An innovative leak detection system that can identify damaged water pipes swiftly and accurately has been developed by engineers at the University of Sheffield.
The system invented at Sheffield tests pipes by transmitting a pressure wave along them that sends back a signal if it passes any unexpected features, such as a leak or a crack in the pipe’s surface.
The pressure wave is generated by a valve fitted to an ordinary water hydrant, which is opened and closed rapidly. The wave sends back a reflection, or a signal, if it encounters any anomalous features in the pipe. The strength of that signal can then be analysed to determine the location and the size of the leak.
Originally developed by a team led by Professor Stephen Beck in the University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, the invention was developed into a prototype device in partnership with colleagues in the Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, and Yorkshire Water.
The device has now been trialled at Yorkshire Water’s field operators training site in Bradford and results have shown that it offers a reliable and accurate method of leak testing. Leaks in cast iron pipes were located accurately to within one metre, while leaks in plastic pipes were located even more precisely, to within 20cm.
Existing leak detection techniques rely on acoustic sensing with microphones commonly used to identify noise generated by pressurised water escaping from the pipe. The Sheffield team claims that their device is less time consuming and less prone to errors as it can be calibrated to get the most accurate results and all data is analysed on site.
Dr James Shucksmith, in the Department of Civil and Structural Engineering at the University of Sheffield, who led the trial, said:
"We are very excited by the results we’ve achieved so far: we are able to identify the location of leaks much more accurately and rapidly than existing systems are able to, meaning water companies will be able to save both time and money in carrying out repairs.
"The system has delivered some very promising results at Yorkshire Water. We hope now to find an industrial partner to develop the device to the point where it can be manufactured commercially."
Dr Allyson Seth, Networks Analytics Manager at Yorkshire Water commented:
“Driving down leakage on our 31,000km network of water pipes is a high priority for us.
"Over the last 12 months alone, we’ve targeted leakage reduction and as a result we’re currently recording our lowest ever levels of leakage. But we want to do more, which is why, in addition to the existing technologies we use, we’re looking at new ways to help us to reduce leakage.
"Our work with engineers at the University of Sheffield is the latest example of this, and we look forward to working with them going forward to build on what has been achieved so far."
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