Analysis of water supply pipe leakage causes and leakage detection methods

As an important part of urban infrastructure, water supply pipelines have a direct impact on the normal water consumption of residents and enterprises. However, water supply pipe leakage has been a major problem in urban water supply system, which not only causes waste of water resources, but also increases the operating costs of water supply enterprises. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the main causes of water supply pipe leakage and explore effective leakage detection methods, with a view to improving the efficiency and stability of urban water supply system to provide reference.

First, the main reasons for water supply pipe leakage

1.1 Leakage caused by water supply pipe materials

Water supply pipe materials are diverse, including steel pipe, cast iron pipe, PVC pipe, PE pipe and ductile iron pipe. Pipes made of different materials have their own advantages and disadvantages, but there is a potential risk of water leakage. Cast iron pipes are prone to cracking and leaking under external action due to their brittleness and vibration intolerance; steel pipes are prone to leaking due to corrosion; and plastic pipes may leak due to aging. In contrast, ductile iron pipe and prestressed concrete pipe can significantly reduce the risk of water leakage due to their excellent performance, and have become the preferred choice of many water supply companies.

1.2 Water supply pipe interface leakage

 Pipe interface is a high incidence of water leakage area, mainly due to the construction quality is not up to standard. Green lead interface lead filling process if there are bubbles or not playing in place, will lead to the interface is not dense and leakage. Pipe base is not stable will also trigger the interface dark leakage. In addition, different materials pipeline cross connection, such as ductile iron pipe and cast iron pipe, steel pipe, etc., if not handled properly is also prone to leakage. High-quality construction and installation is essential to reduce interface leakage.

1.3 water supply pipe valve leakage

Valve leakage should not be ignored, its main causes include internal welding defects, connection is not secure and other quality issues, as well as media corrosion, impact, particles and impurities clogging and other problems in the operation process. Valve sealing parts such as flange sealing and packing seal once failed, will directly lead to water leakage. Therefore, the selection of reliable quality valves and strengthen the maintenance is to prevent the valve leakage of important measures.

Second, water pipeline leakage detection methods

2.1 Reasonable use of visual observation

Visual observation is the most simple and direct leakage detection method, by observing whether the ground seepage, drainage wells whether there is water outflow and other phenomena, you can initially determine whether there is a water leakage water pipeline. Although this method is simple, but limited by the observation range and accuracy, suitable for preliminary screening and auxiliary positioning.

2.2 Adopt audio method leakage detection

Audio leakage detection is a method of utilizing the sound produced when the pipe leaks to locate. The sound of water leakage is usually large, but the sound is weak when the pipe is broken. Therefore, when using the audio method of leak detection, it is necessary to combine with the actual situation to make a judgment. Pipeline leak detector is a common tool for audio method leak detection, including valve spigot listening method and road surface listening method. Valve spigot listening is mainly used to lock the leakage pipe section, while road surface listening is used to precisely locate the leakage point. The audio method of leakage detection has the advantages of high efficiency and accurate positioning, which is an important means of leakage detection for water supply pipes.

Conclusion and Recommendation

Water supply pipe leakage problems are complex and diverse, and need to be comprehensively prevented and controlled from various aspects such as pipe selection, construction quality, valve quality and maintenance. In terms of leakage detection, visual observation and audio method should be flexibly used, combined with the actual situation to develop a scientific and reasonable leakage detection program. At the same time, strengthen the daily inspection and maintenance of the water supply system, timely detection and treatment of potential leakage hazards, to ensure the safe and stable operation of the urban water supply system.

In the future, with the progress of science and technology and the application of intelligent technology, water supply pipe leakage detection technology will be constantly upgraded and improved. Through the introduction of advanced sensor technology, data analysis technology and artificial intelligence algorithms, it is expected to realize real-time monitoring of water supply pipe leakage and intelligent early warning, providing more efficient and accurate technical support for the management and maintenance of urban water supply system.