Investigation on the detection of water leaks in small-diameter polyethylene pipes using Acoustic Emission signals

Active control of water losses is an essential strategy to increase the efficiency of urban water supply systems. This work deals with the early detection of leaks occurring in small-diameter service pipes of water distribution networks. Preliminary experiments were conducted in a test facility to assess the sensitivity of Acoustic Emission methods to leaking water flows. Acoustic Emission measurements were performed on an unburied polyethylene pipe with artificially generated leaks. A good correlation between several monitored parameters and the characteristics of the examined leaks could be identified. Key-Words: Leak detection, Acoustic Emission, service pipe, water supply network