Aqua Analytics uses non-invasive, non-disruptive Tonal Pipe Assessment™ (TPA) from KenWave Solutions to conduct water pipe condition assessments. This acoustic pipeline assessment technology is designed for use on in-service pipes of all standard materials and diameters. Tonal Pipe Assessment technology will provide detailed, reliable condition assessment and leakage information, including average wall thickness and strength for discrete pipe segments.
Our pipeline assessment technologies operate without disruption to your regular network operations and pose no risk of damage to the asset. The device is installed on the pipeline during normal operating conditions, and data measurements are collected for analysis by expert engineers.
KenWave’s TPA represents the next evolution of leak noise correlators with improved sensor sensitivity and the ability to collect multiple data types simultaneously, all with a focus on safety and ease of use. For example, our ultra-sensitive hydrophones sit behind an acoustically transparent impermeable high-pressure membrane, so that they never have to enter the fluid column.
Being an external tool, TPA can be attached to various fittings to inspect almost any water main or sewer rising main. Where fittings or valves are not available, both sound source and sensors can be attached directly to the pipe surface through small vacuum excavations on the pipeline.
Unlike acoustic leak detection, which relies on leaks or flowing hydrants for a sound source, TPA uses a tuneable valve box or sonar introduced test signals. These introduced signals are specific to each diameter and material combination, without any risk of introducing water hammer to determine pipeline condition.
A physics-based acoustic model of pipes using ground propagation, dynamic loading, and impedance effects gathers and analyses the sensor data. Special post-processing processes are used to handle spurious noises such as those from vehicle traffic.
Lastly, a thermodilatohydrometer or THD, uniquely allows TPA to correct for the effect of changes in water temperature, pressure, and dissolved gas content on the acoustic dispersion curve.