Leak Detection System Development

Overview

In this course, attendees will learn how to assess their non-revenue water needs, utilize better leak detection methods, understand the products that are currently on the market, and avoid the gimmicks or sales pitches that plague the industry.  The philosophy is leak detection is a lot simpler than what most systems think.  By employing a more common sense and keep it simple approach, this course will educate the user on how to minimize risks and costs associated with selecting and implementing leak detection equipment or services. 

Leak detection is not only about non-revenue water reduction. The course will also address Zero leakage expectations.  Even new systems experience at least 3% loss. The main goal here is to be more proactive rather than reactive.

The course is designed to educate both contractors who engage with leak detection as well as water management companies and municipalities on how having a leak detection system, whether through acoustic survey, pressure monitoring, or flow monitoring, will benefit both capital costs and water system analysis. We will also review the cost-benefits of several factors most systems do not even realize that work in conjunction with smart leak detection systems. 

Learning Outcomes

• Assess current outlook of their water system
• Explore common leak detection methods
• Employ best leak detection practices that complement current system and manpower needs
• Utilize the most complementary leak detection equipment on the market
• Review data requirements and valuation for proactive leak detection
• Establish buy-in from your team as leak detection is everyone’s responsibility
• Prioritize leaks based on manual surveying and data correlation
• Implement PALM Methodologies (Prevention, Awareness, Location and Mending)

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

Understanding Your Water System

• What is non-revenue water?
• Calculating water loss
• Water audits
• Meter accuracy
  • Large standard meters
  • Ultrasonic flow meters
• Reactive vs. proactive leak detection
• Learn more about how your system works

Break

Understanding Leak Detection

• Leak detection methods
• Understanding frequencies in your system
• Data requirements
• Develop best practices to address water leaks
  • Water loss reduction monitoring
    • Acoustic
    • Pressure
    • Flow
  • Survey and correlation
    • Localization of leak
    • Manual survey
    • Smart water system technologies
  • Pinpoint leak
• Using the best tools for the job (overview in this session and give more detail in the next session)
• Methods for using the manpower you have

Lunch

Develop A Proactive Leak Detection Program

• PALM (Prevention, Awareness, Location and Mending)
  • Prevention (pressure reduction, network calming, mains replacement)
  • Mending (no-dig repairs, slip lining, temporary repairs, clamp vs cut-outs) 
• Equipment and software options
  • Database solutions
  • Preliminary AI analysis to predict possible leaking area and pipe segments
  • Cloud based or NB IoT solutions
  • Prioritizing leaks
    • Frequency analysis of the listening devices
  • Employees vs. Contracting
  • Leak management
    • Frequency analysis of the listening devices
  • Avoiding major pitfalls
  • Flow metering and pressure monitoring loggers
    • Development of DMAs (District Metered Areas)
    • Pressure zone monitoring
  • Trusting a brand and vendor
  • Getting buy in from your employees and supervisors
  • Time management best practices

Break

Case Study: El Paso Water, Smart Network Noise Loggers

Hands-On Exercise

Q & A Session

• Reinforcing what we learned
• Leak detection simplified philosophy

Course Adjourns