Innovative Concepts
Two independent leak detection devices have been developed for the purpose of this project. The innovation introduced by LEAKING, is the integration of the following advanced microwave detection techniques for the enhancement of system performance.
- Microwave radiometry sensor technology is applied to leak detection and leakage volume assessment. The operational principle of this device consists of exploiting the dependence of chaotic radiation emission upon the conductance and temperature of matter. The presence of a leakage modifies the conductance and temperature of the surrounding soil, thus modifying the received signal significantly. In order to achieve sufficient observation depths, the L-Band and S-Band of the microwave spectrum are used.
- A microwave Continuous Wave Radar (CW Radar) has been used to detect the Doppler Shift of the received signal more accurately than acoustic devices do, and it is appropriate for all types of pipe materials.
- The above methods are complementary and usable in both metallic and plastic or cement pipelines.
- The equipment will be placed on a carriage trolley that will advance on the ground searching for leaks. It is estimated that 8 hours are sufficient for the coverage of 30Km of pipelines.
