Leak detection

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On the water front, there have been three main systems that have been used and developed by manufacturers of leak detection systems recently. These are listening sticks and ground microphones, digital correlators and fixed network leak sensors.

“Each of these categories of leak detection have improved significantly to the point where the physics of the systems have reached boundaries of sensitivity and digital filtering of noise profiles,” explains Jeremy Llewellyn, CEO of Dubai-based Blue Gold Technologies FZE. “Improvements now tend to focus on size and software/ user interface to maintain competitive advantages and refresh the product lines.”

Fixed network sensors such as the Gutermann Zonescan loggers (see box) have moved one step further to the advanced stage of unmanned leak detection, utilising radio, GSM and Wi-Fi for remote monitoring of leaks via web access. Using this type of system the utility company can view all leaks that have appeared on their networks and even pinpoint the leak remotely using sound correlation. Llewellyn believes that this is the top-of-the-range system in terms of leak monitoring, and is deployed by the utilities that have both the budget and the long-term strategy for leakage reduction.

Another product that the Blue Gold CEO is keen to recommend is the Incertameter, produced by the British company of the same name. Already developed and extensively trialled with the UK utility giant Yorkshire Water, the device is designed to lower costs while increasing detection rates and provide more efficient use of leak detection teams and engineering resources.

In both sectors, the onus is on regional utility firms to find the most cost-effective and reliable method to ensure high revenues and safety levels. As newer technologies and upgrades come online, the products becoming available can only be good news for the Middle East sector.

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The gas product

Honeywell has recently launched a fixed gas detection device, the Signalpoint Pro. This small detector can be used either indoors or outdoors, and is adjustable for different gas ranges and spans. The device offers excellent reliability and ease of use; its smart gas sensors are automatically recognised when plugged into the detector and access to the sensor does not require opening the main terminal housing. This reduces down-time during the replacement procedure. Signalpoint Pro utilises a magnetically activated switch, permitting initiation of calibration and test routines without opening the enclosure or having to obtain a hot work permit. In addition, on-board diagnostics provide fault and warning codes on the display that are invaluable when troubleshooting an installation.

The water product

Gutermann’s Zonescan 800 ALPHA is a permanently installed, unmanned leak monitoring system, which can be added as a modular upgrade to any network being monitored by standard ZoneScan-800 correlating radio loggers. For clients that prefer to access their data and leak reporting via the internet, Guterman offers a ‘remote access’ module, with secure access. This enables leakage managers or contractors to access the specific leakage data from any point of internet access.

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