Quantifying Acoustic and Pressure Sensing for In-Pipe Leak Detection

Abstract

Experiments were carried out to study the effectiveness of using inside-pipe measurements for leak detection in plastic pipes. Acoustic and pressure signals due to simulated leaks, opened to air, are measured and studied for designing a detection system to be deployed inside water networks of 100 mm (4 inch) pipe size. Results showed that leaks as small as 2 l/min can be detected using both hydrophone and dynamic pressure transducer under low pipe flow rates. The ratio between pipe flow rate and leak flow rate seems to be more important than the absolute value of leak flow. Increasing this ratio resulted in diminishing and low frequency leak signals. Sensor location and directionality, with respect to the leak, are important in acquiring clean signal.