Locating Water Main Leaks in Texas to Conserve Resources During Times of Drought

摘要

The Challenge:Severe drought can be very damaging to water pipelines, especially if the pipe is older or in a delicate condition. Increased water usage in the summer can add additional demands on the system, making distribution and transmission lines even more susceptible to leaks or failures and utilities to become reactive to unprecedented ground conditions. With field crews working around-the-clock responding to reported leaks and repairing pipes, a growing number of utilities are finding it difficult to perform planned asset renewal projects.Overcoming the Challenge:Effective leak detection programs require the right tool for the right job. The most cost-effective method for performing "broad-brush" leak assessment of large areas of pipeline is to first deploy listening equipment to targeted sections of pipeline and documenting everywhere that leak noises are detected. Once a "fist pass" of a system is completed, advanced in-line leak detection tools, equipped with ultra-sensitive listening devices and CCTV cameras, can be inserted inside the water pipeline, providing accurate detection and validation of leaks, before the utility embarks on costly excavations of buried pipeline assets or roadway surfaces and so avoids digging costly "dry holes"..The presentation will provide an overview of two different leak detection programs which have recently been performed in Austin and at the Dallas Fort Worth Airport. Combined, the two projects will have inspected up to 2,200 miles of water main.Objectives of the Paper:1. Review the key steps which Austin and the Dallas Forth Worth Airport undertook to select their leak detection programs and prepare for the inspections2. Explain the scope of work, inspection results and how leak detection information can be applied to extend the life of critical pipeline assets, make rehabilitation/replacement plans and minimize risk3. Review advancements in leak detection technologies to ensure that utilities have access to the right tool for the job.