Leak detection in pipeline networks using low-profile piezoceramic transducers

Detecting leaks in pipeline networks such as water distribution systems is an important, yet difficult task. Various techniques have been developed for leak detection, but so far none has provided a suitable solution for industrial applications, as they have low performance or high cost. An experimental method based on pressure measurements has previously been developed to identify leaks which involve first removing the noise with orthogonal wavelets and then applying cepstrum analysis to identify features in the physical network. This previous work has shown that this approach is capable of both locating the position and estimating the severity of leaks in pipeline networks. This study involves an experiment with a simple fluid filled pipeline network. A solenoid valve is used to introduce a pressure wave into the network. By periodically opening and closing the valve the wave propagates in the fluid. This pressure wave is then sensed by a low-profile piezoceramic transducer. A conventional pressure transducer is also used for comparative studies. The experiment is performed for different pipe lengths and severities of leakage. This work shows that while the piezoceramic transducer is poor at recording accurate pressure histories, it is perfectly acceptable for this type of condition monitoring, being able to identify the position and severity of leaks and other features in the pipeline network. Copyright (C) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.