Leak Detection
How it works?
Leaks produce a combination of noise such as gurling, hissing or whooshing. These noises are influenced by various factors like size and pressure of flow as well as the surrounding environment.
Highly sensitive sensors such as electronic listening stick, geophone or acoustic leak noise accelerometer are used and placed on accessible section of pipe (like valves, meters, exposed pipes etc.) to pick up leak noise.
Signal processing using advanced algorithms to filter out background noise and enhance the frequency of leak noise.
With the amplitude and frequency of the detected signals, exact location of leak can be pinpointed. In some situations, correlators are also used to measure the time taken for the sound to reach the sensor, providing a precise leak detection.
Correlators
How it works?
Detection of sound waves by placing correlators at two separate points along the pipeline on either side of the suspected leak point and acoustic vibrations are generated as water escapes through the suspected leak point.
The time taken for the sound to reach each correlator and compare the time delay. Accounting the speed of sound through the pipe material and water, it’s able to calculate the leaks’ location relative to the correlator.
Signal processing by filtering out external noise and enhance leak’s acoustic signal by isolating the leak noise frequencies and separating them from surrounding potential source of sound.
Correlator will show the calculated leak location with the distance from each sensor to the leak point.
In-line Pipe Leak Survey
How it works?
A small in-line inspection tools such as in-line CCTV and/or hydrophone is inserted into the pipeline to detect sound waves generated by leaks or changes in pressure or irregularities/weakness in pipe walls.
Some tools also can measure the changes inflow velocity and/or direction.
These tools will collect and record the data and with advanced technologies, data can be sent wirelessly to external receiver to provide real time analysis.
Collected data will be analyzed to identify any anomalies such as acoustic signals, pressure variation that can signify a potential leak.
Advantages
- Extensive inspection of the entire length of a pipeline that is underground or enclosed.
- High accuracy with precise leak location identification.
- Ability to detect leak early to prevent further water loss, damage, and repair costs.
- Works well with wide range of pipe materials, and size.