Non-Destructive Visual-Statistical Approach to Detect Leaks in Water Mains

Authors: Alaa Al Hawari, Mohammad Khader, Tarek Zayed, Osama Moselhi

Abstract:

In this paper, an effective non-destructive, noninvasive approach for leak detection was proposed. The process relies on analyzing thermal images collected by an IR viewer device that captures thermo-grams. In this study a statistical analysis of the collected thermal images of the ground surface along the expected leak location followed by a visual inspection of the thermo-grams was performed in order to locate the leak. In order to verify the applicability of the proposed approach the predicted leak location from the developed approach was compared with the real leak location. The results showed that the expected leak location was successfully identified with an accuracy of more than 95%.

Keywords: Thermography, Leakage, Water pipelines, Thermograms.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1099818

References:

[1] M. Farley, G. Wyeth, Z. B. K. Ghazali, A. Istandar, S. Singh. The manager’s non-revenue water handbook: a guide to understanding water losses. Ranhill Utilities Berhad and the United States Agency for International Development, Bangkok, Thailand (2008).
[2] H.E. Babbitt, The detection of leaks in underground pipes. Journal of AWWA (1920), vol. 7, 589-595.
[3] J. M. Alkasseh, M. N. Adlan, I. Abustan, H. A. Aziz, A. B. M. Hanif. Applying minimum night flow to estimate water loss using statistical modeling: A case study in Kinta Valley, Malaysia. Water Resour. Manage. (2013) vol 27, 1439–1455.
[4] Z. Zangenehmadar, O. Moselhi. Study of leak detection technologies in water distribution networks. In: General conference 2014 de la SCGC (2014), 28-31st May, Halifax, Canada.
[5] P. Van Thienen. A method for quantitative discrimination in flow pattern evolution of water distribution supply areas with interpretation in terms of demand and leakage. J. Hydroinform. (2013) vol. 15 (1), 86– 102.
[6] Ofwat, 2008. International comparison – leakage. Available from: http://www.ofwat.gov.uk/regulating/reporting/rpt_int_08leakageintro.
[1] M. Farley, G. Wyeth, Z. B. K. Ghazali, A. Istandar, S. Singh. The manager’s non-revenue water handbook: a guide to understanding water losses. Ranhill Utilities Berhad and the United States Agency for International Development, Bangkok, Thailand (2008).
[2] H.E. Babbitt, The detection of leaks in underground pipes. Journal of AWWA (1920), vol. 7, 589-595.
[3] J. M. Alkasseh, M. N. Adlan, I. Abustan, H. A. Aziz, A. B. M. Hanif. Applying minimum night flow to estimate water loss using statistical modeling: A case study in Kinta Valley, Malaysia. Water Resour. Manage. (2013) vol 27, 1439–1455.
[4] Z. Zangenehmadar, O. Moselhi. Study of leak detection technologies in water distribution networks. In: General conference 2014 de la SCGC (2014), 28-31st May, Halifax, Canada.
[5] P. Van Thienen. A method for quantitative discrimination in flow pattern evolution of water distribution supply areas with interpretation in terms of demand and leakage. J. Hydroinform. (2013) vol. 15 (1), 86– 102.
[6] Ofwat, 2008. International comparison – leakage. Available from: http://www.ofwat.gov.uk/regulating/reporting/rpt_int_08leakageintro.
[7] K. James, S.L. Campbell, C. E. Godlove, 2002. Watergy: Taking advantage of untapped energy and water efficiency opportunities in municipal water systems. Alliance to Save Energy, Washington DC, USA.
[8] M. Fahmy, O. Moselhi. Automated Detection and Location of Leaks in Water Mains Using Infrared Photography, Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities (2010) vol. 24: 242-248.