Leak detection through microwave reflectometry: From laboratory to practical implementation

This work aims at assessing the practical applicability of an innovative time domain reflectometry (TDR)-based system for leak localization in underground pipes. For this purpose, two laboratory experiments were carried out. The first experiment (E1) allowed assessing the reliability of the TDR system in presence of two simultaneous leakage-like conditions. The second experiment (E2), which was also carried out in presence of two leaks, allowed assessing the possible effect of the type of soil on the performance of the leak-detection system. Results show that, differently from traditional leak detection methods, the TDR-based system can correctly localize the presence of two simultaneous, closely-spaced leaks and that the type of soil has very little influence on the performance of the system. Finally, in this work, the practical implementation of the system in urban areas is also addressed, thus highlighting the steps to maximize the effectiveness of the system.