Vibroacoustic Measurements for Detecting Water Leaks in Buried Small-Diameter Plastic Pipes
Publication: Journal of Pipeline Systems Engineering and Practice
Volume 8, Issue 4
Abstract
Leak detection is an essential topic within the policies of water loss management in drinking-water supply networks. This paper reports the results of an experimental campaign performed for assessing the sensitivity to water leaks of measurements of different vibroacoustic phenomena. The study represents the first stage of research aimed at developing a device for automatic leak detection in service pipes of water distribution networks. Leaks were artificially induced on a plastic pipe (length of 28 m and diameter of 32 mm) of a buried experimental facility. Vibroacoustic phenomena related to the leaking flow were monitored using a hydrophone and two accelerometers. A satisfactory leak-detection performance was achieved by processing the signals from both kinds of transducers.
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Acknowledgments
This activity was performed in collaboration with Hera S.p.A. (Bologna, Italy), who is gratefully acknowledged for operative cooperation, use of facilities, and financial support.
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Published In
Journal of Pipeline Systems Engineering and Practice
Volume 8 • Issue 4 • November 2017
Copyright
©2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Aug 30, 2016
Accepted: May 15, 2017
Published online: Jul 31, 2017
Published in print: Nov 1, 2017
Discussion open until: Dec 31, 2017
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