Detecting small water leaks in challenging environments requires a highly skilled technician – and it’s vital that these operators are supported by the right training and technology.
With recent advancements in water leak detection technology and large-scale smart meter rollouts, it would be easy to assume that utilities no longer need a water leak technician to go out to locate an actual water leak.
But the fact is, these new technologies now put more pressure on professional leak technicians to find even smaller leaks in very demanding environments. The challenge is that finding these smaller leaks often pushes current acoustic technology to its limits – so high-quality receivers with advanced microphones and well-trained leak technicians are essential.
While working with many councils and water authorities, one of the key challenges I’ve noticed for smaller councils is ensuring their staff are trained to be competent in using the equipment, this combined with irregular use makes it hard for these operators to continue to improve or retain these skills.
It’s important for councils to continue to invest in their operators, and Access Detection is leveraging its extensive industry experience to help water authorities tackle these challenges. In addition to supplying quality products, Access Detection offers specialised training and support for technicians, empowering regional authorities to play a proactive role in leak detection.
Technical advice
Using traditional noise loggers to monitor areas, followed by a correlator to confirm results and then applying standard acoustic leak detectors is still a very relevant approach today – and can even avoid costly dry holes. Using all or just one of these technologies offers smaller councils a more affordable approach when it comes to conserving water in their local areas.
The Sewerin AC200 is just one product that is proving popular with water authorities and regional councils throughout Australia. This combined correlator and advanced acoustic leak detection solution has improved several utilities’ ability to detect those harder to find leaks – including SA Water, Hunter Water and other smaller but important regional councils.
The Sewerin AC200’s leak-finding capabilities, combined with its friendly user interface and sensitive microphones, allows operators to locate leaks even in demanding pipe environments.
Another popular choice is the Sewerin Aquatest T10, which has a very sensitive microphone and simple interface for operators who may not use leak detection equipment every day.
This is great for smaller councils wanting leak detection for a variety of pipe types including AC, HDPE and other non-metallic mains.
A critical, yet sometimes overlooked, aspect of a good leak detection program is to know the vicinity of the pipe. A conventional EMF locator like the Rycom SnapTRACK is ideal for conductive or metallic mains, while the Sewerin Combiphon is ideal for non-metallic services for instance AC or PVC mains.
For the right advice on leak detection and locating requirements talk to the team. Access Detection provide training for all its equipment, and this can be arranged on-site for staff too.
For more information, visit accessdetection.com.au
About the Author
Anthony Johnstone has spent more than 20 years in the utility industry. He has worked with a range of experts, technologies and businesses to build a strong knowledge base, which he leverages to provide practical, detailed advice on the correct solution for each individual utility’ unique needs.
