KR20030016155A - Method and system for localizing and correlating leaks in fluid conveying conduits background of the invention - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A method and a system for localization and correlation of leakage of a fluid conveying conduit is provided to recognize the precise position of leakage in a conduit by collecting sound data and correlate the leakage by storing the sound data. CONSTITUTION: A system for localization and correlation of leakage of a fluid conveying conduit includes first and second automatic recorders(13) disposed with a distance from each other for sensing and recording sound data generated in at least a single conveying conduit, an interface unit(15) detachably connected to the first and second automatic recorders(13), and a computer system(17) detachably connected to the interface unit(15), downloading the sound data recorded by the first and second automatic recorders(13), and using the sound data for checking at least a leakage position at least in the single conduit and correlating the leakage.

Description

Method and system for localizing and correlating leaks in fluid conveying conduits background of the invention

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for detecting leaks in fluid transfer conduits, and more particularly to detecting leaks in fluid transfer conduits buried underground or inaccessible for investigation while accurately identifying leak locations. A method and apparatus are disclosed.

Fluid distribution conduits, such as water distribution pipelines, typically experience leakage. Fluid transfer conduits usually complicate the problem further because they are buried underground, not exposed or inaccessible, and the leakage produced by such conduits is often not visible on the surface and thus not detected. As a result, fluid transfer conduits often experience leakage for extended periods of time, such as one year or more, without being detected, which is highly undesirable.

Accordingly, multi-step inspection has typically been conducted in the art to locate the leak in the fluid transfer conduit while correlating the leak to each other.

In particular, in the early stages, a common survey or location mode is typically performed to determine if there is a leak in a conduit such as a pipeline. Leakage location measurements typically monitor the flow of fluids into and out of the District Metered Area (DMA), monitor the minimum night flow of fluids, and also if the noise generated by the fluids exceeds preset thresholds. This is done by using a sound recorder.

In the second step, a more detailed correlation mode is usually performed to determine the exact location of the leak in the underground fluid transfer conduit. In particular, correlators are typically used directly on the surface of underground pipelines or on external devices such as easily accessible valves or hydrants to more accurately determine the location of the leak in the conduit. After the correlators are used to determine the leak location, the ground just above the leak location is excavated for repair of the leak. As can be appreciated, excavation can be limited to only a portion of the road surface directly above the leak location by knowing the exact leak location of the conduit, thus reducing the cost of excavation and the maintenance period, which is highly desirable.

Correlators typically use acoustic technology to determine the location of the leak. In particular, fluid such as water flowing from pressurized conduits such as pipelines propagates along the conduit at constant velocity in both directions away from the leak source. The fact that it produces is well known. It is also well known that by placing a pair of sensors on the opposite side of the leak, leakage noise is received by the sensors at different times depending on the distance of each sensor from the leak source. Since the propagation speed of sound waves can be easily calculated, the location of the leak in the pipeline can be determined as a function of the time difference at which each sensor senses sound waves. a. egg. U.S. Patent No. 4,083,229 to A. R. Anway discloses a method and apparatus for detecting location while detecting leaks from underground pipes or the like. In the above method and apparatus, vibrations caused by leakage are picked up by a microphone or other transducer at predetermined positions spaced apart, and vibrations picked up at each of the two points are converted into electrical signals and also the degree of final two signal correlations. Is changed by variably time-delaying one signal relative to the other to determine the location of the leak for generation of maximum correlation between the signals. In one embodiment, the variable time delay of one signal relative to another signal is achieved by means of gradually changing the length of the variable length time delay line and the delay line. In another embodiment, the variable time delay is achieved by a recursive delay line analyzer that performs more data age comparisons with the same delays at the same time than the variable length delay.

The method and apparatus for detecting and locating fluid while leaking underground pipes disclosed in the patent granted to Annway is that one signal gradually delays the other while the device continues to compare the similarities between the two signals. Use cross-correlation measurement techniques to ensure This makes it possible to measure the difference in travel time Td at which leakage noise reaches the sensors. By determining the speed of sound for a particular pipeline while checking the distance between the sensors, the device can calculate the leak location according to the following equation:

L = [D- (VxTd)] / 2

Where L is the leakage position for one sensor, D is the total distance between the sensors, V is the speed of sound in the pipeline medium, and Td is the transfer time difference.

tea. second. US Pat. No. 5,205,173 to Allen discloses a method and apparatus for leak detection in conduits using cross-correlation techniques including improved correlation circuitry. The correlation circuit comprises a pair of cyclic delay lines for individually receiving, temporarily storing and processing input data samples obtained from a pair of distant sensors, and circulating a sample input for each channel in association with another channel. And a multiplier circuit for multiplying by each sample stored in the delay line, an adder and accumulator memory for accumulating the multiplication result, and an indicator for displaying the correlation result.

While known and widely used commercially, methods and apparatus for detecting and locating leaks in underground conduits have significant drawbacks.

As an example, methods and apparatus for detecting and locating leaks in underground conduits need to analyze in real time acoustic data obtained by a pair of sensors. Specifically, the acoustic data sensed by the sensors is transmitted to the central correlation unit via a communication link such as wireless or wired link. The data sent to the central correlation unit is analyzed in real time by the correlating labor force, and the real time analysis also ensures that the acoustic data sensed by the sensors are synchronized in time. As a result, the acoustic data must be analyzed in real time, so that after the repair work is performed at the leak site, the data cannot be used for continuous correlation or comparison. In addition, since the acoustic data must be analyzed in real time, a constant correlation labor is required while the acoustic data is accumulated by the sensor. As a result, cost and work time are increased, which is very undesirable.

As another example, although it is known and widely used commercially, conventional methods and apparatus for detecting and locating leaks in underground conduits as described above are typically performed using different labor than other equipment. As a result, equipment and labor costs are increased, which is very undesirable.

As another example, conventional methods and apparatus for detecting and locating leaks in underground fluid transfer conduits typically require a fixed delay to be introduced into one of the acoustic data flows. As a result, equipment and labor costs are increased, which is very undesirable.

As another example, conventional methods and apparatus for detecting and locating leaks in underground fluid transfer conduits typically do not compensate for changes in ambient temperature. As a result, the accuracy of calculating the position of the leak source in the pipeline is compromised, which is very undesirable.

As another example, conventional methods and apparatus for detecting and locating leaks in underground fluid transfer conduits typically analyze one set of acoustic data, which is unreliable.

As another example, conventional methods and apparatus for detecting and locating leaks in underground fluid transfer conduits can typically use only two sensors during the acoustic data collection period. This limits the speed and efficiency with which the pipeline is inspected, which is very undesirable.

It is an object of the present invention to provide new and improved methods and apparatus for locating and correlating leaks in fluid transfer conduits.

It is another object of the present invention to provide new and improved methods and apparatus for locating and correlating leakage in fluid transfer conduits using collected voice data.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for correlating leakage noise acoustic data to accurately indicate the location of one or more leaks.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus of the type described above in which the collected acoustic data is stored in a memory in order to locate and correlate the leakage in the future.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus of the type described above which compensates for changes in ambient temperature.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus of the type described above for collecting acoustic data on multiple time slices.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus of the type described above which are not expensive to manufacture and inconvenient to use.

Thus, as a feature of the invention, first and second automatic recorders are arranged to be spaced apart along the fluid transport conduit while being configured to sense and store acoustic data generated within at least one fluid transport conduit, said first An interface unit detachably connected to the first and second automatic recorders, and detachably connected to the interface unit, capable of downloading sound data stored by the plurality of automatic recorders, and in at least one conduit Location and correlation for accurately locating at least one leak in at least one fluid transfer conduit, wherein the computer system comprises acoustic data for locating and correlating the at least one leak in A system is provided.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of programming a plurality of acoustic data recorders to sense and store acoustic data, and placing the plurality of sound data recorders spaced apart from each other along at least one fluid transfer conduit. Detecting and storing acoustic data generated in at least one fluid transfer conduit using the plurality of acoustic data recorders, recovering the acoustic data recorders, and stored in the plurality of acoustic data recorders. Correlating at least one leak in at least one fluid transfer conduit using acoustic data, wherein the plurality of sounds are configured to sense and store acoustic data generated in the at least one fluid transfer conduit. Using a data recorder A method of correlating at least one leak in at least one fluid transfer conduit is provided.

Additional objects as well as features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration an embodiment for carrying out the invention. The above embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present invention, and also other embodiments may be utilized without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and structural changes may be made. Can be made. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the claims.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a system configured in accordance with the present invention for locating and correlating one or more leaks in a fluid transfer conduit;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing one of the automatic recorders shown in FIG. 1; FIG.

3 is a block diagram of the automatic recorder shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the interface unit shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of locating and correlating one or more leaks in a fluid transfer conduit using the system shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pair of auto recorders shown in FIG. 1 and mounted to a fluid transfer conduit opposite the leak; FIG.

FIG. 7 is a chart useful for determining the location of a leak in a fluid transfer conduit using the method shown in FIG. 5.

8 is a perspective view showing a plurality of automatic recorders, shown in FIG. 1, mounted at various locations in a complex pipeline;

* Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings *

13: CP automatic recorder 17: computer system

15: interface unit 23: magnetic coupling

25: communication connector 31: microprocessor

33: battery power 35: acoustic sensor

37: signal conditioning and filtering circuit 39: data storage circuit

41: real time clock 43: counter

45: temperature sensor 47: control circuit

1 shows a system constructed in accordance with the present invention for identifying and correlating the location of one or more leaks L of fluid transfer conduits C, such as underground water pipelines. The system is indicated at 11.

The system 11 includes a plurality of correlator pod automatic recorders 13 for sensing and recording acoustic data, an interface unit 15 connected to the respective correlator CP auto recorders 13, And a computer system 17 connected to the interface unit 15 for measuring and correlating the position of the acoustic data recorded by the automatic recorder 13 to determine the location of the leak L present in the conduit C. )

2 and 3, each automatic recorder 13 includes a housing 19 of a rigid structure molded to form a closed inner cavity 21. As shown in FIG.

The housing 19 is preferably composed of diecast aluminum covered with an IP68 protective coating while finished with polyester powder paint, so that the tachometer 13 can be fully locked while at least 3 meters (10 feet) It should be recognized that it can be hydrostatically tested in water. However, it should be understood that the automatic recorder 13 may be composed of other materials without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It should be understood that the housing 19 is preferably configured in a conventional cylindrical form of about 140 mm (5.6 inches) long and about 66 mm (9.6 inches) diameter. Moreover, the housing 19 is configured such that the tachometer 13 can operate between -10 ° C (14 ° F) and 70 ° C (158 ° F) while weighing about 0.7 Kg (1.54 lbs). It is preferable. However, it should be understood that the recorder 13 can be configured to have other shapes, weights and / or operating temperature ranges without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The magnetic coupling 23 is mounted to the housing 19. The magnetic coupling 23 allows the automatic recorder 13 to be easily and firmly mounted to a metal pipeline or other metal external device that is easily accessible, such as a valve or a water supply. In particular, the magnetic coupling 23 makes it possible to easily mount the automatic recorder 13 thereon in such a way that the magnetic force holds the automatic recorder 13 on the pipeline or external device.

As will be described in detail below, a communication connector 25 is mounted to the housing 19 to connect the automatic recorder circuit disposed in each automatic recorder 13 to the interface unit 15. The communication connector 25 is preferably a serial digital communication connector comprising four military pin connectors 27. In particular, the first military pin connector 27-1 is allocated for the transmission of a serial communication signal, in which case the serial communication signal is preferably moved at a baud rate of about 115,200. A second military pin connector 27-2 is assigned to receive external power from the interface unit 15, which protects the battery life of each automatic recorder 13. A third military pin connector 27-3 is assigned for a reset function for the auto recorder 13. A fourth military pin connector 27-4 is assigned for port ID input, in which case the port ID input is an automatic recorder 13 in which the computer system 17 senses its position and is connected to the interface unit 15. Is used to identify the presence of The communication connector 25 preferably includes a cover 28 that can be removably installed on the pin connectors 27. As a result, the automatic recorder 13 can be left in the ground for a long time without the risk of contact or damage, which is very advantageous.

The tachometer 13 includes an electronic device 29 for sensing and storing acoustic data generated by the fluid transfer conduit, such as frequency acoustics generated as a result of one or more leaks (L). The electronic device 29 is arranged in the closed inner cavity 21 of the housing 19 and connected to the communication connector 25. The electronic device 29 includes a microprocessor or microcontroller 31 for controlling the overall operation of the automatic recorder 13. The microprocessor 31 is connected to a communication connector 25.

A battery power source 33 for powering the automatic recorder 13 is connected to the microprocessor 31. The battery power source 33 is preferably a non-rechargeable lithium thionyl chloride battery pack with a lifespan of about five years. However, it should be understood that the battery power source 33 represents a known type of battery pack that makes the automatic recorder 13 self-sufficient without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It should also be understood that the battery power source 33 essentially makes the automatic recorder 13 self-sufficient, thereby allowing the automatic recorder 13 to be left in the ground for a long time without the risk of contact or damage. do. With the automatic recorder 13 connected to the interface unit 15, the interface unit 15 can provide power to the automatic recorder 13, which protects the battery power source 33. The electronic device 29 includes an acoustic sensor 35 for amplifying and detecting the acoustic data. Preferably, the acoustic sensor 35 is in the form of an integrated piezo compression accelerometer / input sensor having a frequency range of about 2 to 4 Hz. It should be understood that the acoustic sensor 35 may be a known sound sensing device such as a hydrophone without departing from the spirit of the invention.

A signal conditioning and filtering circuit 37 for adjusting and filtering acoustic data detected by the sensor 35 is connected to the sensor 35 and further to the microprocessor 31. The signal conditioning and filtering circuit 37 may include an adjustable 50/60 Hz notch filter to reduce unwanted frequencies such as frequencies made from power lines. However, it should be understood that the circuit 37 may include other types of filters without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The circuit 37 comprises gain adjusters to ensure that the acoustic data produced by the leakage L has a sufficient amplitude to be measured by the acoustic sensor 35 without the saturation circuit 37. This gain adjustment control operates automatically in the chronograph 13 and also employs a simple averaging technique to avoid excessive desensitization due to the presence of any high peaks in the noise signal which may be due to nearby transient shock vibrations. use. In particular, the gain adjustment is controlled by the microprocessor 31, in which the microprocessor 31 sets the gain adjuster to a value suitable for the acoustic noise level. A 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (A / D converter) is used to convert the acoustic data detected by the sensor 35 into a digital format, which is sent to the microprocessor 31 at a rate of 5 KHz. Read by The signal conditioning and filtering circuit 37 is turned on by the microprocessor 31 only when the automatic recorder 13 is recording acoustic data, otherwise it is turned off to reduce power consumption.

A data storage circuit or RAM circuit 39 for storing acoustic data sensed by the sensor 35 is connected to the microprocessor 31. The data storage circuit 39 preferably has sufficient memory to store a sound storage time of 4.5 minutes pre-programmed into 32 separate recording areas, where the data storage circuit 39 even has no power. It is desirable to retain the data even if it is not.

The data storage circuit 39 obviates the need for expensive and unreliable wireless or wired connections used for real-time correlation in the field. Rather, the data storage circuit 39 allows the automatic recorder 19 to collect and store acoustic data so that correlation can be performed at a location remote from the workplace at a later time. This is very desirable.

A real time clock 41 for synchronization of a plurality of automatic recorders 13 is connected to the microprocessor 31. The clock 41 preferably includes a 32,768 Hz crystal crystal oscillator (not shown) and a conventional clock microprocessor chip (not shown) that is operated continuously. The output of the clock microprocessor chip is connected to a 32 bit counter 43, which is connected to and controlled by the microprocessor 31.

It should be appreciated that the clock 41 serves to output a constant frequency while updating the clock register inside the clock microprocessor chip at one second intervals. The constant frequency informs the microprocessor 31 to increment the watchdog timer (not shown) and the counter 43 at regular time intervals. Upon receiving an interrupt from the clock 41 at regular time intervals, the microprocessor 41 determines whether it is time for the sensor 35 to turn on for another write.

The counter 43 may delay the sound recording start time of the automatic recorder 13, thereby giving more flexibility to the operation of the system 11. This is very desirable. In addition, the counter 43 is used to calculate the linear deviation compensation of the clock 41, which will be described in detail later.

A temperature sensor, ie thermistor 45, is connected to the clock 41 and the microprocessor 31. As can be seen, the sensor 45 allows the clock 41 to be modified to compensate for time variations with temperature changes. In particular, as the ambient temperature changes, the internal clock 41 for the automatic recorder 13 will vary, thereby generating significant calculation errors in the leak correlation process. As such, the temperature data collected from the sensor 45 is used to compensate for clock variations. In order to ensure the accuracy of the temperature data, the sensor 45 must be mounted directly on the crystal oscillator of the clock 41 because the crystal oscillator is the most temperature sensitive part of the clock 41. The control circuit 47 is connected to the microprocessor 31. As can be seen, the control circuit 47 performs a number of functions such as providing power regulation, battery monitoring and monitoring circuitry. In particular, the control circuit 47 monitors the battery power source 33 by measuring battery voltage and total current consumption. In addition, if the counter 43 is not erased by the microprocessor 31 at least once every 16 seconds, such as when a program is locked in an undefined program space due to some large electrical disturbance, the control circuit 47 Provides a monitoring circuit for resetting the counter 43.

In use, the automatic recorder 13 records acoustic data made in the fluid transfer conduit C in the following manner. The microprocessor 31 receives an interrupt signal at regular time intervals from the clock 41 to determine whether it is the next sound data recording time. If it is determined by the microprocessor 31 that the acoustic data will be recorded, the microprocessor 31 draws power from the battery power source 31 to the signal conditioning and filtering circuit 37 and the acoustic sensor 35. The microprocessor 31 also programs all the filters of the circuit 37 with the appropriate clock signal, including the 50/60 Hz filter. The acoustic sensor 35 then reads the acoustic data generated in the conduit (C). Acoustic data sensed by the sensor 35 is converted into a digital format read by the microprocessor 31.

After reading the acoustic data, the microprocessor 31 calculates and sets the appropriate gain environment for the signal conditioning and filtering circuit 37. The counter 43 and the temperature sensor 45 are read and recorded to compensate for clock variations. As soon as the clock deviation is compensated, more acoustic data is sampled at a predetermined set of ratios, and the sampled acoustic data is stored in the data storage circuit 39. Referring to FIG. 4, the interface unit 15 includes a carrying case 49 and an automatic recorder interface 51 placed in the carrying case 39.

The carrying case 49 is preferably made of a durable and durable material such as aluminum, and is sized and molded to accommodate a plurality of automatic recorders 13 and an automatic recorder interface 51. An internal cavity 53 is included. Lining, such as foam, is preferably disposed inside 53 to protect the automatic recorders 51. The automatic recorder interface 51 is placed in the carrying case 49 to connect a plurality of automatic recorders 13 to the computer system 17. The recorder interface 51 preferably includes an RS232 serial communication link to the computer system 17, which has a 115K baud rate in data compression. The automatic recorder interface 51 includes an internal rechargeable N-Cad battery (not shown) having a 12 volt DC charger socket for powering the automatic recorder interface 51.

The computer system 17 is connected to the automatic recorder interface 51 of the interface unit 15 and serves as a user interface during the process of correlating the leaks L in the conduit C. The computer system 17 meets the following minimum requirements: 300 MHz microprocessor, 64 MB of RAM, 6.0 GB hard drive, 3.5 inch disk drive, 24 x speed CD-ROM (CD ROM). And 1115K board serial port. However, it should be understood that other computer systems may be used in the system 11 without departing from the spirit of the invention.

5 shows a method of utilizing the system 11 to locate and correlate the locations of one or more leaks in a conduit, indicated generally by the reference numeral 111. The method 111 will initially be described using first and second CP automatic recorders 13-1 and 13-2 to locate and correlate the leaks in the conduit. However, as will be described in detail below, it should be understood that additional automatic recorders 13 can be used in the method 111 without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The method 111 includes an automatic recorder installation mode 113 in which the automatic recorders 13-1 and 13-2 are suitably installed for sensing and storing acoustic data. In particular, the automatic recorders 13 are connected to the interface system 15 which is connected to the computer system 17. With the system 11 connected as above, the user interfaces with the computer system 17 to synchronize and assemble the automatic recorders 13 for a number of predetermined sound recording sessions. Typically, the autographs 13 for a recording session consisting of 1 to 32 recording periods (typically 40,000 records for each recording period) to sample acoustic data at a rate of about 4800 samples per second to the computer system 17. Default the user to configure

The method 111 synchronizes the acoustic data recorded asynchronously by the autographs 13-2 and 13-2 with an accuracy of one millisecond, which is highly desirable. In particular, synchronizing the autographs 13-1 and 13-2 with one millisecond accuracy allows the method 111 to pinpoint the time difference between the signals recorded by the correlation autographs 13. This is the main purpose of the present invention.

After the automatic recorders 13 are synchronized and programmed to record acoustic data in the installation mode 113, the method 111 enters the batch mode 115. In particular, in the batch mode 113, one automatic recorder 13-1 is placed at one position in the conduit C, and the other automatic recorder 13-2 is placed at another position in the conduit C. In addition, the automatic recorders 13 are held on the conduit C by a magnetic coupling 23. It should be appreciated that the batch mode 115 is very easy, fast and quiet and can be performed at any time of day or night, which is very desirable.

After the batch mode 115, the method 111 has an acoustic sampling and storage mode 117. In the acoustic sampling and storage mode 117, the preprogrammed autographs 13 sample and store the acoustic data generated in the conduit C with a plurality of time slices, the plurality of readings being the conduit C. It is used to eliminate noise that is not related to a brief leakage occurring within the loop (ie, water use is due to a temporary increase). As such, the collection of multiple acoustic data samples serves to filter out random noise to analyze only the continuous sound waves formed by the leakage L in the conduit C. Typically, a small number of time slices (ie, two or three short records for 10 seconds) are sufficient to analyze a metal conduit. However, for other types of conduits, the length of the recording can be increased. In addition, if the ambient noise is too loud during the day, 30 short records can be utilized to adopt preselected start times at night. After the sampling and storage mode 117, the autographs 113 are collected in a retrieval mode 119. The recovery of the automatic recorders 113 is extremely simple and quiet and can be performed at any time of the day. During the retrieval mode 119, the automatic recorders 13 are connected to an automatic recorder interface 51 of the interface unit 15 connected to the computer system 17. As soon as they are connected, the acoustic data collected by each automatic recorder 13 is downloaded to the computer system 17. As will be described in detail below, the user can consequently utilize the computer system 17 to locate and correlate the location of the leak L in the conduit C.

Since the recorders 113 can sample and store acoustic data, the recorders 13 can later be used to locate and correlate leaks L at distant locations, thereby real-time calculations. Eliminate the need for Thus, the method 111 is generally quiet and easy to use since the location measurement of the leaks L does not need to be calculated in real time. This is very desirable. After the retrieval step 119, the user determines whether or not to perform a selective inspection sweep of the conduit C, which is indicated at 120 in FIG.

If the user decides to perform an inspection sweep in the mode 120, an inspection sweep or position measurement mode 121 is performed to determine if there is a leak L in the conduit C. In particular, the user utilizes the computer system 17 to first review the acoustic autorecording result. The software package sets default conduit lengths and materials, performs correlation exercises, and also displays the initial result set. You can re-correlate it by changing the default pipe length and material. The inspection sweep because the user can instead determine the presence of leaks in conduit C by monitoring the flow of fluid in and out of the local metering zone relative to conduit C or the minimum night flow of fluid in conduit C. It should be appreciated that mode 121 is optional. The test sweep mode 121 will determine the presence of a leak in conduit C as indicated by reference numeral 122. If the test sweep mode 121 determines that there is no leakage L in the conduit C, the method 111 ends as indicated by reference numeral 123. Conversely, if inspection sweep mode 121 determines or circumvents that one or more leaks (L) are present in the conduit (C), the user may have a fine image of the surface of the conduit (C) as indicated by reference numeral 124. It is required to determine if this is known.

If the surface precision image of the conduit C is known, the surface precision image input mode 125 is started. In particular, in the surface precision photograph input mode 125, the user can determine the distance D between the automatic recorders 13-1 and 13-2, the diameter of the conduit C and the specific material of the conduit C. It is required to enter the correct information into the computer system C. It should be appreciated that the surface micrograph information can often be obtained from direct field measurements or geographic information system (GIS) drawings.

If the surface detail image of the conduit C is not known, the surface detail image determination mode 126 can be performed using acoustic data collected by three or more automatic recorders 13. It should be appreciated that if three or more automatic recorders 13 are used in the method 111, the surface precision photograph determination mode 126 can be calculated. In particular, in the surface precision photograph determination mode 126, when three or more automatic measuring devices 13 are used, two neighboring automatics located on the same side as the leak L and spaced by a known distance are present. Measuring devices are used to calculate the sound velocity in the pipeline by measuring the time lag generated in the process of the acoustic signal being detected by the two automatic recorders.

The final step in the method 111 is to perform the correlation mode 129 to precisely determine the exact location of the leak L in the conduit C. The correlation mode 129 utilizes acoustic data collected by the CP automatic recorder 13 to precisely measure the location of one or more leaks L in the conduit C. The novelty in the correlation mode 129 is particularly accurate in that the correlation mode 129 calculates the time difference between the acoustic signals recorded by the autographs 13 so that one or more leaks L of the conduit C are accurate. It is related to the precision that allows you to find a location.

In particular, the correlation mode 129 is performed in the following manner. Referring to Fig. 6, the first and second data recorders 13-1 and 13-2 are placed in a conduit C opposite the leakage L while being spaced apart from each other by a distance D. In this case, noise generated by the leakage L will be detected by the first and second data recorders 13-1 and 13-2 at different times. As soon as acoustic data is downloaded from the automatic recorder 13-1 and 13-2 to the computer system 17, correlation software in the computer system 17 causes the leak noise signal to reach the data recorder 13-1. The time difference τ between when and when the leakage noise signal reaches the data logger 13-2 will be determined. It should be appreciated that the propagation velocity V of the leakage noise is a constant value and can also be calculated by the computer system 17 in surface precision input mode 125. Since the propagation velocity L is constant in the conduit C along both directions from the leak source L, the exact location of the leak relative to the tachometer 13-1 can be determined by the following equation:

P = (D-V x τ) / 2

As described above, the data recorded by each CP automatic recorder 13 is downloaded to the computer system 17 and the correlation mode 129 is performed offline at any time after the sampling and storing step 117. . As a result, it is to be appreciated that after repair work is performed in the field of conduit C, acoustic data can be stored in computer system 17 to perform repetitive correlation or comparison, which is highly desirable.

In correlation mode 129, the acoustic data is preferably shown in a correlation chart of the type shown in FIG. The correlation chart of FIG. 7 shows the state correlation level of the acoustic signal sensed by the tachograph 13 as a function of distance between the tachographs 13-1 and 13-2. As shown in the chart, the presence of a leak produces a significant frequency abrupt change in the chart, while the abrupt change allows the user to identify the exact location of the leak relative to the tachometer 13. This is very desirable.

Since the correlation mode 129 is performed off-line at any time after the acoustic sampling and storage mode 117, it is essential to synchronize the two sets of acoustic data at the same instant to ensure the correlation is accurate. For example, if data from one chronometer is delayed by 10 milliseconds for another chronometer, an error occurs in correlating the true location of the leak, which is very undesirable. Thus, the data between the plurality of automatic recorders is synchronized with an accuracy of one millisecond during the correlation mode 129 through the synchronization of the real time clock 41 of each automatic recorder 13.

Although the method 111 can be performed using two automatic recorders 13, it should be understood that the method 111 can be implemented using additional automatic recorders without departing from the spirit of the present invention. do.

As an example, the method 111 may utilize three or more CP automatic recorders 13 to locate or correlate the leakage L in the conduit C. As a result, a plurality of automatic recorders 13 are installed along the composite pipeline P as shown in FIG. 8 to accurately determine the leakage L formed in the composite pipeline P, and accordingly Fast and easy monitoring of large areas is allowed. This is very desirable. It should be understood that with the use of three or more autographs 13 the method 111 can be used on a straight line pipe or around a T ″ joint to determine the location of the plurality of leaks (L). It should be understood that the use of the CP automatic recorder 13 enables leakage noise correlation on the multidimensional conduit C. In particular, the automatic recorder 13 can be arranged parallel to multiple parts of the pipe, This can significantly reduce the number of hours required to correlate the leakage L in the conduit C. This is very desirable.

The embodiments of the present invention described above are merely exemplary, and one of ordinary skill in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such variations and modifications are within the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

As discussed above, the present invention provides new and improved methods and apparatus for locating and correlating leaks in fluid transfer conduits. The present invention provides new and improved methods and apparatus for locating and correlating leaks in fluid transfer conduits using collected voice data. The present invention provides a method and apparatus for correlating leakage noise acoustic data to accurately indicate the location of one or more leaks. The present invention provides a method and apparatus of the type described above wherein the collected acoustic data is stored in a memory to locate and correlate leakage in the future. The present invention provides a method and apparatus of the type described above that compensates for changes in ambient temperature. The present invention provides a method and apparatus of the type described above that collect acoustic data on multiple time slices. The present invention provides a method and apparatus of the type described above which are not expensive to manufacture and inconvenient to use.

Claims (19)

(a) first and second automatic recorders disposed spaced along the fluid transport conduit while configured to sense and store acoustic data generated within the at least one fluid transport conduit, (b) an interface unit detachably connected to the first and second automatic recorders, and (c) A detachable connection to the interface unit, capable of downloading sound data stored by the plurality of automatic recorders, and also acoustic data for locating and correlating at least one leak in at least one conduit Positioning and correlation system for pinpointing the location of the leak in the fluid transfer conduit, characterized in that consisting of a computer system that can be used. The method of claim 1, wherein the first automatic recorder, (a) a housing shaped to form a closed inner cavity, and (b) locating and correlating to accurately locate a leak in a fluid transfer conduit characterized by an electronic device disposed within the interior cavity of the housing for sensing and storing acoustic data formed in at least one fluid transfer conduit system. 3. The location of a leak in a fluid transfer conduit as recited in claim 2, wherein said first recorder comprises a magnetic coupling mounted to said housing for retaining said first recorder in at least one fluid transfer conduit. Positioning and correlation system to pinpoint 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first auto recorder includes a communication connector mounted to the housing, the communication connector being connected to the electronic device and the interface circuit. Positioning and correlation system to find out. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the electronic device is (a) a microprocessor for controlling the operation of the first automatic recorder, (b) a battery power source connected to the microprocessor for powering the first automatic recorder, (c) an acoustic sensor connected to the microprocessor for sensing acoustic data generated in at least one fluid transfer conduit, and and (d) a data storage circuit connected to said microprocessor for storing acoustic data sensed by said acoustic sensor. Positioning and correlation system for accurately locating a leak in a fluid transfer conduit. The method of claim 5, wherein the electronic device, (a) a signal conditioning and filtering circuit for adjusting and filtering acoustic data sensed by the acoustic sensor connected to the microprocessor, (b) a real time clock connected to the microprocessor, (c) a counter connected to the real time clock and the microprocessor, and and (d) a position measurement and correlation system for accurately locating the leakage in a fluid transfer conduit comprising the real time clock and a temperature sensor connected to the microprocessor. (a) a housing shaped to form a closed inner cavity, and (b) correlating the location of the leak in the fluid delivery conduit comprising electronic devices disposed in the interior cavity of the housing for sensing and storing acoustic data formed in the at least one fluid delivery conduit. Automatic recorder used for 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising a magnetic coupling mounted on the housing for retaining the tachometer on the at least one fluid transfer conduit and correlating it with the location of the leak in the fluid transfer conduit. Automatic recorder used to make 8. The automatic recorder of claim 7, further comprising a communication connector mounted to the housing and electrically connected to the electronic device. The method of claim 7, wherein the electronic device, (a) a microprocessor for controlling the operation of the automatic recorder, (b) a battery power source connected to said microprocessor for powering said tachometer, (c) an acoustic sensor connected to the microprocessor for sensing and amplifying acoustic data generated in the at least one fluid transfer conduit, and and (d) a data recorder coupled to the microprocessor for storing acoustic data sensed by the acoustic sensor, wherein the automatic recorder is used to correlate this with the measurement of the leak location in the fluid transfer conduit. The method of claim 7, wherein the electronic device, (a) signal conditioning and filtering circuitry for regulating and filtering acoustic data sensed by the acoustic sensor connected to the microprocessor, (b) a real time clock connected to the microprocessor, (c) a counter connected to the real time clock and the microprocessor, and and (d) an automatic recorder used to correlate the leakage measurement with the real time clock and a temperature sensor connected to the microprocessor. (a) programming a plurality of acoustic data recorders to detect and store acoustic data, (b) arranging the plurality of acoustic data recorders spaced apart from each other along at least one fluid transfer conduit; (c) using the plurality of acoustic data recorders in at least one fluid transfer conduit. Detecting and storing the collected sound data, (d) recovering the acoustic data recorders, and (e) correlating at least one leak in at least one fluid transfer conduit using the acoustic data stored in the plurality of acoustic data autographs generated in the at least one fluid transfer conduit. A method of correlating leakage in a fluid transfer conduit using a plurality of acoustic data recorders configured to sense and store acoustic data. 13. The at least one fluid transfer of claim 12, wherein said correlating step accurately represents the location of at least one leak in said at least one fluid transfer conduit using acoustic data stored in said plurality of acoustic data autographs. A method of correlating leakage in a fluid transfer conduit using a plurality of acoustic data loggers configured to sense and store acoustic data generated within the conduit. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the plurality of acoustic data recorders are configured to sense and store acoustic data generated in at least one fluid transfer conduit, the sensing and storing data at a plurality of predetermined time intervals. To correlate leaks in fluid transfer conduits using multiple acoustic data recorders. 13. A plurality of acoustic data recorders according to claim 12, wherein said correlating step and said sensing and storing step are performed at different times. To correlate leaks in fluid transfer conduits. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising determining surface micrographs of the at least one fluid transfer conduit using acoustic data stored in the plurality of acoustic data autographs. A method of correlating leakage in a fluid transfer conduit using a plurality of acoustic data recorders configured to sense and store the generated acoustic data. 13. The sound generated in at least one fluid transport conduit according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of sound data autographs sense and store asynchronously the sound data generated in the at least one fluid transport conduit. A method of correlating leakage in a fluid transfer conduit using multiple acoustic data recorders configured to sense and store data. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the acoustic data stored by the plurality of acoustic data autographs can be synchronized with at least one millisecond precision, the acoustic data generated in at least one fluid transfer conduit A method of correlating leakage in a fluid transfer conduit using a plurality of acoustic data recorders configured to store. (a) a plurality of automatic recorders disposed in a plurality of portions of the fluid conveying conduit spaced apart from each other and configured to sense and store acoustic data generated within the fluid conveying conduit, (b) an interface unit detachably connected to the plurality of automatic recorders, and (c) Acoustic data detachably connected to the interface unit, capable of downloading acoustic data stored by the plurality of automatic recorders, and for locating and correlating at least one leak in the fluid transfer conduit Positioning and correlation system for accurately locating the leakage in the multi-dimensional fluid transfer conduit, characterized in that it consists of a computer system that can be used.