Rural water supply and water demand ... - Up To - SOPAC

[35]
Equipment Comments / Application Limitations
Hydrogen gas
detection method
loggers. PC’s can be loaded
with ‘mobile’ graphical
information systems providing
inspectors with distribution
system drawings.
Identifies leak position by
detecting the location of
hydrogen gas which has been
introduced into the water
supply. The hydrogen gas
(carried in 95% nitrogen) rises
to the surface above the leak
position. Due to the small size
of hydrogen molecules the gas
can permeate concrete, asphalt
etc. Provides accurate leak
location as the gas rises above
the break in the pipe.
‘Flexi Trace’ Enables non-metallic pipework
to be located by the insertion
of a flexible ‘wire’. Once
inserted in the pipe a signal is
induced either at the leading
point of the trace wire or
throughout its length. This
signal can then be traced using
a cable avoidance tool.
Pipe & cable
locating /
avoiding tools
Other pipe tracing
equipment
Used for locating cables and
pipework.
A ‘vibrating’ sound can be
induced in the pipe to be traced
via equipment attached to a
[MR351 - Schölzel]
Best suited to locating
leaks on smaller pipes
(ideal for difficult supply
pipe leak locations).
Pipework is de-watered
by the introduction of the
gas. Gas needs to be
introduced by using either
a boundary meter box and
forcing the gas toward the
property or closing the
boundary connection and
introducing the gas
through the customers
internal stop tap. Can
take some time to set up
and for gas to rise to
surface for detection.
The trace wire has to be
inserted into the bore of
the pipe, leading to a
possible contamination
risk. Hygiene care needs
to be taken when using
the trace. Trace will not
pass sharp bends or Tee’s.
When obstructions are
met the pipe has to be
excavated, the pipe cut
and trace re-inserted.
Not suitable for plastic
pipes unless ‘flexi’ trace
is used.
Can get complaints about
noise in pipes when in
use. Some argument