Design criteria and performance analysis of a smart portable device for leak detection in water transmission mains

In this paper, criteria for the optimal and market-oriented design of the Smart-Portable Pressure Wave Maker (S-PPWM) device are presented. The outlined criteria are based on the positive results obtained both in laboratory and real systems. The S-PPWM can be used for fault (e.g., leak) detection in pressurized transmission mains (TMs) within the so-called Transient Test-Based Techniques. The proposed design procedure addresses two crucial issues: i) to minimize the volume (and then improving the portability), and ii) to allow evaluating easily the minimum detectable leak, for a given test TM. Such a procedure takes into account the characteristics and functioning conditions of the test TM. In such a context, the safety of the test TM in terms of the maximum generated overpressures and air entry prevention during transient tests is taken into account.

Automated summary

This paper presents the criteria for optimal and market-oriented design of the Smart-Portable Pressure Wave Maker (S-PPWM) device, which is used for fault detection in pressurized transmission mains through Transient Test-Based Techniques. The design procedure focuses on minimizing volume for improved portability and easily evaluating the minimum detectable leak for a given test TM, while ensuring the safety of the test TM in terms of maximum generated overpressures and air entry prevention during transient tests.