Project description
Smart leak detection for ageing city water networks
Old water networks in cities such as London, Paris, and Rome are leaking millions of litres of water every day, causing potential damage to infrastructure and wasting resources. Traditional acoustic leak-detection methods are time-consuming and frequently inaccurate. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the WATER-LDL project focuses on how leak signals are generated and altered by aspects of the leak itself, such as pipe material, soil, and leak size. Researchers hope to develop intelligent algorithms from theoretical models, fluid-dynamic simulations, and laboratory tests. The project proposes the development of a real-time monitoring system. These results could redefine leak detection for not just potable water, but also pipelines carrying gas and hydrogen, ultimately resulting in greener urban infrastructure.
Objective
This research project addresses the critical need for improved leak detection, localization, and monitoring in aging water distribution networks (WDNs), particularly in megacities like London, Paris, and Rome. These networks face significant challenges due to environmental degradation and aging infrastructure, resulting in frequent leaks that cause water wastage and infrastructure damage. Current acoustic leak detection methods are labor-intensive and prone to errors, relying heavily on human expertise, which limits their efficiency.
The project aims to go beyond the state-of-the-art by investigating the fundamental mechanisms of leak signal generation in water pipes. By integrating experimental studies, computational fluid dynamics simulations, and theoretical modeling, the research will provide a comprehensive understanding of how leak signals are affected by factors such as pipe properties, soil conditions, and leak characteristics. This knowledge will be used to develop advanced algorithms for leak identification and localization, improving accuracy by filtering out background noise and enhancing time delay estimation.
Furthermore, the project will propose a real-time monitoring strategy for WDNs, enabling proactive leak management and improving water infrastructure sustainability. The interdisciplinary approach combines acoustic and vibration analysis, signal processing, and infrastructure engineering, with collaboration from international academic partners.
The expected outcomes include a universal leak detection model applicable to diverse WDNs, and the development of scalable solutions that can extend to industries such as gas, hydrogen, and oil. This project promises significant contributions to both water conservation and sustainable urban infrastructure.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- social sciences other social sciences development studies
- engineering and technology civil engineering structural engineering hydraulic engineering
You need to log in or register to use this function
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
SO17 1BJ SOUTHAMPTON
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.