Leak Detection for Large Diameter Pipelines
PPIC inspections have found an average of 2.2 leaks per mile in large diameter water transmission lines. By focusing leak prevention programs on large diameter vs. small diameter lines, municipalities can conserve more water while minimizing the risk of major pipeline ruptures.
The Pressure Pipe Inspection Company (PPIC) offers water utilities the most accurate and trusted leak detection system which allows pipeline operators to become more proactive by systematically seeking and abating water leaks in their water distribution systems.
Many utilities believe that the best way to eliminate leaks in their system is to aggressively repair the ones that surface on their own. These types of leaks typically become visible on the street surface and are usually reported to the water utility by the public. However, most leakage events result from “unreported” or hidden leaks. Even large leaks can go undetected for years, wasting millions of gallons of water, causing damage to underground infrastructure and resulting in public safety issues.
From a leakage management perspective, water utilities that fail to proactively seek and abate unreported leaks allow a slowly growing backlog of new leaks to occur. The result is mounting water loss volumes and “hot spots” at some locations as a number of small leaks can ultimately lead to a major pipeline rupture.
Sahara® Leak Detection
The Sahara® leak location system was designed to locate leaks in large diameter mains. The system uses a tether-controlled sensor that is passed through a pipeline, giving utilities the opportunity to prevent leaks from becoming breaks and saving lost water in the process. Because this can be done through an existing 2 inch diameter tap while the pipeline is in service, there is no disruption to water service.
Project Examples:
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission serves 29 wholesale water agencies and delivers approximately 260 million gallons of water per day to its customers through a 280-mile pipeline network. In October 2004, SFPUC contracted with PPIC to inspect pipelines using the Sahara® leak location system.
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Contact PPIC today to find out how we can help you to detect leaks in your pipeline infrastructure.