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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.

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

Figure 3

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.

Figure 5

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

Figure 6

Installation of the WLM sensor.

Figure 7

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

Figure 8

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
In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services
Publication frequency: 4 issues per year

© 2022 Marian Kwietniewski, Piotr Świercz, Jarosław Chudzicki, published by Wroclaw University of Science and Technology
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.