Leak Detection Inspector
CurrentConducts pipe hydraulics studies of the water distribution network by district/zone in coordination with Other WNA divisions to establish efficient operation of each district/zone.The acoustic pressure wave method analyses the rarefaction waves produced when a leak occurs. When a pipeline wall breakdown occurs, fluid or gas escape in a form of a high velocity jet. This produces pressure waves which propagate in both directions within the pipeline and can be detected and analyzed. The operating principles of the method are based on the very important characteristic of pressure waves to travel over long distances at the speed of sound guided by the pipeline walls. The amplitude of a pressure wave increases with the leak size. A complex mathematical algorithm analyzes data from pressure sensors and is able in a matter of seconds to point to the location of the leakage with accuracy less than 50m (164 ft). Experimental data has shown the method's ability to detect leaks less than 3mm (0.1 inch) in diameter and operate with the lowest false alarm rate in the industry –For 13mm to 150mm PVC pipe, (Max distance between points 150m).2. For 150mm and larger PVC pipe(Max distance between points100m).Technicians at Waterlink are on standby 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to respond efficiently to all types of emergency. When a leak is reported a two man leak team is dispatched to assess the problem and offer the solution.Once on the scene the leak detectors use the latest leak noise correlator listening equipment to identify the exact source of the leak. This enables the leak busters to dig in precisely the right area to target the leaky section of pipe, cut it out and replace it by a section of modern polyethylene pipe. If the entire pipe is in poor condition it can be totally replaced.All Waterlink staff are appropriately trained to excavate the hole safely, make the repairs and refill the hole observing the correct methods.
