This photo shows the new universal correlation-acoustic system developed by TDI at a staion of Mekorot, Israel's national water supplier, during a network inspection
This is a universal computerized correlation-acoustic mobile system for inspection of metallic and non-metallic water pipelines for the detection and pinpointing of underground water leaks. This project has been implemented to the level of a working system with very high characteristics.
This system includes 3 separate products / components, designed for the 3 corresponding stages of the leak identification and location process, as well as an additional self-test program for correlation system testing.
Universal correlation system: 2 pairs sensors for different types of pipes on correlator's laptop.
A. A detector with replaceable sensors for detecting leaks in pipelines made of various materials and with special signal processing. Such a working detector is designed and created; it is used in practice to detect leaks in water pipelines. Additionally, a special program has been developed for signal processing for plastic pipes and large diameter pipes.
B. An universal correlation system based on a laptop / tablet for accurate pinpointing leaks in metallic and non-metallic water pipelines.
Such a working prototype of the correlation system has been developed, designed and created; it is constantly used in practice to pinpoint leaks in water pipelines Additionally, a special algorithm has been developed for the cross-correlation signal processing program, which provides a significant refinement of the frequency band when calculating the cross-correlation, which can significantly improve the accuracy of pinpointing the leak.
In the case of weak signals ,for example ,when working on plastic pipes. It is possible to connect to neural network using their powerful recources to process such signals
C. An ultra-sensitive ground detector for listening and detecting leaks through the surface with special signal processing, which ensures of even weak leakage signals against a background of strong noise. Such working ultra-sensitive ground detector is developed and created. A special algorithm has been developed for the signal processing program, which makes it possible to detect, measure and listen after processing and detecting weak signals from leaks against the background of strong ambient noise.
The technical solutions contained this ground detection system is patentable.
D. A test system built on based on a laptop / tablet supplied with a test program 2-channel generator of various types of generating noise signals, including white and band-pass with adjustable time delay between channels, frequency range, and bandwidth in the generated frequency spectrum and amplitude. The system provides the ability to test correlation systems both built on the same laptop/tablet and other correlation systems, both ones that are built on the same laptop/tablet, as well as other correlation systems.
Three modifications of the correlation system have been developed:
• Modification 1.
A system with radio signal transmission from sensors to the correlator's computer (laptop/tablet) - used by TDI for service provision;
• Modification 2.
A system containing two synchronized computers, each connected to a sensor, that enables leak location on segments of unlimited length and in conditions where radio signal is blocked - used by TDI for service provision;
• Modification 3.
A system with its own local network (development is ongoing)
Modification 2. The system for correlation leak pinpointing on the pipe segments of unlimited length
At present, the company has completed intensive R&D to give the created system new characteristics in terms of a virtually unlimited length of the tested pipe section.
The updated system has passed the field-testing stage and is beginning to be used to check pipeline segments of unlimited length
Such a system would be extremely useful for detecting and pinpointing leaks in main transit pipelines.
the sensor installed on valve connected to the laptop for the mainly line testing (segment 380 m).
As of today, none of the existing systems on the world market have such characteristics and in this property the system will surpass all the best world models.
The technical solutions contained this universal computerized correlation-acoustic mobile system provide it with characteristics, in particular in terms of sensitivity and accuracy, higher than the world's best water-saving systems.
Currently, the developer, TDI, aims to bring this system to a commercial level so that it successfully competes with global brands and sells well on the global market.