Transient test-based campaigns for leak detection in
pipe systems are attractive because they are quick and
inexpensive. When dealing with real pipe systems, frequent
challenges occur stemming from the poor availability
of suitable contact points and valves for generating
transient tests. Key concerns involve accessibility of contact
points and device maneuverability. Thus, there is a
need for a portable and easy-to-use device that does not
entail overly sophisticated support instrumentation
beyond that required for registering the pressure signal.
This research examines a portable pressure wavemaker
(PPWM) device that has been refined and
tested at the water engineering laboratory in the
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
at the University of Perugia, Italy. The authors discuss
how the PPWM works, the best way to arrange it to
execute transient tests in order to have a good-quality
pressure signal, and the amplitude of the produced
pressure wave for given device conditions and pipe
characteristics. Includes 27 references, table, figures.