Scope of Works

API was recently contacted by a water utility client in the UK. The utility had identified a leak on a cast iron pipeline in a local historical landmark area. The leak had been present for over 30 years however untraceable due to the pipes 7 metres bury depth.

Project Challenges

The pipeline is a 2 inch cast iron pipe with 0.5 bar pressure and was installed over 80 years ago with unmapped location and configuration.

The client utilised an in house leakage team and searched for leaks over several weeks with the following methods:

• Noise correlators – No definite leak identified
• Listening stick- Pipeline was deeply sited below a hillside so this technique not feasible

This had a major knock on effect, as the client cannot proceed with a localized repair solution, and also may require the hill to be totally excavated with many complaints from residents.

PIPA Technology

API used the latest product on the market for leak detection The Pipepod S system. The unique product is an internal listening stick that can detect leak in all pipe sizes and materials. As the sensor passes a leak it gives the operator direct acoustic feedback along with accurate distance data to successfully identify a leak within a pressurised pipe.

Images of site location

API uses technology that includes a pressure rated hydrophone capsule (Pipepod S TM) tethered to a 50m flexi rodding to give the operator live audio data during an inspection. The system enters a pipeline via a 1 inch tapping, and is fully chlorinated during its Insertion; the system works on a live basis, with no Interruptions to the clients services and with several surveys undertaken per day.

The technology is the latest live main inspection system on the market being fully battery powered and only requires a 1 man team for its Implementation.

Survey results

• API successfully identified the leak at 11 metres
• Pipeline leak detected at only 0.5 bar pressure (an industry first)
• Tethered insertion technology system allowed for precise identification of the leaks location
• Acoustic system is very responsive and operator was able to identify that no other leaks were present within the 50 metres length of pipe surveyed
• The client had planned for 6 weeks to repair the hillside leak, however due to successful leak detection by PIPA this was completed 3 weeks ahead of schedule

Conclusion

It would have been very difficult and expensive for contractor to find the remaining issues within the water main, the acoustic capability proved indispensable for locating issues and trouble shooting.

API Representative: The Pipepod S will revolutionise the water industry by offering a precise internal acoustic approach to leak detection. Every leakage team should carry one!

The project was a great success, Ideal due to pipe location and material and also a great case study for our company. The contractor had exhausted all other pipeline inspection avenues, and was more than relieved when we offered a solution.

PIPA now offers all products for Global sale with training