Leak Detection in Water Pipes Using Submersible Optical Optic-Based Pressure Sensor

Abstract

Leakage is undesirable in water distribution networks, as leaky pipes are financially costly both to water utilities and consumers. The ability to detect, locate, and quantify leaks can significantly improve the service delivered. Optical fibre sensors (OFS) have previously demonstrated their capabilities in performing real-time and continuous monitoring of pipe strength leak detection. However, the challenge remains due to the high labour cost and time-consuming process for the installation of optical fibre sensors to existing buried pipelines. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the feasibility of a submersible optical fibre-based pressure sensor that can be deployed without rigid bonding to the pipeline. This paper presents a set of experiments conducted using the proposed sensing strategy for leak detection. The calibrated optical fibre device was used to monitor the internal water pressure in a pipe with simultaneous verification from a pressure gauge. Two different pressure-based leak detection methods were explored. These leak detection methods were based on hydrostatic and pressure transient responses of the optical fibre pressure sensor. Experimental results aided in evaluating the functionality, reliability, and robustness of the submersible optical fibre pressure sensor.

A Review of Inspection Methods for Continuously Monitoring PVC Drinking Water Mains

“…To simplifying the sensor setup, Wong et al developed the submersible optical fiber-based pressure sensor, which included an optical fiber bonded to a sealed piece of smalldiameter PVC pipe. The sensor floats inside the pipeline and measures the internal pressure using the distributed fiber optic sensing [108]. The inner pressure information can help detect leaks through the transient response of hydraulic pressure.…”

A Low-Cost Flexible Pipe Sheath for Multi-Parameter Monitoring of Water Distribution

“…Today, miniaturization efforts include thin-film piezoelectric materials to apply vibrometers on the pipe wall [17] and hydrophones realized in MEMS technology with performance compatible with commercial devices [18], potentially suitable for pervasive permanent installation. Optical fibers running along the pipeline can be used as well to detect leaks [19], but require expensive and bulky opto-electronic instrumentation and are sensitive to other anomalies (such as temperature changes).…”

Application of fiber optics in water distribution networks for leak detection and localization: a mixed methodology-based review

“…For example, acoustic techniques are not appropriate for plastic pipes, whereas physical inspection and mechanical excavation require extensive human resources. With regards to the use of fiber optics technology for leak detection and localization, factors such as cost (Wong et al 2018a) and application in older and existing water pipelines (Zaman et al 2020) have been the major barriers in its implementation. However, fiber optics technology presents some useful advantages over other available methods and techniques such as the capability of multi-leak detection, swift response time, and concurrent transmission of feedback data (Mirzaei et al 2013).…”