Pressurised pipeline inspection/Leak Detection System (potable water) with no interruption to customer’s water supply.
Overview:
JD7 have designed and developed a completely new approach to leak detection/network tracing and pipe work condition assessment. This internal tethered condition monitoring system eliminates the requirement for excavation to undertake pipe condition assessment on a live water main meaning less traffic disruption and when using the tethered leakage location system the smallest of leaks are accurately located.
Both systems benefit from the combined Acoustic and HD CCTV systems incorporated in the same head and can be launched either though a live fire hydrant or a tapping point on the water main
Description:
The leak detection system is a fully portable package. A miniature detection head is navigated into the live water main network and driven up to 100m in each direction. This process prevents any disruption to customers as water supplies are not affected.
The leak detection software developed by JD7, allows the smallest of leaks to be located by passing the head over the leak site. Leaks as little as 0.5 litres per hour can simply be detected. The software is extremely user friendly and any operator can detect leakage with minimal training.
Unlike conventional leak detection systems, this new process is successfully used for all pipe materials and multiple deployments can be carried out within the same timescales as conventional detection methods.
The acoustic detection head incorporates a state of the art digital camera, which allows all data to be validated and also a Sonde system which works through all pipe materials.
This feature allows the miniature head location to be identified from above ground and is also a valuable method of mapping the underground network reliably.
Technical Detail:
Self Chlorinating (approved process)
As this system is utilised within potable water networks, the process conforms to water hygiene procedures. These procedures and processes have been developed with water PLC Water Quality teams to allow a new method of working to be implemented safely.
To satisfy water hygiene requirements a new self-chlorinating feature has been designed as part of the assembly, which allows automatic chlorination of all components passing into the network.
Leak Identification
JD7 have developed a new software package for leak detection purposes where
all data is fed back from the miniature head and displayed on to a PC. The software allows live video images to be monitored and acoustic signatures from within the pipe work. The software identifies frequency ranges and peaks within those ranges.
Pipeline Condition
The leak detection system, alongside its hydrophone has a high resolution camera head that can pick up the smallest of pipeline features, and has proven through usage to give the customer all the information required to warrant pipeline relining, cleaning and even replacement.
Network Tracing/Identification
Due to limited or no past records regarding pipeline networks, the system can also be used alongside a GPS locater to map out relevant sites and offer the customer a detailed cad designed drawing.
Clients:
Since development, the systems have been used in several of the UK water companies and leading consultants and are now a fully implemented technology within Yorkshire Water & Bristol Water. Various JD7 technologies have been used in Asia, Australia, Europe and the USA with the view to implementing it across all continents during 2011.
To date over 6000 surveys have been successfully undertaken offering the client internal inspection conclusions and validation.
Conclusion:
Implementation of the JD7 system has many benefits to the environment, asset owners and customers:
Elimination of excavation (30% improvement immediately)
Environmental impact through non-excavation
Less water loss through quicker identification and repair
60% cost savings over conventional processes
Underground mapping and asset management
Accuracy in locating leaks with flows greater than 0.5 litres/hour
Improved Timescales of operation al deliverables
Identification of water discolouration causes and locations
An integral part of operational due diligence systems
Audits the need for asset pipeline replacement
Enables future budgets and time lines for water mains renewal programs
Utilising such innovative non-excavation systems will drastically reduce leakage across water networks down to the accuracy and implementation time of the systems.
In 2010 JD7 launched the LDS1000 a trunk main inspection and leak detection system which can cover a distance of up to 100 m via one insertion.
For more information regarding products/services then please do not hesitate to contact JD7 on 00 44(1332) 381520
Should anyone wish to look at JD7 please visit www.jd7.co.uk or contact Stuart Hamilton – stuart.hamilton@jd7.co.uk