In-pipe leak detection systems, devices, and methods

US10845007B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology · US
• KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS · SA

Inventors

• You Wu · Changzhou City, CN
• Kamal Youcef-Toumi · Cambridge, US
• Kristina S. Kim · Federal Way, US
• Michael Henry · Lincoln, US
• Rached Ben Mansour · Dhahran, SA

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 17, 2017
• Grant date: Nov 24, 2020
• Expiry date: Oct 17, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16L2101/30
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

In-pipe leak detection systems and related methods are disclosed for detecting in-pipe leaks while fluid is actively flowing through the pipe. The system can include a sensing element coupled to a membrane that are disposed parallel to or in-line with an axial direction of a fluid flow. The membrane is configured to be drawn into contact with the inner wall in response to a suction force caused by a leak. The leak is detected based on a transient output from the sensing element indicative of a stretch or strain on the membrane. The sensing element and the membrane is coupled to a support structure configured to position the membrane adjacent to an inner wall of a pipe. The support structure can include a mechanism that couples the membrane and the sensing element to the support structure and is configured to help in discriminating between leaks and false detections.