1.Description
It began when Severn Trent Water (STW) in their drive to innovation in the science of leak detection commissioned fundamental research into leakage within plastic pipes. Collaborating with Loughborough University led to the development of a prototype leak noise correlator which demonstrated a marked improvement in performance. Results demonstrated that the new correlator out-performed all commercially available equipment. Following extensive university research, STW approached us to commercialise this correlator. We are globally recognized for our innovative research into leak detection in plastic pipes and were the ideal partner. Further development led to a commercial prototype, complete with active trials using STW leak detection field crews since. These trials have proved so successful that we have launched this as our next generation correlator. Branded LeakFnder-ST™, it's now commercially available With the LeakFinder-ST™ correlator, we introduce a whole new level of speed and accuracy in locating leaks. Until now, leak noise correlators have had limitations in pinpointing leaks in mains. Speed and accuracy were just relative measures.
2.Advantage
1.RAPID CORRELATION TIME
As an advanced Windows-based leak noise correlator, the LeakFinderST™ correlator can quickly and cost-effectively locate leaks that other correlators cannot. Its enhanced correlation function accurately identities narrow-band leak noise – making it ideal for PVC pipes, small leaks, multiple leak situations, and testing environments where there is high background noise.
2.EASY TO USE
The LeakFinder-ST™ correlator has been lab and field tested. It was designed and developed by acoustic engineers and the interface perfected in the field, through collaboration with end users, to provide an accurate, non-invasive leak detection system that is simple to operate. Anyone that has ever used Microsoft Windows can easily and confidently learn how to operate the LeakFinder-ST™ correlator.
3.GREAT ACCURACY ON PVC
There was a suspected leak on 3" PVC pipe in Clungunford, Shrophire area in UK. The LeakFinder-ST™ correlator was utilised to identify the precise leak location by bracketing the leak over 420' (128 m). The field technicians accurately correlated the exact leak location, which was confirmed by ground sounding over main. Excavation team was dispatched and the leak was found as pinpointed by the LeakFinder-ST™ correlator and the flow rate of the leak was 3.5 gpm (0.8 m3/hr).
4.A SINGLE CORRELATION IN SHROPSHIRE, UK
There was a suspected leak on a 3" Asbestos Cement pipe on Meole Brace, Shropshire area. The LeakFinder-ST™ correlator was used to identify the precise leak location by bracketing the area of the suspected leak over 92 metres. The leak was found in a single correlation. There was no correction or adjustments needed. The leak location that was pin-pointed by the LeakFinder-ST™ correlator was confirmed with the surface noise and noise on stop-tap, 2 metres away from the leak location. Excavation team was dispatched and the leak was found as pinpointed by the LeakFinder-ST™ correlator. The leak size of 4.4 gpm (1.0 m3 /hr) was confirmed.
5.OVERCOMING NOISE INTERFERENCE IN LEICESTERSHIRE, UK
A difficult leak was detected at Wing in Leicestershire. The night-line for the area had risen and a resultant step test indicated a leak was likely in an area just downstream of Wing Reservoir on a 150 mm AC Pipe with an operating pressure of only 1.2 Bar. There was the additional issue of pump noise at the reservoir that interfered with the leak noise. Investigations by an alternative correlator had resulted in two dry holes and an unsuccessful leak detect. The LeakFinder-ST™ correlator was then utilised and the area of the suspected leak was bracketed by extending the correlation to a distance of 298 m. The resultant peak was accurate and successful excavation / repair followed. The resulting drop on the area flow graph established that the leak had a volumetric flow of 22 gpm (5 m3/hr).
3.Filed of application
The LeakFinder-ST™ correlator enables customers to locate "quiet"
narrow band, low frequency leaks and leaks previously identified as
background leakage on water mains, with a wide range of materials
such as:
• Plastic (PVC, PE, MDPE, HMDPE)
• Pre-Stressed Concrete Cylinder Pipe (PCCP)
• Asbestos Cement (AC)
• Ductile & Cast Iron (DI, CI)
• Steel
4.Process introduction
STEP 1: VERIFY UNITS ARE FUNCTIONAL
STEP 2: MOUNT TWO SENSORS OUTSIDE OF A SELECTED PIPE ON AIR VALVES, FIRE HYDRANT OR OTHER EXISTING APPURTENANCES.
STEP 3: SELECT PIPE MATERIAL ON TRANSMITTERS
STEP 4: VERIFY RADIO COMMUNICATION ON THE RECEIVER.
STEP 5: START CORRELATION ON THE LAPTOP AND QUICKLY FIND YOUR LEAK.
