Challenge
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.
Solution
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.
Methodology
- Site Mobilisation: The team quickly mobilised to the site where the failed pipe section had been exhumed and set up in a contractors yard for easy access.
- PipeScanner Deployment: The PipeScanner device was carefully positioned on the pipe section, ensuring proper contact and alignment for accurate measurements. The PipeScanner device provides visual guides in the form of green and red LED lights, allowing the Field Technician to understand the data quality throughout the inspection.
- Data Acquisition: Four individual scans were conducted at different locations along the pipe wall, capturing detailed thickness measurements but longitudinally and circumferentially.
- Data Analysis and Reporting: The collected data was analysed, and a comprehensive report was generated, providing the engineering consultant with precise measurements of the remaining wall thickness at each scan location. The report formats are both in PDF and CSV allowing the consultant to view clear and easily interpretable visualisations of the wall thickness, but also receive raw data for incorporation into other systems.
Conclusion
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.
