Detecting leaks in pipes

US6789411B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Palmer Environmental Limited · GB

Inventor

• Keith Roy · Cwmbran, GB

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 17, 2002
• Grant date: Sep 14, 2004
• Expiry date: Jul 17, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01M3/243
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An apparatus for permanently or semi-permanently fitting to an underground water pipe 15,16 for detecting leaks therein, comprises a hydrophone 26 mounted to acoustically monitor water flowing along the pipe 15,16 and means 29 for analyzing a parameter of the output signal of the hydrophone 26 and for generating an alarm signal, in the event that the parameter is above a maximum value or below a minimum value. The apparatus further comprises a radio transmitter for transmitting the alarm signal to a remote receiver, so as to indicate the detection of a leak. The maximum and minimum values are preferably calculated using historical data obtained from the hydrophone 26, so that the values are automatically adjusted to suit location of the apparatus. In use, a plurality of leak detection apparatus can be installed to pipes at various locations around a geographical area of supply. Once a leak has been identified in an area, it is then a relatively simple matter to more precisely determine where in the area should be surveyed using a conventional leak detector. Thus, the need to survey the whole of the area using a conventional leak detector is avoided.