Prospective Study of Technologies for Detection of Leaks in Water Supply Networks

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Recent crisis scenarios in water supply systems in Brazil have reinforced the discussions on more efficient management of water resources, from capture to end use. In this context, losses reductions in water distribution systems are of vital importance with direct impact on resource availability for users and revenue generation for service providers. The objective of this work is to carry out a technological prospection for leak detection solutions in water supply networks. Through bibliographical and patent research, it was sought to gather useful information to present the technological panorama, both nationally and internationally. The collected data were submitted to quantitative and qualitative analyzes directed to the temporal evolution of publications and deposits, information about depositors or authors and the type of technological solution proposed. The survey revealed that domestic and foreign companies operating in the Brazilian market do not prioritize the protection of their technologies. Results with tools from international databases have revealed substantial and increasing numbers of patent deposits focusing on measurement technologies carried out by large companies based in Japan. Scientific publications on the subject have also demonstrated a substantial and growing number of articles originated in large part by institutions from China and the United States to America, related to Engineering and Environmental Science areas.