Understanding Acoustic Emission Testing- Reading 1 Part B-A

CONCLUSIONS
In the last fifteen years the use of acoustic emission techniques has shown
that leaks can be accurately identified and localised much faster than with
any conventional method.
These experiences in leakage detection and location have proved that the
application of acoustic techniques gives Water industry the most effective
tools of conserving precious water resources.
In particular, the use of cross-correlation to detect and locate the leaks on
underground pipelines has gained larger and larger approval within the water
industry, because it offers a more accurate location of the leak, less
dependence from operator interpretation and it can be used in very noisy
conditions.
The obtainable benefits due to the application of the considered technique
are dependent on the care and manner in which it is applied and the results
are as good as the operators strictly observe the guideline.
With the application of the "noise loggers" which record typical noises in the
network during low consumption hours at night is now possible the permanent
acoustic monitoring of the distribution network. This new technology will help
to achieve further leakage reduction without increasing the costs for water
leak detection.
Charlie Chong/ Fion Zhang
http://www.ndt.net/article/wcndt00/papers/idn183/idn183.htm