WO2015192869A1

WO2015192869A1 - Method and measuring device for locating a leak in a pipeline network for gaseous or liquid media

Info

Publication number: WO2015192869A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/062539
Authority: WO
Inventors: Felix Hirt
Original assignee: Vonroll Infratec (Investment) Ag
Priority date: 2014-06-16
Filing date: 2014-06-16
Publication date: 2015-12-23
Also published as: CH711410B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and to a device for locating a leak (L) in a pipeline network (2) for gaseous or liquid media, wherein detector units (20a, 20b) which comprise a sensor unit (3a, 3b), a recording unit (4a, 4b), and a receiving unit (5a, 5b) are provided along the pipeline network (2). In the method a primary signal (9) is detected by the sensor units (3a, 3b), in which primary signal (9) at least vibrations present in the pipeline network (2) are represented. The primary signal (9) is recorded at least in part by the respective recording units (4a, 4b). A secondary signal (8) transmitted by an electromagnetic signal source (1) is received by means of the receiving unit (5a, 5b). The secondary signal (8) is recorded at least in part by the respective recording unit (4a, 4b), and the primary signals (9) detected by different detector units (20a, 20b) are synchronised with the aid of the secondary signal (8), wherein the secondary signal (8) has a characteristic curve which changes over time and at least one signal component in a frequency range from 20 kHz to 3 GHz.

Description

Method and measuring device for locating a leak in a pipeline network for gaseous or liquid media

The present invention relates to a method for locating a leak in a pipeline network for gaseous or liquid media, wherein along the pipeline network

Detection units are provided, the one

Sensor unit, a recording unit and a

Receiving unit, and a measuring device according to the preamble of claim 8.

Measuring devices for locating leaks in

Drinking water supply systems consist of so-called loggers arranged along the supply system. These have a sound sensor for detecting over the

Conduit transmitted and caused by leaks on noise. Output signals of the sound sensors are characteristic electrical signals that on

Transfer processing units and there

be processed so that the most accurate possible statement about the location of the leak can be made. In the processing of the characteristic signals on the one hand the

Propagation speed of the characteristic signals along the supply system and on the other hand evaluated the time of arrival of these signals at the logger. In particular, the determination of the exact

Time of arrival of the characteristic signal of crucial importance, since the

Propagation speed based on knowledge of the material used for the supply system is usually known and beyond subject to only insignificant fluctuations. To determine the time of arrival of the characteristic signal at the loggers a time base is needed, which is known at the location of the logger or at least can be determined retroactively for each location. It was therefore already

proposed a time signal, for example the

Time signal transmitter DCF77 for controlling radio clocks to use, in order to obtain such a time base on the loggers can. Representative reference is made to the known teaching according to DE 10 2011 018 713 AI.

In the known time signals, however, the accuracy is subject to an error of typically +/- 10 ms, which is reflected in a corresponding Üngenauigkeit in the location of the leak. For example, assuming a propagation speed of 1200m / s for a sound signal along a steel made

Supply network, so the location of the leak can only be determined to +/- 12m. Especially with under the floor laid drinking water supply lines to the

Exposing require elaborate grave work, a more accurate location is desirable.

The present invention is therefore the task

to provide a method for locating a leak, which is much more accurate, so that in particular elaborate digging work to expose the leakage point can be reduced. This object is achieved by the method steps indicated in claim 1. advantageous

Embodiment variants of the present invention and a measuring device are specified in further claims.

The present invention initially relates to a method for locating a leak in a conduit network for gaseous or liquid media, wherein along the

Line network detection units are provided which comprise a sensor unit, a recording unit and a receiving unit. The method according to the invention is

- That the sensor units, a primary signal is detected, in which at least in the pipe network existing vibrations are shown,

- that the primary signal with the respective

Is recorded at least in sections ondrawing units,

- that with the receiving unit one with a

emitted electromagnetic signal source

Secondary signal is received,

- That the secondary signal with the respective

On a drawing unit at least in sections

is recorded and

- that through different detection units

detected primary signals are synchronized by means of the secondary signal, wherein the secondary signal has a time-varying characteristic profile and at least one

Signal component in a frequency range of 20kHz to 3GHz.

The inventive method is thus constructed much simpler and thus compared to known system cheaper. In addition, the selected one enables

Frequency range, especially in the frequency range 20kHz to 300MHz, good earth penetration, so that the

Signal component especially in buried

Registration units can be recorded well.

Further variants of the inventive

Procedure are that the secondary signal

has at least one of the following properties:

- At least one signal component is in

Frequency range from 30 to 300 kHz;

- At least one signal component is in

Frequency range from 0.3 to 3 MHz;

- At least one signal component is in

Frequency range from 3 to 30 MHz;

- At least one signal component is in

Frequency range from 30 to 300 MHz;

- At least one signal component is in

Frequency range from 300 MHz to 3 GHz;

at least one signal component is a signal of a single broadcasting station in one of the aforementioned frequency ranges; - At least one signal component are superimposed

Signals from multiple broadcast stations in one or more of the above

Freguenzbereiche.

An extremely efficient and cost-effective location is achieved by the use of a radio signal

Broadcasting station or a superposition of different radio signals from several radio stations allows. Here, the secondary signal is delivered virtually free. A specially designed signal source is not

required. In addition, the receiving unit may be in the form of a simple radio that is exceedingly high

are available inexpensively.

Further variants of the inventive

The method consists in that the synchronization of the detected by different detection units

Primary signals by correlation of the by the

covered by the corresponding registration units

Secondary signals is made.

Further variants of the inventive

Method are that the primary signal and the secondary signal are each recorded in a channel, wherein the recording is preferably carried out simultaneously.

Further variants of the inventive

Procedure are that the primary signal and the Secondary signal or a processed secondary signal to be transmitted to a server.

Yet further embodiments of the method according to the invention consist in that a time signal is additionally recorded by the recording unit.

The time signal is used for orientation and coarse time allocation and is therefore not subject to high

Accuracy requirements. The exact timing of the primary signals recorded at different locations is made via the synchronization with the aid of the secondary signal.

Further variants of the inventive

Method are that the primary signal and the secondary signal are recorded simultaneously.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a measuring device for the detection of leaks in a network of gaseous or liquid media, along the line network detection units are arranged, comprising a sensor unit for detecting a primary signal, a recording unit for recording the primary signal and a receiver unit for receiving a Secondary signal, wherein the secondary signal can be generated by a signal source. The measuring device according to the invention is characterized in that the secondary signal has a characteristic curve that changes with time, that at least one signal component of the secondary signal in a frequency range of 20kHz to 3GHz is included and that a synchronization unit is provided, with which the detected by different detection units

Primary signal can be synchronized by means of the secondary signal.

Further variants of the inventive

Measuring device are characterized in that the

Secondary signal has at least one of the following properties:

- At least one signal component is in

Frequency range from 30 to 300 kHz;

- At least one signal component is in

Frequency range from 0.3 to 3 MHz;

- At least one signal component is in

Frequency range from 3 to 30 MHz;

- At least one signal component is in

Frequency range from 30 to 300 MHz;

- At least one signal component is in

Frequency range from 300 MHz to 3 GHz;

at least one signal component is a signal of a single broadcasting station in one of the aforementioned frequency ranges;

- At least one signal component are superimposed

Signals from multiple broadcast stations in one or more of the above

Frequency ranges. Yet further embodiments of the measuring device according to the invention are characterized in that the

Synchronization unit is a correlation unit, in the temporal differences between a through

recorded different recording units

Primary signals via a correlation calculation of the detected by the respective detection units

Secondary signals can be determined.

Further variants of the inventive

Measuring device are characterized in that the

Primary signal and the secondary signal can be recorded each in a channel, wherein the recording is preferably carried out simultaneously.

Further variants of the inventive

Measuring device are characterized in that a server is provided in which the primary signal and the

Secondary signal can be stored.

Further variants of the inventive

Measuring device are characterized by the fact that in addition a time signal from the recording unit is aufzeichba.

Yet further embodiments of the measuring device according to the invention are characterized in that the

Primary signal and the secondary signal simultaneously

are recordable. It is expressly understood that the above embodiments of the

inventive method or the inventive measuring device can be combined in any way.

Only those combinations of variants are excluded, which in combination to a

Contradictory.

In the following, the invention will be explained in detail with reference to an embodiment shown in a single figure.

The single FIGURE shows a schematic representation of a line section of a pipeline network with components of an inventive measuring device for locating a

Leaks.

In the figure, a supply network 2 is shown, which is used for example for drinking water supply. In the schematic representation according to the figure of the almost branched in practice

Supply network 2 only a line section

represented, in which initially at an unknown location, a leak L is present through which a liquid transported in the supply network 2 can escape. It is

Of course, that such leaks L must be repaired, so as possible no losses in the supply network 2

arise. Although the embodiment shown in the figure relates to a drinking water supply system, the present invention can be used in all liquid and also gaseous media. Accordingly, the following explanations apply to both liquid and gaseous media.

Especially in the drinking water supply the

Pipeline is laid in the ground and repairs always with relatively large and costly digging works

As accurate as possible is the location of leaks L as important as possible

Description has been set forth. The measuring device according to the invention for locating leaks L in the line network 2 comprises detection units 20a, 20b along the line network 2, wherein each of the

Detection units 20a, 20b consists of a sensor unit 3a or 3b, a recording unit 4a and 4b and a receiving unit 5a and 5b. At another

Embodiment, which will be explained in more detail, is provided as an additional component of the detection unit 20a, 20b, a transmission unit 6a and 6b. As already explained, the detection units are

20a, 20b arranged along the conduit network 2. In a drinking water supply network, the detection units 20a, 20b are preferably in so-called sliders

arranged, through which the flow through the pipe network 2 can be controlled. The slides are for operators in usually well accessible via a shaft, whereby the possibility for mounting a sensor unit 3a and 3b is given in direct contact with the line of the pipe network 2. Instead of a direct contact between sensor unit 3a, 3b and line and alternative components for mounting a sensor unit 3a, 3b

be used. However, it is a prerequisite that the alternative components are in "acoustic" contact with the line 10. An alternative component for mounting the sensor unit 3a, 3b is, for example, a

Slide rod, which is intended to operate the slider. The direct or via alternative components

guided indirect contact of the sensor units 3a, 3b with the conduit network 2 is necessary to move along the

Line network 2 to detect transmitted vibrations. Such vibrations or vibrations are caused by an uncontrolled leakage of water as a result of a leak L in the network 2. The vibrations plant themselves along the pipeline network 2 with a predetermined

Speed continues, first and foremost by the

Material properties of the for the network 2

used material are dependent. As for the

Line network 2 material used is known, the important size of the propagation velocity of

Vibrations along the pipe network 2 also

known .

The vibrations detected with the sensor units 3a, 3b are referred to below as primary signals 9. The Primary signals 9 are fed to the recording units 4a, 4b for recording.

To locate the leak L are also as accurate as possible

Time information at the locations of the detection units 20a, 20b of importance. It is not mandatory to specify the time. A precise time reference point is sufficient, all

Detection units 20a, 20b is available because for a location of the leak L, the time difference of the

Arrival of an originating from the leak L vibration is decisive. According to the invention, a signal source 1 is provided for this purpose, which emits electromagnetic waves, hereinafter referred to as secondary signal 8. The secondary signal 8 is detected by the in the detection unit 20a, 20b

existing receiving unit 5a, 5b received and to

Recording of the recording unit 4a, 4b supplied.

According to an embodiment variant of the present invention, it is provided that both a primary signal 9 recorded with the sensor unit 3a or 3b and the secondary signal 8 recorded with the receiving unit 5a, 5b are supplied to the recording unit 4a, 4b in a memory unit (not shown in the figure) save, with the

Reading a plug to connect a reader is provided so that the stored information can be read for further processing.

Alternatively, as indicated in the figure, there is an embodiment of the present invention, in the detection unit 20a, 20b one with the

On drawing unit 4a, 4b operatively connected

Transmission unit 6a, 6b provide that allows transmission of information to a central server 7. Thus, it is not necessary that the place of

Detection units 20a, 20b for reading the information stored therein by operators to

visit, since the information can be transmitted automatically, in a given rhythm or after query to the server 7.

So that a time-shifted transmission of the information from a detection unit 20a, 20b to the server 7 can be performed, the recording units 4a, 4b are also included in the embodiment variant

Transmission units 6a, 6b each with a

Memory unit (not shown in the figure) equip.

As already mentioned, with the signal source 1 the

Secondary signal 8 generated by means of which the primary signal 9 recorded by the various detection units 20a, 20b timed to each other

(synchronized). It is less important that for the individual primary signals 9 a precise

absolute time, i. the exact time at a given passing point is obtained, but rather is sufficient or that temporal shifts

between the primary signals 9, that is to say the relative differences between the primary signals 9 recorded at the various locations can be obtained. For the signal source 1 or for the secondary signal 8 emitted by the signal source 1, the following properties result:

The secondary signal 8 must have a characteristic curve that changes over time.

The secondary signal 8 must have at least one

Signal component in a frequency range from 20kHz to 3GHz.

The two conditions must be met cumulatively, so the second condition with the frequency-limited signal component must be the characteristic curve that changes with time.

While the first condition is a clear temporal

Allocation allows the second condition allows the reception of the secondary signal 8 even at a certain depth in the ground.

In further embodiments of the present invention, the secondary signal 8 has at least one of the following properties:

- At least one signal component is in the

Frequency range from 0.3 to 3 MHz. This corresponds to the frequency range of medium waves, as they are in

Medium wave broadcasting, partly the

Shortwave broadcasting, partly at borderline waves, partly used for military radio communications and avalanche transceivers.

- At least one signal component is in the

Frequency range from 3 to 30 MHz. This corresponds to the frequency range of shortwave radio waves, as used in some cases in shortwave broadcasting, partly in border waves, in amateur radio service and in RFID (Radio Frequency

Idenfication) applications are used.

- At least one signal component is in the

Frequency range from 30 to 300 MHz. This corresponds to the frequency range of ultrashort waves used in VHF broadcasting, air navigation, air radio, television signals and radar.

- At least one signal component is in the

Frequency range from 300 MHz to 3 GHz. This corresponds to the frequency range of microwaves, as with

Television signals, in cellular mobile communications, at

Microwave Ovens, WLAN, RFID, RTLS, Short Range

Devices, Bluetooth, GPS and radar are used.

At least one signal component is a signal of a single broadcasting station in one of the above-indicated frequency ranges;

- At least one signal component are superimposed

Signals from multiple broadcast stations in one or more of the above

Frequency ranges.

The measuring device according to the present invention has an extremely simple construction, in particular when be used as a signal source 1 Rundf nksendestelle a radio station or possibly superimposed signals from various broadcasting stations. Such signal sources 1 are available anyway and can in the inventive measuring device excellently as

Signal sources 1 are used. In particular, the above-mentioned first condition is fulfilled, which consists in that the secondary signal 8 must have a characteristic curve changing over time.

In the following, the inventive method

explained, as far as it does not already apparent from the above statements to the measuring device:

As mentioned with the in different places

Placed detection units 20a, 20b detected by a leak L generated primary signal 9 by means of the sensor unit 3a, 3b and in the Aufzeichnungseinheit 4a, 4b

recorded. The recording can be done at predetermined times - for example, while quiet anyway

Phases, such as at night - or started at regular intervals. Basically - even if this is possible - a permanent recording of signals is not provided.

The secondary signal 8 can simultaneously during the

Recording phases are recorded, during which also the primary signal 9 is recorded. It is in this embodiment, a two-channel recording made: In one channel, the primary signal 9 and in the other channel, the secondary signal 8 is recorded. The records can then be mentioned in the

Memory units (not shown in the figure) of the

Drawing units 4a. 4b are cached until they are read using local readers.

In the embodiment already described with transmission units 6a, 6b in the detection units 20a, 20b (as shown in the figure), the

Records are transmitted to the server 7, which can also access a synchronization unit (not shown in the figure).

In the synchronization unit, for example, two recordings recorded by different detection units 20a and 20b are then compared by first establishing a temporal reference point by correlation of the two recorded secondary signals 8. This determines the temporal grid of the records.

In a further step, again by the synchronization unit, the two are recorded by different detection units 20a and 20b

Primary signals 9 correlates, so the temporal

Differences with respect to the reference point obtained by correlation of the two secondary signals 8 can be determined. The time differences now allow, over the known signal propagation times along the line network. 2 to determine a precise position of the leak L over the known path-time-speed relationship.

Even if in connection with the above-mentioned method steps of the synchronization unit was mentioned, it is quite possible and sometimes common to perform these steps using a computer program. In this sense, then the

Synchronization realized by means of appropriate software routines in a computer unit.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the primary signal 9 and the secondary signal 8 are not simultaneously but time-shifted or alternatively recorded. That's why this one will

Design variant also referred to as a one-channel Aufzeichnung. So it is conceivable that one in the

Detection unit 20a, 20b contained real time clock by means of the secondary signal 8 is periodically adjusted or adjusted, this process, for example, is made shortly before recording the primary signal 9. Depending on the time stability of the real-time clock, the setting process can be performed more or less often. In this embodiment, for example, the signal of the real-time clock is transmitted to the server 7 with the recording of the primary signal 9, or the primary signal can be provided with a stamp of the real-time clock. The further processing by the synchronization unit is

simplified accordingly, but also leads to exact results for the location of a leak L. A specific one-channel recording variant is that the secondary signal is recorded for a few seconds before and after the primary signal recording. Thus, the efficient single-channel recording leads to extremely satisfactory location of leaks.

Claims

claims

1. A method for locating a leak (L) in one

Line network (2) for gaseous or liquid media, wherein detection units (20a, 20b) are provided along the line network (2), which comprise a sensor unit (3a, 3b), a recording unit (4a, 4b) and a receiving unit (5a, 5b) comprising, the method being

- That with the sensor units (3a, 3b) a primary signal (9) is detected, in which at least in the pipe network (2) existing vibrations are shown,

- That the primary signal (9) with the respective

On drawing units (4a, 4b) at least

is recorded in sections,

- that with the receiving unit (5a, 5b) a with an electromagnetic signal source (1) emitted secondary signal (8) is received,

- That the secondary signal (8) with the respective

On the recording unit (4a, 4b) is recorded at least in sections and

- That by different detection units (20a, 20b) detected primary signals (9) with the aid of

Secondary signal (8) are synchronized,

wherein the secondary signal (8) has a time-varying characteristic profile and at least one

Signal component in a frequency range of 20kHz to 3GHz.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the secondary signal (8) at least one of the following

Features:

- At least one signal component is in

Frequency range from 30 to 300 kHz;

- At least one signal component is in

Frequency range from 0.3 to 3 MHz;

- At least one signal component is in

Frequency range from 3 to 30 MHz;

- At least one signal component is in

Frequency range from 30 to 300 MHz;

- At least one signal component is in

Frequency range from 300 MHz to 3 GHz;

- At least one signal component are superimposed

Signals from multiple broadcast stations in one or more of the above

Frequency ranges.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized

characterized in that the synchronization of

different detection units (20a, 20b) detected primary signals (9) by correlation of the

corresponding detection units (20a, 20b) detected secondary signals (8) is made.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the primary signal (9) and the

Secondary signal (8) are recorded in a channel, wherein the recording is preferably carried out simultaneously.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the primary signal (9) and the

Secondary signal (8) or a processed secondary signal (8) to a server (7) are transmitted.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in addition a time signal from the Aufzeichnungseinheit (4a, 4b) is recorded.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the primary signal (9) and the

Secondary signal (8) are recorded simultaneously.

8. Measuring device for locating leaks (L) in one

Line network (2) for gaseous or liquid media, wherein along the line network (2) detection units (20a, 20b) are arranged, which comprises a sensor unit (3a, 3b) for detecting a primary signal (9)

Recording unit (4a, 4b) for recording the

Primary signal (9) and a receiver unit (5a, 5b) for receiving a secondary signal (8), wherein the secondary signal (8) from a signal source (1) can be generated, characterized in that the secondary signal (8) has a time-changing characteristic course that at least one signal component of the Secondary signal (8) is contained in a frequency range of 20kHz to 3GHz and that a synchronization unit is provided, with which by various

Erfsssung units (20a, 20b) detected primary signal (9) by means of the secondary signal (8) are synchronized.

9. Measuring device according to claim 8, characterized in that the secondary signal (8) has at least one of the following properties:

- At least one signal component is in

Frequency range from 30 to 300 kHz;

- At least one signal component is in

Frequency range from 0.3 to 3 MHz;

- At least one signal component is in

Frequency range from 3 to 30 MHz;

- At least one signal component is in

Frequency range from 30 to 300 MHz;

- At least one signal component is in

Frequency range from 300 MHz to 3 GHz;

- At least one signal component are superimposed

Signals from multiple broadcast stations in one or more of the above

Frequency ranges.

10. Measuring device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized

characterized in that the synchronization unit is a Correlation unit is, in the time differences between a recorded by different detection units (20a, 20b) primary signals (9) via a

Correlation calculation by the corresponding

Detection units (20a, 20b) detected secondary signals (8) are determinable.

11. Measuring device according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the primary signal (9) and the secondary signal (8) are recordable each in a channel, wherein the recording is preferably carried out simultaneously.

12. Measuring device according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that a server (7) is provided, in which the primary signal (9) and the secondary signal (8) can be stored.

13. Measuring device according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that in addition a time signal from the Aufzeichnungseinheit (4a, 4b) is recordable.

14. Measuring device according to one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the primary signal (9) and the secondary signal (8) are recordable at the same time.