Pipeline leak detection device and method
View Patent ↗A pipeline leak detection device for detecting leaks in a pipe includes a sensor assembly guided into a pipe to detect evidence of a leak, and a position assessing device provides an indication of a location of the sensor assembly. The sensor assembly may be a hydrophone, and the position assessing device may be a guide wire with markings for measuring lengths of the guide wire, or a transmitter. An injector plug can be inserted in an access port of the pipe to create a liquid tight seal for insertion of the sensor assembly. A pressurizing device may also be connected to the access port to pressurize the pipe.
1. A system for detecting leaks in a pipe having an access port, the system comprising:
a hose connecting a pressurizing device connected to the access port of the pipe, the pressurizing device providing pressure within the pipe through the access port;
a sensor assembly configured to be inserted in the pipe to detect vibrations of a leak in the pipe;
a guiding device connected to the sensor assembly, the guiding device being configured to guide the sensor assembly until the vibrations detected by the sensor assembly from the leak are at a maximum; and
a position locating device connected to the sensor assembly, the position locating device being configured to determine a location of the sensor assembly.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the hose includes a pressure gauge that displays the pressure within the pipe.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the hose includes a valve for controlling the pressure within the pipe.
4. The system of claim 3 wherein the pressurizing device is a water faucet.
5. The system of claim 3 wherein the pressurizing device is a compressor.
6. The system of claim 3 wherein the pressurizing device is a pressure rig.
7. The system of claim 3 further comprising an electromagnetic transmitter attached to the sensor assembly configured to provide an indication of a location of the transmitter.
8. A method of detecting leaks in a pipe comprising:
inserting a sensor assembly into the pipe, the sensor assembly being configured to detect vibrations caused by a leak;
guiding the sensor assembly to a location within the pipe where the vibrations detected by the sensor assembly are at a maximum; and
locating a location of the sensor assembly where the vibrations detected by the sensor assembly is at a maximum.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein the step of guiding the sensor assembly further comprises:
pushing a guide wire that is connected to the sensor assembly into the pipe.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the step of locating a location of the sensor assembly comprises measuring a length of the guide wire.
11. The method of claim 8 wherein the step of locating a location of the sensor assembly comprises determining a location of an electromagnetic signal transmitter attached to the sensor assembly with a receiver.
12. The method of claim 11 further comprising adding pressure within the pipe.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the step of adding pressure within the pipe comprises connecting a pressure rig to the pipe.