Enabling Communications for Buried Pipe Networks

Real-time measurements are needed to better inform the operation of existing pipe networks. While modern sensors enable the measurement of a vast number of physical parameters, there presently exists no reliable means by which to transmit real-time measurements from hard-to-access, underground locations. Due to severe signal attenuation, the depth of most pipelines renders traditional radio communication schemes inadequate. Furthermore, a wired alternative is often infeasible due to cost and physical constraints. We present a novel method to enable wireless communications in buried pipe networks. Rather than using traditional radio communications, our technique transmits digital data through the actual water-filled pipe, leveraging existing infrastructure to enable long-term deployments of underground wireless sensor networks. The system consists of sensor nodes that can be magnetically clipped to valves and access points, thus easily permitting the retroactive instrumentation of existing underground pipe system for applications such as leak detection. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the underground pipe transmission channel and validate through experimental data the feasibility of transmitting data-encoded guided waves through buried, fluid-filled conduits across distances of more than 70 m.