Abstract / Brief Description

"Smart Noise Logger-Based Leak Diagnosis System" is a research project in Hong Kong funded by Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF). Hong Kong has 8,605 km of potable and salt water pipes with average age of more than 30 years, which need high cost of maintenance. As a result, a considerable number of pipe bursts breaks and detected leakage cases are reported in Water Distribution Network (WDN) of Hong Kong. The socioeconomic consequences of water pipe breaks bursts are high and can cause considerable damage to society, businesses, and the environment. Although much effort was exerted, such efforts are still not enough to significantly reduce WDN vulnerabilities and negative economic impacts. There is an urgent need, therefore, for smart, reliable and consistent leak diagnosis system. Noise loggers (NL) are used in Hong Kong for long time with less accuracy due to the drawback of the existing interpretation techniques. Therefore, the proposed research will explore a new approach to interpret NL outputs and pinpoint the leak location without the need for other technologies, such as correlators or acoustic. The proposed research is a key step in improving the WDN and contribute to a better understanding of pipe performance. The main users of the proposed research will be academics, contractors, municipal personnel, and other interested stakeholders.

Leak Detection Technologies

Noise Logger

Hydrophone

Ground Microphone

Accelerometer