Development of Leak Detection System for PVC Pipeline Through Vibro-Acoustic Emission

Daniel C. Ferino, Raniel P. Jose, John Revilo M. Ochoa, Vincci V. Villamiel, Jasper Meynard P. Arana

Abstract: Water loss in pipeline network is often referred to as non-revenue water (NRW), water that is produced in a network but never reaches the consumer. This is due to the leakage of water pipeline networks which have not been properly manage, damage through natural calamities, theft or unauthorized consumption. This paper focuses on the detection of leaks in water distribution polyvinyl chloride pipes using vibration sensors and Fast Fourier Transform technique. Vibration sensors were used to monitor the vibrations caused by the flow of water in the pipeline network and detect the possible changes in vibrations which means a leakage might be present. The changes in the vibrations in terms of acceleration (g) detected by the sensors helps identifying the location of the leakage and the system specifies how strong the leakage based on the received vibrations. Form the results of the experiments, the designed leak detection system shows promising result in determining the location and severity of the leak.