Leak Detection Experts Help Plumbers Discover Leaks: 7 Modern Detection Methods Used

Underground leaks are hard to detect because they are hidden, which means they can have extended contamination and pollution effects if left unfixed for long. The below modern ways of detecting leaks ensure you catch any leaks early enough to prevent loss of pressure on oils, gases and liquid systems.

Using Fiber Optics Cable

This leak detection method uses a cable that senses underground leaks and then transmits an electrical signal to an alarm, which will alert plumbers of a leak. The cable, which is plugged into a pipeline, uses a sensor capable of detecting any changes caused by a leaking liquid or gas coming out of a pipeline to the surroundings.  

The Radioactivity Method

Leak detection experts pump radioactive gases into the piping system after removing the liquid being transported. These gases — called radioisotopes — will follow the pipeline path until they reach a crack or fault, through which they will then come out. Gas trace detectors will then be used to find out the leaking points.  

The Mass Spectrometry Method

Leaks on gas pipelines are challenging to detect even using the most effective methods for liquid pipeline systems. The process is hard because gases do not flow with uniform pressure along the pipelines, yet most other leak detection methods employ pressure. Two, because components such as dyes used in some liquid leak detection systems might dissolve or react with gases when applied on gas pipelines. 

Mass spectrometer focuses on gas pressure while detecting leaks.

Monitoring the Flow Pressure of the Liquid

This method involves measuring liquid pressure between two different points along a pipeline. You suspect a leak if there is a drop in pressure between the points. This method works for leak detection when the liquid under transit is expected to move at a constant pressure along the pipeline; otherwise, it will not be helpful. 

Leak detection professionals squirt solvents in places they suspect to have leaks and then measure pressure changes between two points on the opposite sides of the suspected leakage point. 

The Dye Method

Injecting a low-viscosity dye in a liquid pipeline system under very high pressure helps professionals quickly detect leaks and cracks on these systems. You can notice dye at the leaking points. The plumbers are able to fix the problems with ease.

Acoustic Wave Detection 

Since a leak will disturb the flow of a liquid along a pipeline, the disturbance will cause a change in pressure, and acoustic waves can detect these changes, however slight they are. 

Thermography Method

This method relies on detecting temperature changes caused by a leaking gas or liquid. It uses infrared radiometric tests.   

Leak detection experts can use different leak detection methods to help plumber locate where fixing is needed. From dye penetration on simple projects to mass spectrometry for complex pipeline projects, these methods are just meant to make plumber's work easier. 

For more information, contact a leak detection service today.