Development of a Sensor for Leak Detection in Underground Water Pipelines

The development of a sensor for leak detection in underground water pipes is presented. The sensor aims at overcoming some limitations in the TDR-based leak detection method which has been intensely studied and applied in recent years, essentially linked to the need for continuous monitoring of pipes, and the problem of interpretation of reflectograms when the dielectric constant of the soil changes along the length of the pipe. The sensor is designed to be easily built with 3D printing, easily inserted in a coaxial cable, and to change meaningfully the transmitted power of a microwave signal when a meaningful amount of water is present. Simulation results demonstrate that the designed device has a regular behavior and a good sensitivity