Real Time Water Pipes Leak Detection Using EM Waves for the Water Industry

This project concerns the use of an electromagnetic sensor for the detection of leaks/cracks in water pipes. As old metal pipes corrode, they start to become brittle, resulting in the potential for cracks to appear in the pipes. In addition the corrosion can build up resulting in a restricted flow of water in the pipe. By using an electromagnetic sensor to monitor in real time the signal reflected from the pipes, this will provide the necessary information to determine where a leak in the pipe has a problem because of the change in the reflected signal. By analysing the reflected signal, we can determine the condition of leak within the pipe, and therefore can report back to the operator. This paper presents an overview of the system designed, and also its construction in a scale suitable for insertion into a 100 mm diameter water pipe.