Development of a simple defect-detector of water distribution system in buildings

摘要

This study is aimed at developing a simple defect-detector for water supply systems inside buildings that can be located near each faucet to detect accidents and defects of the network concerning water flow rate and water quality. A device, which was composed of a flow meter, a pressure meter and electric conductivity sensor, was set near a faucet of the laboratory to investigate the applicability of the device. Output from the conductivity sensor showed variation suggesting the possibility of the detection of water quality change. Output from the pressure gauge showed variation caused by water level variation in the storage tank suggesting the possibility of monitoring overall water consumption rate in the building. By monitoring friction loss in the pipeline from the storage tank to the faucet, it was found possible to detect leakage from the pipe line.