System method and device for leak detection and localization in a pipe network

Abstract

The invention provides a system for leak detection of a fluid in a pipe network. The system includes flow meters, and vibration detectors adapted to be attached to a pipe at a location in the pipe network. A processor analyzes signals generated by the flow meters and vibration detectors to identify the presence of one or more leaks in the pipe network. The invention also provides a method for detecting and localizing leaks in a pipeline network, and a device comprising a flow meter integral with a vibration detector for use in the system of the invention.

1 . An integrated flow and vibration device comprising:
 a wet chamber comprising a flow meter configured to generate a flow signal;   a dry chamber comprising a vibration sensor configured to generate a vibration signal from vibrations generated by a leak;   an interface between the wet chamber and the dry chamber comprising an acoustically coupling material configured to conduct vibrations from the wet chamber to the vibration sensor of the dry chamber; and   a processor configured to receive and process the flow signal and the vibration signal.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising an antenna, wherein the processor is further configured to transmit using the antenna a processed signal based on processing the flow signal and the vibration signal. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the vibration sensor of the dry chamber is provided at a bottom of the dry chamber in contact with the acoustically coupling material. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the interface is in the shape of a disk. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the interface is in the shape of a cone. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the cone has a base end directed towards the dry chamber and a pointed end directed towards the wet chamber. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the flow meter comprises a vane that rotates when driven by fluid flowing through the wet chamber. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the rotation of the vane causes a rotation of a first magnet in the wet chamber. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the rotation of the first magnet in the wet chamber causes a rotation of a second magnet in the dry chamber. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein the rotation of the second magnet in the dry chamber causes generation of the flow signal. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the flow signal is generated using a wire coil in the dry chamber. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the acoustically coupling material is silicone rubber. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the vibration sensor comprises a piezo membrane. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the piezo membrane comprises at least one of: PVDF film and a piezo ceramic material.