New series advances leak detection on plastic pipes

The enduring challenge of finding leaks on plastic pipes continues to drive innovation in detection techniques, writes Tony Gwynne, leakage solutions director

Around 8,445km of water new mains are expected to be laid in England and Wales between 2025-2030, the vast majority of which will be made from polyethylene.

The plastic became the preferred material for new water mains in the 1980s as it was considered more durable and less prone to leaks than metal pipes. While the ever-growing plastic network has helped reduce leakage to historically low levels, it has presented a different challenge.

Plastic pipes can still leak, particularly from the joints, but sound does not travel as far as it does on metal. These leaks are tricky to detect using traditional acoustic methods – listening for noise outside of the pipe – because sound does not travel as far on plastic as it does on metal and may not always reach the loggers installed along the pipe network.

Ovarro’s new series of advanced correlating acoustic loggers - Enigma5 – features technology that was designed with the plastic pipe challenge in mind. 

An update of the game-changing Enigma3 series, the hydrophone loggers pinpoint leaks by measuring the sounds generated inside pipes. The high-sensitivity sensor technology has been proven to be effective on plastic networks and over long distances.

The Enigma5 devices are more compact and lighter, making them easier to transport, handle and install, with smaller environmental impact. User-replaceable batteries ensure smoother maintenance, with minimum downtime.

The series includes:

• Enigma5hyQ – sensitive hydrophone technology optimised for leak detection over long distances, particularly suited for use on large diameter and plastic pipes. Enigma5HyQ correlating loggers transmit daily leak noise data. Correlation is performed across multiple loggers to accurately pinpoint leak positions. Users can listen to the recorded noise, helping to confirm the correlation results whilst reducing false positives

• Enigma5-BB – based on the hydrophone technology of the Enigma5hyQ, the Enigma5-BB is designed for quick installation into operational meter box chamber, rather than via a hydrant or by digging a new pit. This option gives utilities a more convenient, alternative means of connecting to the water mains network with more access points. Having the ability to install loggers in easy-to-access locations significantly enhances network coverage potential, with fewer health and safety implications than highway working.

• Enigma5 deployment app for quick set-up and logger management, with GPS-based tagging, real-time updates and Bluetooth connectivity. Easily access historical data, sync with Ovarro's advanced Atrium analytics platform and streamline data transfer.

The series also includes the Enigma5M, a sensitive acoustic accelerometer, which attaches magnetically to metal pipes.  It pinpoints even quiet leaks over long distances, meaning fewer loggers are needed per kilometre of network. 

Data captured by all products in the Enigma5 range is processed and analysed on the Atrium cloud-based analytics platform.  Accessible from any internet-enabled device, users can view colour-coded leak alarms and logger positions on Google Maps.

Suppliers like Ovarro will continue to develop technologies that enhance leakage detection on plastic pipes, and all water mains.

To learn more about how the Enigma5 series can prevent water loss in your network, do contact us.

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