Challenge
The client faced a significant challenge in managing water loss across their vast and remote network of trunk mains. These large-diameter pipelines (>DN300), often located in challenging terrains, posed difficulties in leak detection. Traditional methods were time-consuming, costly, and ineffective. The client needed a reliable, efficient, and non-invasive solution to pinpoint leaks accurately across a 150km stretch of their network.
Solution
Aqua Analytics was engaged to conduct a comprehensive leak detection program across the reticulation and trunk assets. Aqua used the TM2 Trunk Main Correlator to address the trunk’s main assets to address the trunk main assets. This advanced acoustic technology offered a personalised solution to the client’s specific challenges:
- Tough Terrain and Pipe Materials: The TM2 Correlator's robustness and advanced signal processing capabilities allowed for effective leak detection on various pipe materials, including non-metallic pipes, and across challenging terrains often found in remote areas.
- Advanced Leak Detection Features: The TM2's intuitive interface and advanced features, like Auto Filter, Spot Filter, and Filtered Listening, significantly improved the accuracy and speed of leak detection. These functions helped technicians quickly identify and pinpoint leaks, even amidst ambient noise and challenging acoustic conditions.
- Non-Invasive and Efficient: The TM2 Correlator's non-invasive nature allowed for quick deployment and minimal disruption to the water network. The wireless communication and magnetic sensor attachments simplified the setup process, enabling efficient surveying of large areas.
- Expert Analysis and Reporting: Aqua Analytics' team of experienced leak detection specialists analysed the data collected by the TM2 Correlator, providing the client with detailed reports and precise leak locations.
Results
- 30 Leaks Identified and Located: Across the 150km stretch of surveyed trunk mains, Aqua Analytics successfully identified and located 30 leaks of various sizes, including 2 litres per minute.
- Reduced Water Loss: The timely repair of these leaks significantly reduced water loss, resulting in cost savings and improved resource management for the client.
- Enhanced Network Efficiency: By addressing the identified leaks, the client could optimise the efficiency of their trunk main network, ensuring a reliable water supply to their customers.
- Blind Testing: The client undertook a number of 'blind tests' to assess the solution's effectiveness and to help build confidence in the detectability of leaks across long correlation distances.
Client Benefits
- Cost-Effective Leak Detection: The TM2 Correlator's non-invasive nature and efficient operation resulted in cost savings compared to traditional leak detection methods.
- Minimised Disruption: The technology allowed for leak detection without disrupting the water supply and surrounding environment.
- Accurate and Reliable Results: The TM2's advanced features and algorithms provided accurate and reliable leak locations, ensuring targeted repairs and minimising unnecessary excavation.
- Improved Asset Management: The detailed leak data collected by the TM2 Correlator informed the client's asset management strategies, enabling proactive maintenance and repair decisions. This included providing audio files from all main sections for the client's records and comparison against any future inspections.
Conclusion
Aqua Analytics’ successful deployment of the TM2 Trunk Main Correlator in a remote setting highlights the technology’s effectiveness in addressing the unique challenges of water loss management. The project demonstrates the value of combining cutting-edge technology with experienced personnel to achieve optimal results in reducing non-revenue water and ensuring water infrastructure sustainability. Many of the correlations were over 800 meters in distance, allowing vast network lengths to be inspected cost-effectively by a three-person team. Additionally, all leak reporting was captured spatially with GPS coordinates to assist with easily and accurately identifying defects, which is important in rural environments.
