Abstract
Pipeline leakages, bursts, and blockages are issues that are experienced by many urban communities globally and locally. These issues emerge from numerous variables such as pipe deterioration and human-instigated assembly faults. Leakages and bursts of the pipelines are some of the major causes of the increased scarcity of drinking water. These pipeline issues do not only affect the society but also apply pressure to the economy and the environment. As such, these issues need an undivided attention to prevent them from escalating. This study proposes a system design of an acoustic monitoring system for pipeline leakages, bursts, and blockages. To achieve this, a review of the existing methods and models for pipeline monitoring was conducted. Comparison of existing methods was based on system characteristics, i.e., operation efficiency, maintenance efficiency, ease of installation, cost efficiency, energy efficiency, and overall reliability. These characteristics form part of the most vital characteristics of a system concerning its reliability. To better propose the best solution, the social, environmental, and economic influences of the above-mentioned pipeline issues are just as important to consider. A comparative analysis on the performance of the existing models and systems was performed to provide the best guide in determining the best model in pipeline monitoring for leakages, bursts, and blockages. These systems include a) Conventional and Visual Method, b) Wireless Sensor Network Systems, c) Acoustic Monitoring Systems Based on WSNs, d) Sound Variation Vibration Sensor Systems, e) SmartPipe Based on WSNs Approach, f) ADIGE Method, g) SPAMMS System, h). EARNPIPE Systems, and i) Magnetic Induction Based WSNs (MISE-PIPE). Comparisons made were based on other works by different authors, no empirical measurements were taken. A framework was then proposed and executed to examine the best design for monitoring pipelines. Based on available methods and models, the model proposed in this paper is a hybrid model which combines the best of what the existing models can offer to monitor a pipeline under and above ground. Many existing models can only manage to perform task exceptionally but with a lot of drawbacks on other features such as burst detection. The combination of the most efficient models to a single model comes with a lot of benefits and less drawbacks. As with any system in existence, a maintenance plan is needed and was discussed to ensure the best operation of the system.