Utilising Advanced Leak Detection Services
Trunk main leak detection with Aqua Analytics
Aqua Analytics is the leading provider of trunk main leak detection services in Australia. We use several technologies for large-diameter pipeline leak detection, including the TM2 trunk main correlator, free swimming acoustic devices, and our tethered AquaSnake leak detection system, which can be deployed up to 1 km away.
Once a leak has been located, we will provide you with a detailed report that includes the location and size of the leak, plus repair options.
In addition to trunk main leak detection surveys, we offer permanent or semi-permanent trunk main monitoring solutions, with all data communicated via the cellular network. This service is useful for areas that experience regular failures or wish to safeguard against catastrophic leaks.
Why Choose Aqua Analytics for Trunk Main Leak Detection
- We are global experts in the water loss & leakage reduction industry
- We use the very latest in leak detection technology and methodologies
- Access to a comprehensive suite of trunk main leak detection tools, including:
- AquaSnake: Tethered Pipeline Inspection, Leak Detection and CCTV Device
- Trunk Main Correlator: Inspect Long Lengths Cost Effectively
- AquaSphere: Free-Swimming Acoustic Leak Detection Device
- With over 120 years of combined industry experience, Aqua Analytics is a trusted leader in water loss management and water network optimisation.
- Our extensive knowledge and expertise ensure that we provide reliable and effective solutions for trunk main leak detection.
What is Trunk Main Leak Detection?
Trunk main leak detection refers to the process of identifying and locating leaks in large-diameter pipelines, known as trunk mains, which are integral to the water distribution network. These pipelines transport large volumes of water over long distances and are essential for maintaining a reliable water supply.
Due to their size and construction, detecting leaks in trunk water mains presents unique challenges. Traditional leak detection methods are often less effective because of poor sound propagation in large-diameter pipes. Limited access or infrequent appurtenances along these trunk mains further complicate leak detection efforts.
Aqua Analytics addresses these challenges with specialised techniques and advanced technologies tailored specifically for trunk main leak detection. Our approach ensures accurate identification and location of leaks, helping to prevent significant water loss and infrastructure damage.
Benefits of Trunk Main Leak Detection
Suite of Trunk Main Leak Detection Tools
Our toolbox of trunk main leak detection solutions ensures we have cost-effective and efficient technology to help you find leaks and reduce water loss in your trunk mains. The benefits of finding leaks in your large diameter critical mains include:
- Reduce non-revenue water loss
- Finding small leaks before they become catastrophic water main bursts
- Proactive asset management to understand maintenance requirements
- To demonstrate prudent risk management is being undertaken
Benefits of AquaSnake Tethered Leak Detection Device
Real-Time Data
Unlike free-swimming devices, the AquaSnake provides real-time leak detection data and live CCTV feed during the inspection. This allows operators to pinpoint leaks immediately, leading to faster repairs.
Visual CCTV Information
The AquaSnake’s integrated CCTV camera visually assesses the pipe’s interior condition, revealing cracks, corrosion, joint issues, or other defects that might contribute to leaks or future failures.
Operator Control
The tethered operation allows the operator to control the inspection speed, pause at points of interest, and reverse direction to re-examine suspicious areas.
Increased Sensitivity
The AquaSnake can find leaks down to 0.05 L/min with an accuracy of +/—0.5 meters, ensuring efficient excavation and repair when precision is important.
Emergency Response & Rapid Mobilisation
In the event of a suspected leak, the local AquaSnake team can be quickly deployed to pinpoint the problem without interrupting normal water operations, allowing rapid pipeline inspection and assessment.
Benefits of TM2 Trunk Main Correlator
Lower Cost Setup and Inspection
Avoids more expensive inline pipeline inspections and any requirements for pipeline tapping.
Improved Signal Processing
The TM2 employs advanced signal processing technology over traditional leak noise correlators for better accuracy.
Increased Sensitivity
Capable of unlimited correlation and detecting quiet leak noise at low frequencies.
Accurate Leak Detection
Effective even in challenging conditions and over longer distances (up to 1km line of sight).
Preventive Maintenance
Identifies leaks early to prevent large disruptive failures and costly damage repairs.
Benefits of AquaSphere Free Swimming Leak Detection Device
Inspect Long Distances
Undertake inspections of long-length trunk mains in a single deployment without disruption to service.
Proven Trunk Main Technology
With over 15 years of demonstrated track record, free swimming internal leak detection devices are proven worldwide.
Accurate and Precise
The AquaSphere collects multiple datasets during deployment, allowing accurate and precise result interpretation for leak pinpointing.
Material and Diameter Versatility
AquaSphere can be used in various pipe materials and diameters, adapting to the specific characteristics of different trunk water mains (including in the same deployment).
Local Project Delivery
Our local water network technicians deliver Aqua licenses equipment and projects, ensuring lower cost mobilisation and quick response.
Why should a water utility undertake trunk main leak detection?
The purpose of trunk main leak detection is to find all the leaks that do not surface or come to the attention of the water utility on their large diameter trunk main network. The detection process involves teams of skilled leak detection technicians using advanced devices. This may be in response to an increase in the minimum night flow (MNF) if the area is sectorised into a DMA or Water Supply Zone, or simply as part of a proactive regular inspection schedule.
In addition, trunk mains are among the most critical assets in a utility’s inventory, and undertaking planned, reactive inspections ensures small leaks are identified and repaired before they become large disruptive failures.
How are leaks detected in large diameter mains?
Many technologies for trunk main leakage detection utilise acoustic principles to identify and pinpoint leak locations. A pressurised water pipe will create a unique acoustic signature at the leak location due to the pressure differential between the inside and outside of the pipe—the water main acts as a medium for transmitting the acoustic signature of the water leak.
When water escapes the pipe under pressure, it makes a distinct ‘hissing’ sound that can travel significant distances along the length of the water pipe and be detected on nearby service connections, hydrants, or stop valves. Several factors influence the distance the leak can travel, but the primary ones are the pipeline material and diameter.
Aqua Analytics has three of the world’s leading trunk main leak detection devices, allowing us to propose the correct tool for each application.
What methods exist for finding leaks on trunk mains?
Trunk mains, typically assets that are over 300mm in diameter, require a different approach to reticulation assets when it comes to leak detection. These are often assets critical to operations, and the current condition and presence of leaks must be well understood to reduce the likelihood of failure.
Trunk main leak detection is challenging due to the reduced sound propagation in larger diameter pipelines. Many utilities avoid trunk main leak detection activities due to a perceived lack of leakage on these assets, however many examples in Australia and New Zealand prove this needs to be revised. Aqua Analytics can deliver trunk main leak detection using the following solutions:
- AquaSphere Free-Swimming Leak detection Device: A cylindrical device is inserted into a live pipeline, propelled by the water flow and captured downstream. The captured data is downloaded and analysed and the leak location is determined.
- AquaSnake Tethered Leak Detection, Pipeline Inspection and CCTV Device: A device is inserted into a live pipeline, attached to a long cable, and propelled by the water flow and parachute. An operator listens for the acoustic signal from the device's hydrophone, watches live CCTV, and determines if any leaks are present.
- Trunk main correlators —specialised hydrophones or accelerometers—are placed on the trunk main (typically at up to 1 km spacings), listening for specific frequencies and applying traditional correlation equations to detect the presence of leaks.
- Real-time trunk main monitoring: Specialised hydrophone devices can monitor large diameter pipelines in real time for changes in operating conditions that may indicate a new, developing, or growing leak.
How can we engage Aqua Analytics for trunk leak detection?
The Aqua Analytics team consists of internationally renowned experts on water leakage reduction, non-revenue water (NRW), and acoustic leak detection methodologies. Over several decades, we have developed customised water loss reduction strategies for conditions in Australia and New Zealand to ensure lower water loss levels. We are viewed as leaders in trunk main leakage detection through our long-term engagements on projects in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, and throughout New Zealand. We have the largest range of technologies for large-diameter pipe leak detection, and all equipment and personnel are local, ensuring prompt mobilisation.
We also pride ourselves on delivering excellent customer service and finding solutions to problems where others cannot. If you want to achieve results from your trunk leak detection project, please contact us today by calling or filling out the enquiry form below.
Each project is different, so before engaging your specialist leak detection services provider, please contact us to understand your options and to receive pricing information.
How do I get more information on AquaSnake?
For more information on our AquaSnake Tethered Pipeline Inspection technology for large diameter trunk mains, please download our fact sheet.
