A major metropolitan water utility suspected significant apparent water loss due to an illegal or unmetered connection on a transmission main.
The challenge was locating the precise source of the unmetered usage without disrupting the critical supply and traversing long sections of the pipeline where direct visual inspection was impossible.
There was limited access across the pipeline length, and the use of our TM3 Trunk Main Correlator allowed devices to be deployed at 440 meter spacings to detect the sourec of the illegal connection.
Aqua Analytics utilised the AQUASCAN TM3 Trunk Main Correlator, a highly sensitive acoustic correlator, to acoustically pinpoint the source of the water draw.
While primarily used for real loss (leak) detection, the sound created by significant, continuous flow through an illegal tap-off point can also be detected and correlated, providing a non-invasive solution to this unique apparent loss challenge.
Apparent Loss Elimination: Successfully located the source of the unmetered water consumption, leading to the immediate recovery of lost revenue. Furthermore, the nature of the connection was such that real loss was also occuring at the same location.
Non-Invasive Solution: Achieved location accuracy without resorting to costly or disruptive excavation along the trunk main route, which was restricted considerably by foliage and bushland across its length.
High-Tech Application: Demonstrated the versatile application of trunk main correlator technology beyond traditional leak detection, and how it has applications as both a proactive survey technology and reactive leak detection technology for such situations.
Revenue Protection: Provided the client with a tool and methodology to protect their revenue stream from illegal connections and unmetered flow.
The successful deployment of the AQUASCAN TM3 Trunk Main Correlator showcases the versatility of non-invasive leak detection technology.
This project demonstrated that specialised acoustic equipment can accurately pinpoint sources of apparent loss, such as illegal connections, providing a vital tool for revenue protection. By utilising TM3 on critical trunk mains, utilities can enhance overall network integrity and conduct essential pipe inspections and assessments without resorting to costly, disruptive methods.
Aqua Analytics empowers utilities to manage both real and apparent water loss efficiently, ensuring the security and financial sustainability of their most significant assets.
Ensuring the reliable delivery of water to communities is a paramount concern for water utilities worldwide.
In New South Wales, a major water supplier faced a growing challenge in managing a critical trunk water main that had never undergone a detailed internal inspection. This vital asset, responsible for supplying water to thousands of residents across several large towns, lacked any comprehensive assessment of its condition, raising concerns about potential leaks, structural degradation, and the risk of service disruptions.
Traditional pipeline inspection methods often require service shutdowns, causing inconvenience and potential hardship for customers. To avoid these disruptions, the water supplier sought a proactive solution that would provide a detailed assessment of the pipeline’s integrity while maintaining uninterrupted water service.
This client engaged Aqua Analytics to deploy the AquaSnake™ live pipeline inspection technology.
Aqua Analytics was engaged to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the trunk water main using the AquaSnake™ tethered inspection tool.
This advanced technology allows for detailed visual assessment and leak detection within live pipelines, providing valuable insights into their condition without service interruption.
The methodology of undertaking a live trunk main inspection is as follows:
Aqua Analytics’ AquaSnake™ inspection provided this regional council with critical insights into the condition of their vital trunk water main by undertaking real-time pipeline inspection.
By proactively assessing the pipeline’s integrity, the council can now implement targeted maintenance strategies, extend the asset’s lifespan, and ensure a reliable water supply for their community. This case study highlights the importance of utilising advanced technologies like AquaSnake™ for proactive asset management, optimising infrastructure performance, and safeguarding essential services.
Aqua Analytics is a specialist provider of non-revenue water solutions to municipalities, councils and water authorities across Australia. They have various large-diameter leak detection tools to help water utilities and asset owners undertake pipeline inspection and analysis.
A regional council in New South Wales faced a challenge in managing their extensive network of trunk mains, particularly those located in remote and rural areas.
These critical pipelines, responsible for transporting large volumes of water, had never been inspected for leaks, raising concerns about potential water loss and the risk of unexpected failures. Traditional leak detection methods often involve less effective acoustic solutions or costly inline inspections, making them impractical for remote areas with limited access.
Aqua Analytics was engaged to conduct a comprehensive leak detection survey on 6.3 kilometres of trunk mains using the TM2 Correlator.
This advanced acoustic technology offered a non-invasive and efficient solution for identifying leaks in challenging environments and where pipe materials are non-metallic or they are of larger diameter (typically >DN400).
The methodology for trunk main leak detection included:
Aqua Analytics’ utilisation of the TM2 Correlator provided a cost-effective and efficient solution for inspecting the council’s remote trunk mains.
The non-invasive technology allowed for accurate leak detection without disrupting service or requiring more expensive internal leak detection tools such as AquaSnake or AquaSphere.
This project highlights the value of proactive leak detection in managing critical water infrastructure, ensuring efficient water delivery and minimising potential risks.
Aqua Analytics has a range of trunk main leak detection tools to help water utilities and asset owners manage their large diameter pipeline inventory.
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.
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:
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.
Our client was facing a critical water loss situation on a remote island off the coast of Western Australia. A high level of leakage from the trunk main resulted in significant financial losses, estimated at $1,000,000 annually. The remote location and urgency of the situation required a swift and decisive response.
Aqua Analytics mobilised a team of experienced water network technicians to the island within days of the initial request. Leveraging advanced acoustic technologies, including TM2 Trunk Main Correlation, the team conducted a comprehensive leak detection survey. This involved:
Client Quote: “Aqua Analytics’ quick response and expertise were invaluable in resolving our critical leakage problem. Their ability to mobilise a team to our remote island and deliver results promptly saved us significant costs and ensured the well-being of our community.”
This case study demonstrates Aqua Analytics’ commitment to providing personalised solutions for even the most challenging water loss scenarios. By combining cutting-edge technology with experienced personnel, the company delivered exceptional results for a remote island client, safeguarding their water resources and financial stability.
