients.
Innovation Solution
A method using high-frequency pressure sensors to acquire and analyze pressure data, detect transient events, group them by signature, and correlate with external device operations to localize the source, reducing pressure variations and minimizing negative effects on the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-frequency pressure sensors and data analysis methods are implemented to detect and localize pressure transients, then the ability to identify and mitigate pressure transient sources is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the water network into multiple monitoring zones with distributed pressure sensors. Each sensor independently records pressure data, and the system segments the analysis by comparing data from different sensor locations to triangulate transient sources. This segmentation enables precise localization without requiring a single complex centralized sensor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a data processing and analysis system that acts as an intermediary between the pressure sensors and the control mechanisms. This intermediary processes raw pressure data, identifies transient events, localizes their sources, and generates control signals, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high detection precision.
2Device complexity
If pressure transients are allowed to occur naturally in the network, then the system operates with simpler control mechanisms, but structural failures and pipe fatigue increase due to excessive pressure variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by detecting pressure transients in real-time and localizing their sources before they can cause structural damage. The system proactively identifies abnormal pressure variations and triggers control mechanisms to mitigate their effects, preventing pipe failures and fatigue before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where pressure sensor data is continuously monitored, analyzed for transients, and used to generate control signals that are sent back to the network. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of pressure control devices to counteract transient effects, thereby protecting network reliability while maintaining relatively simple control hardware.
3Reliability
If constant pressure is maintained in the network through active control, then pipe fatigue and structural failures are reduced, but the complexity of pressure management and the number of control devices increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static constant pressure control to dynamic pressure management. Instead of maintaining a fixed pressure setpoint, the system dynamically adjusts pressure control device operation based on real-time transient detection and localization. This dynamic approach protects pipe integrity by responding to actual network conditions while avoiding the complexity of maintaining constant pressure through overly sophisticated control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from maintaining constant pressure to managing pressure variations dynamically. The system monitors pressure transient characteristics (amplitude, duration, location) and adjusts control device parameters accordingly. This parameter change approach simplifies the control strategy while effectively protecting against pipe fatigue and structural failures.
4Measurement precision
If multiple high-frequency pressure sensors are deployed throughout the network to detect transients, then the localization accuracy of pressure transient sources is improved, but the cost and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the water network into monitoring zones with strategically placed pressure sensors. By dividing the network and using comparative analysis between zones, the system achieves accurate transient source localization with fewer sensors than would be required for complete network coverage. This segmentation reduces sensor network complexity while maintaining high localization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the pressure transient signal itself as a copy or fingerprint to identify and localize its source. By analyzing the characteristics of the pressure wave as it propagates through different sensor locations, the system can triangulate the source without requiring direct physical contact with or additional sensors at the transient origin point, thereby reducing overall sensor requirements.
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
Efficiently detects and classifies pressure transient events, localizes their source, and mitigates their impact, ensuring uninterrupted water supply and reducing pipe failures and leakages by modulating pressure and prioritizing preventive measures.
Implementation Method 1
A method using high-frequency pressure sensors to acquire and analyze pressure data
Implementation Method 2
The transient propagates on the network as a pressure wave
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Method (1) for identifying the source of pressure transients in a water distribution network comprising a plurality of high-frequency pressure sensors installed therein, said method comprising : - An acquisition step (10) to acquire a plurality of pressures values for each high frequency pressure sensor during a preset time limit, said plurality of pressures values defining a sampled pressure variation record nearby each sensor during said preset time limit; - A detection step (11) for detecting transient events amongst the sampled pressure variation record; - A grouping step (12) for grouping detected transient events amongst the sampled pressure variation record; and - A localization step (13) for localizing the source of said grouped transient events in function of said sampled pressure variation records.