Pipeline Monitoring Archives

Challenge

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.

Solution

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:

Deployment of Advanced Monitoring Technology: Aqua Analytics strategically deployed a combination of Ovarro Enigma Accelerometers and Enigma HYQ3 Hydrophones across both water mains. These sensors continuously monitored the pipelines for acoustic signals indicative of leaks or developing bursts.
Real-Time Data Transmission: The sensors transmit data daily via the cellular network to Ovarro's LeakVision software platform. This platform provided real-time visualisation and analysis of the data, allowing Aqua Analytics to identify anomalies and potential issues promptly.
24/7 Monitoring and Alerts: Aqua Analytics' team of experts continuously monitored the data from the LeakVision platform, providing 24/7 surveillance of the water mains. Automated alerts were triggered in response to significant changes in acoustic signals, ensuring immediate notification of potential leaks or bursts.
Proactive Response and Repair: Aqua Analytics promptly notified the water utility upon receiving alerts, enabling rapid response and repair actions. This proactive approach helped prevent small leaks from escalating into major failures, minimising disruption to the water supply and reducing repair costs.

Results

Early Leak Detection and Repair: During the monitoring period, a small leak was detected and repaired within days, preventing it from developing into a larger main break.
No Further Catastrophic Failures: The real-time monitoring system prevented any further catastrophic failures of the water mains while renewal planning was underway.
Improved Asset Management: The continuous monitoring data provided valuable insights into the mains' condition, enabling the utility to optimise its asset management strategies and prioritise renewal efforts.
Enhanced Public Safety: By proactively addressing potential leaks and bursts, the project contributed to the safety and well-being of the community in the high-profile area.

Client Benefits

Risk Mitigation: The real-time monitoring system significantly reduced the risk of unexpected main failures, minimising service disruptions and potential safety hazards for the nearby community.
Reputation Management: Preventing further main breaks helped protect the utility’s reputation, avoiding negative media scrutiny and public concern.
Cost Savings: By preventing major failures, the project saved the utility significant costs associated with emergency repairs and water loss.
Proactive Maintenance: The monitoring data enabled a proactive approach to maintenance, ensuring the continued reliable operation of the water mains until their renewal.
Turnkey Solution: Aqua Analytics provided a complete end-to-end solution, including planning, deployment, monitoring, and reporting, minimising the burden on the utility's resources.

Conclusion

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.

Challenge

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.

Solution

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:

Pre-Construction Leak Detection Inspection: Aqua Analytics conducted a thorough leak detection inspection of the water main before construction commenced. This involved using sensitive acoustic microphones and correlators to pinpoint any existing leaks, ensuring that the asset was in optimal condition before the start of construction activities. No leaks were identified.
Continuous Acoustic Monitoring: Aqua Analytics deployed a network of acoustic noise loggers along the water main. These loggers continuously monitored the pipeline for leak noise during construction.
Real-Time Data Analysis and Alerts: The loggers transmitted data via NB-IoT technology to a cloud-based platform, which was analysed using advanced algorithms. This allowed Aqua Analytics to detect and localise any new leaks that might develop due to construction activities, providing real-time alerts to the client for immediate action.
Daily Analysis and Reporting: Aqua's team reviewed all data daily, and results were sent automatically from our platform via SMS and email.

Results

Successful Protection of Critical Water Asset: Continuous acoustic monitoring and expert advisory services ensured that the water main remained in optimal condition throughout the construction project, preventing leaks or damage.
Real-Time Leak Detection: Aqua Analytics' real-time alerts enabled the client to respond quickly to emerging leaks, minimising water loss and service disruptions.
Improved Asset Management: The detailed data collected during the monitoring period provided valuable insights into the water main's condition, enabling the client to make informed decisions regarding future maintenance and rehabilitation.
Asset Owner Peace of Mind: Aqua Analytics' proactive monitoring and expert advice gave the asset owners peace of mind, as they knew their critical water asset was protected during the construction project.

Client Benefits

Risk Mitigation: The project significantly reduced the risk of water main damage and service disruptions caused by construction activities.
Cost Savings: By preventing leaks and ensuring the long-term health of the water main, the project contributed to cost savings through reduced repair expenses and minimised water loss.
Proactive Asset Management: The project's data-driven insights enabled the client to develop a more effective asset management strategy, prioritising maintenance and investment for optimal performance.
Environmental Stewardship: The project supported the client's commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable resource management by minimising water loss.

Conclusion

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.