In-Pipe Leak Detection System

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.

Researchers

Rached Ben-Mansour / You Wu / Kristina Kim / Michael Henry / Kamal Youcef-Toumi

Departments: Department of Mechanical Engineering
Technology Areas: Agriculture & Food: Sensors / Environmental Engineering: Water Treatment / Sensing & Imaging: Acoustics
Impact Areas: Sustainable Future

  • in-pipe leak detection systems, devices, and methods
    United States of America | Granted | 10,845,007
  • in-pipe leak detection systems, devices, and methods
    China | Granted | 110,088,588

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