Sensor device, systems, and methods for identifying leaks in a fluid conduit

Abstract

Provided is a method, system, and sensor device for identifying and detecting presence of a leak in a fluid conduit. The sensor device freely flows with a fluid within the fluid conduit. The sensor device includes an outer capsule that is free flowing within the fluid and provides fluid-tight containment to an interior compartment, at least one acoustic sensor mounted within the interior compartment, wherein the at least one acoustic sensor senses acoustic properties of the fluid to detect the presence of the leak, and a conductor for activating the at least one acoustic sensor to sense the acoustic properties of the fluid and the fluid conduit, wherein the conductor passes from the interior compartment and through to the outer capsule.

1 . A sensor device for detecting presence of a leak in a fluid conduit, the sensor device flowing with a fluid within the fluid conduit, the sensor device comprising:
 an outer capsule that is free flowing within the fluid and provides fluid-tight containment to an interior compartment;   at least one acoustic sensor mounted within the interior compartment, wherein the at least one acoustic sensor senses acoustic properties of the fluid to detect the presence of the leak; and   a conductor for activating the at least one acoustic sensor to sense the acoustic properties of the fluid and the fluid conduit, wherein the conductor passes from the interior compartment and through to the outer capsule.   
     
     
         2 . The sensor device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one acoustic sensor comprises a piezo transducer for converting vibrations of the outer capsule into electrical signals representing the sensed acoustic properties of the fluid. 
     
     
         3 . The sensor device of  claim 2 , wherein the outer capsule comprises a first capsule portion and a second capsule portion that enclose the interior compartment and that can be separated to provide access to the interior compartment. 
     
     
         4 . The sensor device of  claim 3 , wherein the conductor includes a fastener to close the first capsule portion with the second capsule portion. 
     
     
         5 . The sensor device of  claim 4  further comprising:
 a memory within the interior compartment for storing the sensed fluid properties; and 
 a power source within the interior compartment for providing power to the at least one acoustic sensor and the memory. 
 
     
     
         6 . The sensor device of  claim 5  further comprising an inner frame for supporting the at least one acoustic sensor, the memory, and the power source within the interior chamber. 
     
     
         7 . The sensor device of  claim 6  further comprising at least one of a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer for sensing other fluid properties. 
     
     
         8 . The sensor device of  claim 7  further comprising at least one indicator light mounted within the interior compartment, the at least one indicator light for indicating the status of the sensor device, and wherein the first capsule portion is transparent such that the at least one indicator light is visible.