A regional council in New South Wales faced a challenge in managing their extensive network of trunk mains, particularly those located in remote and rural areas.
These critical pipelines, responsible for transporting large volumes of water, had never been inspected for leaks, raising concerns about potential water loss and the risk of unexpected failures. Traditional leak detection methods often involve less effective acoustic solutions or costly inline inspections, making them impractical for remote areas with limited access.
Aqua Analytics was engaged to conduct a comprehensive leak detection survey on 6.3 kilometres of trunk mains using the TM2 Correlator.
This advanced acoustic technology offered a non-invasive and efficient solution for identifying leaks in challenging environments and where pipe materials are non-metallic or they are of larger diameter (typically >DN400).
The methodology for trunk main leak detection included:
Aqua Analytics’ utilisation of the TM2 Correlator provided a cost-effective and efficient solution for inspecting the council’s remote trunk mains.
The non-invasive technology allowed for accurate leak detection without disrupting service or requiring more expensive internal leak detection tools such as AquaSnake or AquaSphere.
This project highlights the value of proactive leak detection in managing critical water infrastructure, ensuring efficient water delivery and minimising potential risks.
Aqua Analytics has a range of trunk main leak detection tools to help water utilities and asset owners manage their large diameter pipeline inventory.
An engineering consultant, engaged by a water utility to investigate an asbestos cement (AC) water main break, required accurate and timely data on the pipe’s remaining wall thickness.
This information was crucial for determining the root cause of the failure and providing recommendations for future prevention. Traditional methods of assessing pipe wall thickness can be time-consuming and destructive, potentially compromising the integrity of the failed pipe section.
Faced with this challenge, the consultant turned to Aqua Analytics and their innovative PipeScanner technology (licensed from Acquaint).
PipeScanner offers a non-destructive solution for assessing the remaining wall thickness of pipes, providing accurate and quantifiable data without causing further damage to the already compromised pipe section.
Unlike traditional methods that can be time-consuming and may require cutting or damaging the pipe, PipeScanner utilises ultrasonic pulses to measure wall thickness. This advanced technology allows for quick and precise measurements, minimising disruption to the consultant’s investigation and preserving the pipe’s integrity for further analysis.
By employing PipeScanner, Aqua Analytics could provide the engineering consultant with the critical data needed to understand the pipe’s condition and determine the underlying causes of the failure. This information would be crucial in developing recommendations for preventing future incidents and ensuring the long-term reliability of the trunk water main.
Aqua Analytics’ rapid response and utilisation of PipeScanner technology provided the engineering consultant with critical data for their water main failure investigation.
The accurate and timely assessment of the pipe’s remaining wall thickness enabled the consultant to determine the cause of the failure and offer informed recommendations for preventing future incidents. This case study highlights the value of innovative technologies like PipeScanner in supporting efficient and effective pipeline failure forensics irrespective of the pipeline material.
Airports, as bustling hubs of activity, rely on intricate water infrastructure networks to support their multifaceted operations. During routine resurfacing work, a critical water supply line at this major airport developed a leak, jeopardising the smooth functioning of essential services. The leak posed a serious threat of disruption to flight schedules, passenger services, and the airport’s overall operational efficiency. The urgency of the situation, coupled with the necessity to minimise disruption during peak hours, required a swift and specialised night-work solution.
Recognising the criticality of the situation, the airport turned to Aqua Analytics. Understanding the unique challenges of working within a high-stakes environment like an airport, and with the appropriate security clearances, Aqua Analytics swiftly mobilised. Our approach required:
Client Quote: “We entrusted Aqua Analytics with monitoring several water mains during our two-week HDD project. Their daily reports gave the water utility the assurance they needed, confirming our work caused no damage. We will definitely use Aqua Analytics again in the future.”
The successful resolution of this leak at a major Sydney airport underscores the criticality of robust water infrastructure for seamless airport operations. Aqua Analytics’ swift response and expertise in leak detection averted potential disruptions to essential services, demonstrating the importance of proactive water supply management in high-stakes environments.
Airports, as complex and dynamic hubs, require specialised solutions to maintain the integrity of their water pipelines. Aqua Analytics offers a comprehensive suite of services, including real-time leak monitoring, pipeline condition assessment, and data-driven insights, enabling airports to safeguard their critical water infrastructure, minimise downtime, and ensure operational continuity. By partnering with Aqua Analytics, airports can proactively manage their water networks, optimise maintenance, and reduce costs, ultimately enhancing the passenger experience and contributing to overall operational success.
The council urgently needed to address escalating non-revenue water (NRW) levels within its water distribution network. Upon investigation, it became apparent that numerous pressure management valves (PRVs) and associated devices across various sites were neglected and inoperable. This compromised the council’s ability to regulate water pressure effectively, leading to increased leakage, pipe bursts, and unnecessary water waste.
Aqua Analytics was engaged to assess and advise on the current state of the council’s pressure management infrastructure and identify enhancements to achieve an ideal future state. The project adopted a multi-phased approach:
Aqua Analytics’ expertise in pressure management and data analysis was crucial in helping revitalise the council’s water infrastructure. By addressing the neglected PRVs and providing a clear roadmap for optimisation, Aqua Analytics empowered the council to achieve their NRW reduction goals and ensure a more sustainable water supply for their community. The consulting project highlighted the need for the council to take a different approach to their DMA management, ensuring that future investments are managed correctly and that appropriate resources are assigned to provide suitable maintenance and upkeep.
The water utility faced a critical situation with two adjacent water mains (DN600 and DN100) that had each experienced catastrophic failures within 12 months. These failures caused significant service disruptions costly repairs, and posed a potential risk to public safety in a high-profile area of Sydney. The utility urgently needed a proactive solution to monitor the mains’ condition while renewal planning was underway.
Aqua Analytics was engaged to develop and implement a real-time leak and burst monitoring strategy for the two critical water mains. The solution involved:
Aqua Analytics’ implementation of a real-time leak and burst monitoring system proved to be a critical intervention for the water utility. By leveraging advanced technology and expert analysis, the project successfully prevented further catastrophic failures, reduced water loss, and ensured a reliable water supply to a vital part of Sydney. This case study highlights the importance of proactive monitoring and rapid response in safeguarding critical water infrastructure and minimising community disruptions.
The client faced a critical challenge in protecting third-party water infrastructure during construction. A DN100 cast iron water main ran through the construction zone, posing a risk of damage and potential service disruptions. The client sought a proactive solution to monitor the water main’s condition before, during, and after construction, mitigating the risk of leaks and ensuring the asset’s integrity. Additionally, the client needed to satisfy the asset owner, Sydney Water, that the methodology was sound and appropriate for the asset.
Aqua Analytics was engaged to provide a comprehensive acoustic monitoring and advisory service designed to safeguard the water main throughout the construction project. The solution encompassed:
Aqua Analytics’ comprehensive acoustic monitoring and advisory services were crucial in safeguarding a critical water asset during a high-risk construction project. By combining advanced technology with expert analysis and proactive recommendations, Aqua Analytics empowered the client to protect their infrastructure and ensure a reliable water supply for their customers.
"*" indicates required fields
