TPi November 2014

products & developments

Leak-detection technology pinpoints water main leaks

characteristics within the pipe network and send this information back to the water utility. Data from individual leak-intelligence units is automatically correlated to pinpoint the presence and the location of leaks. Web-based application software correlates the data between loggers and provides visual identification of high probability leak locations. Repair crews can then be dispatched to the site with confidence that leak locations have been identified. The accuracy of the system also reduces the amount of digging required to access the leak. Once the units are installed, operators can monitor the system and analyse results at the utility office. No manual or drive-by data collection is required. Star ZoneScan can be deployed as a stand- alone system or added to an existing Star network AMI system. Aclara Technologies LLC – USA info@aclara.com www.aclara.com

Mr Connolly also commented, “Studies suggest that there are an estimated 240,000 water main breaks in the United States each year. Star ZoneScan helps provide an ‘early warning system’ that identifies problem spots within feet of the defect.” Star ZoneScan automates the collection, retrieval and analysis of acoustic data gathered throughout the water system, listening for and recording vibrations in the quiet early hours when factors affecting leak noise are minimised. The system combines the strengths of leak- intelligence units with Aclara’s two-way, fixed-network automated metering infrastructure (AMI) technology, which incorporates two-way communication between the utility head-end and endpoints and time-synchronised initiation of sound recordings. Central to the system are highly sensitive acoustic data loggers that are deployed at regular intervals on valves throughout the water-distribution network. The devices monitor the noise

Aclara, an expert in smart infrastructure technology for water, gas and electric utilities, has developed Star ® ZoneScan, an advanced automated detection system that can pinpoint underground leaks in water mains to within just three feet by collecting and analysing acoustic data, helping to speed repair and identify trouble spots before they become major problems. “In many communities, 10 to 20 per cent of water pumped into distribution systems may be lost due to leaks,” said Allan Connolly, CEO of Aclara. “As infrastructure gets older, the water loss may rise to over 50 per cent. From an environmental perspective, this situation wastes a great deal of water – a precious resource that is becoming more valuable every day. From the water utility’s perspective, leaks contribute to the amount of ‘non-revenue water’ – in this case, water that has been produced and ‘lost’ before it reaches the customer – and that places a financial burden on the agency.”

Quality inspection for stainless steel tubes Contrôle Mesure Systèmes designs, develops and manufactures a complete range of NDT products in eddy current and ultrasonic testing methods, including high performance instruments and systems, probes and transducers, accessories, and complete turnkey machines with associated mechanics. Probus supervision software, for col- lecting information provided by NDT equipment, allows the display of com- bined signals (UT/ET) and the creation of inspection reports that can be used as control evidence for quality services and customers. Data stored can be recalled for analysis and quality treatment. Contrôle Mesure Systèmes – France contactcms@cmseddyscan.com www.cmseddyscan.com

For high quality and precision tubing, CMS has developed the RotoUTscan ultrasonic rotating head for tube inspection in stainless steel, titanium, zirconium and carbon steel (diameter range 6 to 250mm) for longitudinal and transversal defect detection, thickness measurement, OD-ID and ovalisation. It can be combined with other CMS equipment (including magnetising units, rotating systems and support coils) for a full body inspection of the product, and can be installed in a strong control bench including centring devices.

RotoUTscan ultrasonic rotating head

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November 2014 Tube Products International