Project Title: Leak Detection Methods for Plastic Water Distribution Pipes

Project Number: 393

Principal Investigator: Osama Hunaidi
Objectives: The main objective of this research project was to investigate the effectiveness of
commonly used acoustic leak detection equipment, in particular leak noise correlators, for
locating leaks in plastic water distribution pipes. Emphasis was placed on evaluating the methods
on which the equipment is based not on comparing different equipment makes. Objectives of
the research also included:

World-wide survey of leak-detection equipment

Characterization of leak sounds in plastic pipes

Identification of necessary improvements to existing equipment and procedures

Evaluation of the potential of alternative non-acoustic technologies from other

industries
Background: Economic pressure, concern over public health risk and simply the need to
conserve water impel water system operators to implement leakage control programs. Effective
leak detection methods and equipment are needed by water system operators in their efforts to
control leakage. For plastic pipes, the effectiveness of existing methods is not well established
nor has it been well documented by the water industry. These pipes, however, are being
increasingly used in many water distribution systems in North America and around the world.
This project was undertaken in response to the need for effective detection methods by water
utilities in their effort to control water leakage.
Highlights: Commercial modern leak noise correlators were generally found to be capable of
locating leaks in PVC pipes. In view of the findings of this project, however, several
improvements could be incorporated into existing equipment and field procedures to increase
their effectiveness, e.g., revision of automatic mode algorithms, use of higher sensitivity sensors
especially in the case of accelerometers, and the use of low-frequency signal components. The
results of the project also indicated that initial surveys for leaks using listening devices at access
points only may not be effective due to the high attenuation rate of leak signals in plastic pipes
instead, high resolution surveys using ground microphones may need to be performed. Several
alternative non-acoustic methods were found to be promising, e.g., thermography, groundpenetrating radar, and tracer gas.
Approach: The research involved extensive field tests that were performed at a specially
constructed leak-detection facility at the National Research Council (NRC) in Ottawa, Canada.
Several types of leaks were simulated in a buried test pipe including those from service
connections, faulty joints, and longitudinal cracks. Evaluation of acoustic leak detection
equipment and alternative methods was performed by inviting several experienced leak-detection
teams and experienced equipment users to take part in blind tests at the NRC facility. In
addition, extensive tests were carried out using a laboratory-grade state-of-the-art vibration
measurement and analysis system. The purpose of these tests was to determine the characteristics
of leak signals in plastic pipes; to evaluate the effect of site conditions, instrumentation, and
signal processing parameters on leak location accuracy using the cross-correlation method.

Results/Findings: The main results of the blind leak detection tests using acoustic equipment
were as follows.

Leak noise correlators when operated in automatic mode, rarely succeeded in

locating leaks.

In general, operators tended to move filter settings to a higher range when no

definite cross-correlation peak was obtained. For plastic pipes, however, low filter
settings are needed.

Vibration sensors were only effective in locating leaks over 20 l/min. Hydrophones
had to be used to locate small leaks, e.g., joint leak at 6 l/min.

Operators were not able to hear leak sounds using headsets attached to correlators.
They were extremely surprised, therefore, when they obtained good cross-correlation
because they believed that if no noise is heard, there should be no leak.

Listening equipment was not effective unless sensors were very close to the leak
source, roughly within 5 m.
Leak signals were characterized by a low-frequency content (mostly below 50 Hz) and
high attenuation rate (approximately 0.25 dB/m). Accelerometers having a sensitivity of only 1
V/g were found to be as effective as hydrophones. Optimum cross-correlation results were
obtained with leak signals band-pass filtered between 15 to 100 Hz. This range, however, may
have to be slightly changed depending on the pipe size and type, and site conditions.
Impact: The findings of this research project will have a lasting impact on leak detection for
plastic water pipes. The project has achieved its objectives and established conditions and
procedures for effectively locating leaks using acoustic methods, mainly the cross-correlation
method. Recommendations were made for improvement of equipment and field procedures that
will help both manufacturers and leak detection teams increase the effectiveness of the
equipment and field procedures. This will in turn help water utilities realize the many benefits of
effective leak detection. The project also yielded valuable information about potential of
alternative technologies. It is recommended that alternative technologies, especially
thermography and ground-penetrating radar, be further investigated. These could be effective for
leak surveys of transmission pipes and rural distribution systems.
Participating Utilities:

Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton

Louisville Water Company