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Modern methods for monitoring water leakages in water networks Cover

Modern methods for monitoring water leakages in water networks

Open Access
|Mar 2022

Figures & Tables

Figure 1

Predicted water stress in the world by 2040 according to WRI.
Predicted water stress in the world by 2040 according to WRI.

Figure 2

Methods of installing a stationary sensor: (A) on an above-ground hydrant, (B) on an underground hydrant, (C) in the gate valve chamber
Methods of installing a stationary sensor: (A) on an above-ground hydrant, (B) on an underground hydrant, (C) in the gate valve chamber

Figure 3

Location of acoustic sensors on the map (water supply network) of Jerusalem (1600 sensors, 750 km of the network).
Location of acoustic sensors on the map (water supply network) of Jerusalem (1600 sensors, 750 km of the network).

Figure 4

Graphical representation of the correlation of leakages on the tested section of the pipeline in Shamir street.
Graphical representation of the correlation of leakages on the tested section of the pipeline in Shamir street.

Figure 5

Structure of the FIDO system [Fido-Tech, 2021b].
Structure of the FIDO system [Fido-Tech, 2021b].

Figure 6

Installation of the WLM sensor.
Installation of the WLM sensor.

Figure 7

Variability of the tested parameters in the event of a leak – AQUALYS software.
Variability of the tested parameters in the event of a leak – AQUALYS software.

Figure 8

Leakfrog device installed on a water meter.
Leakfrog device installed on a water meter.

Strengths and weaknesses of the systems_

StrengthsWeaknesses
ASQ-SYS system
  • Regularity and consistency of readings

  • Automatic data analysis and alarm display

  • High accuracy of determining the leak location (<2% of the distance between the sensors)

  • GIS integration

  • Automatic data transfer via GSM

  • Adaptive filtering of external disturbances and noises

  • Automatic noise correlation with the use of algorithms based on artificial intelligence enables the classification of the probability of the size of a leak

  • Dedicated application also for mobile devices supporting the work of field teams

  • Significant uncertainty in estimating the size of the leak

  • Necessary access to a large number of fittings in order to achieve high accuracy of leak detection

  • Sensitive to sound attenuation in pipes, which is not always predictable

  • High implementation costs

FIDO system
  • Automatic data analysis and alarm display

  • Very accurate algorithm with high accuracy of filtering noise leakage (92% efficiency)

  • Learning algorithm – constantly increasing its effectiveness by expanding the library of leak patterns

  • High frequency of FIDO bugs readings (15-minute interval)

  • High accuracy of leak location (exact correlation between sensors)

  • Detection of even very small leaks

  • A solution that mainly supports other acoustic systems (conducting noise analysis), but it can also operate independently

  • Necessary access to a large number of fittings in order to achieve high accuracy of leak detection

  • Data transmission from FIDO bugs sensors takes place via bluetooth (the sensor must be approached with a mobile device)

  • High implementation costs

WLM system
  • Ability to monitor several parameters with one recorder (pressure, flow, noise, temperature)

  • Automatic data analysis and alarm display

  • Automatic data transfer via GSM

  • High accuracy of the leak location (several metres)

  • Detection of even very small leaks

  • Ability to remotely set the recorder parameters and force the measurement

  • GIS integration

  • Ability to automatically send an alarm via SMS

  • The sensor is installed directly on the pipe – direct access to the pipeline is required (excavation required)

  • High implementation costs

PermaNET system
  • Automatic data analysis and alarm display

  • Automatic data transfer via GSM

  • High accuracy of the leak location (several metres)

  • Integration with Google Maps and StreetView

  • Two-way communication – the ability to remotely set the parameters of the recorders

  • Dedicated application for mobile devices supporting the work of field teams

  • In order to achieve high accuracy in determining the amount of leakage, it must be linked to data from the flow meters

  • Necessary access to a large number of fittings in order to achieve high accuracy of leak location

  • High implementation costs

SmartFlow system
  • A comprehensive multi-functional system that locates leaks, balances the water in the network and determines the size of the leaks

  • Pressure, flow, speed and direction of flow and temperature are monitored simultaneously

  • It can also be accessed via mobile devices

  • Automatic analysis of multiple data and alarm display

  • Determining the exact location of leaks has to be supplemented with acoustic methods

  • High implementation costs

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/sgem-2022-0001 | Journal eISSN: 2083-831X | Journal ISSN: 0137-6365
Language: English
Page range: 53 - 65
Submitted on: Sep 1, 2021
Accepted on: Nov 5, 2021
Published on: Mar 12, 2022
Published by: Sciendo
In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services
Publication frequency: 4 times per year

© 2022 Marian Kwietniewski, Piotr Świercz, Jarosław Chudzicki, published by Sciendo
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.