Acoustic Detection of Leaks in Water Pipelines Using Measurements inside Pipe

TLDR

Acoustic leak‑detection has long relied on external sound measurements, but recent work has explored hydrophones inside the pipe as a complementary approach. This study experimentally evaluates the feasibility and potential of in‑pipe acoustic measurements for detecting leaks. A test rig simulating a water transmission pipeline was built to generate leaks of varying size, flow rate, and pressure while recording acoustic signals inside the pipe. Analysis of the recorded signals demonstrated that in‑pipe measurements can detect leaks, though their effectiveness depends on leak size, flow conditions, and pressure, highlighting both feasibility and limitations.

Abstract

Acoustic leak-detection techniques are proven to be effective and have been widely used in water-distribution systems for several decades. Most of the existing acoustic leak-detection techniques rely on external measurements of sound emitted from the turbulent jet of water escaping the pipe. Direct acoustic measurements through hydrophones, which travel inside the pipe with the flow, have been recently addressed as an efficient complementary leak-detection technique. This paper presents an experimental investigation that addresses the feasibility and potential of in-pipe acoustic measurements for leak detection. An experimental test rig was constructed to simulate a water transmission pipeline and permits different leak sizes, flow rates, and pressures. The acquired acoustic signals were analyzed; the feasibility and limitations of invoking in-pipe measurements for leak detection were addressed.