Methods of processing a data signal obtained from a sensor sensing a dynamic signal to detect a structural anomaly event are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining signal components attributable to fluid flow at a location within an operational pipeline network; processing the data signal to extract one or more features; characterising the one or more extracted features; and detecting an indication of a structural anomaly event proximal the location depending on the characterisation; wherein the structural anomaly event includes an occurrence and/or further development of a structural anomaly.

Methods of processing a data signal obtained from a sensor sensing a dynamic signal to detect a structural anomaly event are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining signal components attributable to fluid flow at a location within an operational pipeline network; processing the data signal to extract one or more features; characterising the one or more extracted features; and detecting an indication of a structural anomaly event proximal the location depending on the characterisation; wherein the structural anomaly event includes an occurrence and/or further development of a structural anomaly.

A trench-less plug assembly having a fluid release element, further including: a top retaining ring, a bottom retaining ring, a plurality of rods vertically connecting the top retaining ring to the bottom retaining ring. A retaining plug is adapted to traverse vertically along the plurality of rods, and a main fitting adapted for receiving the bottom retaining ring. A gasket is disposed between the main fitting and the retaining plug. The plurality of rods engage the retaining plug with threads, whereby the retaining plug is positioned vertically between the top retaining ring and the bottom retaining ring by rotational movement of the retaining plug. The main fitting is adapted to attach to a main pipeline, and the main fitting is adapted to receive a riser enclosing the fluid release element. In one example, the main fitting attaches to a main pipeline using a saddle.

An apparatus and method for laying pipe in a ditch. The apparatus comprises a mobile platform having a longitudinal central axis. A support extends from the mobile platform and includes a cradle. The cradle supports a weight of a pipe segment in alignment with the central longitudinal axis of the mobile platform as the pipe laying apparatus transports the pipe segment to a location where the pipe segment is to be placed and as the pipe laying apparatus offloads the pipe segment at the location where the pipe segment is to be placed in the ditch.

System and method for implementing water conservation is disclosed. The water conservation system may comprise a plurality of solenoid valves, a plurality of water outlet points, one or more grey water tanks, a city water source, water pumps, timers, and a plurality of sensors. The sensors may include water level detection sensors, temperature detection sensors, solenoid valve sensors, pump control sensors, and the like. A control unit comprising a memory and a processor may be configured to control the working of the water conservation system. Data received from various components and sensors are processed to determine an operation to be performed by the system. The operations include fire control, excess grey water removal, or standard irrigation. The control unit activates a combination of solenoid valves and pumps to route water from grey water tanks and/or city water source depending upon the operation to be performed.

System and method for implementing water conservation is disclosed. The water conservation system may comprise a plurality of solenoid valves, a plurality of water outlet points, one or more grey water tanks, a city water source, water pumps, timers, and a plurality of sensors. The sensors may include water level detection sensors, temperature detection sensors, solenoid valve sensors, pump control sensors, and the like. A control unit comprising a memory and a processor may be configured to control the working of the water conservation system. Data received from various components and sensors are processed to determine an operation to be performed by the system. The operations include fire control, excess grey water removal, or standard irrigation. The control unit activates a combination of solenoid valves and pumps to route water from grey water tanks and/or city water source depending upon the operation to be performed.

Techniques for controlling water pressure at a plurality of water customer service sites are described. In an example, a first plurality of water service sites having water pressure values greater than a first threshold value are identified. A second plurality of water service sites having pressure values less than a second threshold value are identified. Valves controlling water flow to respective customer service sites within the first and second pluralities of water service sites are adjusted. The adjustments increase water pressure in the second plurality of water service sites to a pressure above a minimal target pressure. The adjustment maintains the water pressure of the first plurality of service sites above the minimal target pressure. In an example, groups of water service sites are associated with respective water mains and/or water pressure sensors. Information shared between groups may assist in adjusting water valves within the water system.

Techniques for controlling water pressure at a plurality of water customer service sites are described. In an example, a first plurality of water service sites having water pressure values greater than a first threshold value are identified. A second plurality of water service sites having pressure values less than a second threshold value are identified. Valves controlling water flow to respective customer service sites within the first and second pluralities of water service sites are adjusted. The adjustments increase water pressure in the second plurality of water service sites to a pressure above a minimal target pressure. The adjustment maintains the water pressure of the first plurality of service sites above the minimal target pressure. In an example, groups of water service sites are associated with respective water mains and/or water pressure sensors. Information shared between groups may assist in adjusting water valves within the water system.

A method is provided for placing sensors in a fluid distribution network by simulating network operating scenarios; by determining candidate sets of sensor positions; by determining the measurements of each sensor in each scenario, and the detection of associated anomalies; by attributing a score to each candidate set of sensor positions, representing the capacity of the sensors placed in the positions of the set to accomplish a mission. Finally, the candidate sets are modified using so-called genetic algorithms until a stop criterion is validated. The genetic algorithms can for example consist in crossing over or mutating candidate sets.

A method for controlling conditions within a liquid conduit system. The method comprising: defining a zone within the liquid conduit system, wherein pressure within the zone is influenced by one or more actuator valves; controlling the one or more actuator valves in dependence on a Pareto efficient solution to the minimisation of functions of the average pressure within the zone (AZP) and the pressure variability within the zone (PVZ).