EchoShore®-DX Platform

Continuous Leak Detection Monitoring for Distribution Mains

Early leak detection is vital for distribution systems, with the ability to identify system failure points before they impact customer service levels. When water resources are limited, early leak detection is a valuable tool in reducing non-revenue water and extending pipe asset life. The EchoShore®-DX platform is a fixed leak detection technology that is changing the way water main leaks are identified and repaired.

In Pennsylvania, the EchoShore-DX platform identified a leak near the time of its formation and track its progression in a susceptible portion of the distribution system. It took several attempts to identify the leak using conventional ground sounding equipment – even after the leak had been tracked for several weeks by the EchoShore-DX system. Once excavated, the leak was confirmed at the spigot's end and was losing an estimated 5 gallons per minute of water.

West Virginia American Water in Charleston, credits the EchoSHore-DX platform with reducing water loss by 2.3 million gallons per day (MGD) in the first four months of operation – of which 90% of the leaks had not surfaced before repairs were made. Another 2 MGD of water loss was recovered from a transmission main leak, picked up by the EchoShore-DX system through ground vibration.

EchoShore-DX platform incorporates the latest generation of acoustic sensors that are the result of Echologics pioneering success with correlating leaks on a variety of pipe materials and large diameter mains.  The sensors are built into a standard fire hydrant cap and are capable of identifying extremely faint acoustical noises emitted by leaks before they become detectable by conventional methods.  This early detection capability enables utilities to prioritize repair based on actual need and the most effective allocation of repair crews.

The platform is designed to provide more accurate information on the location of a leak.  A key advantage of the EchoShore-DX platform is that it performs a system-wide leak detection correlation when first activated. Identifying and repairing any existing leaks enables creating an accurate and known acoustical baseline for the monitoring zone. This results in exceptionally high detection accuracy of any leaks that may develop in the future.

Once a desired monitoring zone is identified, fire hydrants are fitted with the intelligent nodes. The nodes communicate with a central data collection hub and multiple data collection hubs are used for larger monitoring zones which can be expanded in phases.  Flexible information backhaul options enable the use of the platform for utilities of all sizes.

 

System Benefits:

  • Identify leaks early
  • Monitor leak progression
  • Prioritize field crew schedules
  • Significantly reduce pipe repair costs
  • Achieve non-revenue water loss targets

System Features:

  • Compatible with dry or wet barrel fire hydrants
  • Compatible with standard 4-inch or 4.5-inch hydrant nozzle pumper caps
  • Durable components designed for rapid installation and maintenance
  • Fire hydrants offer a secure and protective environment for sensors

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  1. HOW THE ECHOSHORE®-DX SYSTEM WORKS

    At the heart of the platform is an intelligent node which is embedded into a standard fire hydrant cap. The node is pre-assembled and consists of an acoustic sensor, analysis software, network hardware, batteries, and an antenna.

    Installation of nodes into a fire hydrant offers several benefits that improve system performance and extends equipment life.  The above-ground location of the node antenna enables a stronger and more stable radio signal. Placing the node in a hydrant cap also offers a better protected installation environment compared to valve box installations that can suffer from salt, silt, and dirt accumulation.

    Once a desired monitoring zone is identified, fire hydrants are fitted with nodes which communicate with a central data collection hub. As nodes collect data at predetermined times, proprietary filters are applied and the data is compared to baseline acoustical signatures at each hydrant location. When an acoustical anomaly is identified, the node sends a data file to the multi-channel Echologics Analysis Module (EAM). The EAM automatically requests additional correlation data from surrounding nodes, and automatically performs multiple correlation combinations to accurately target the location of the leak or acoustic anomaly. When a leak is confirmed, a notification is sent to the utility.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  2. INSTALLING ECHOSHORE®-DX ACOUSTIC NODES

    The installation of EchoShore®-DX acoustic nodes on a fire hydrant is a straight-forward process and typically requires less than 30 minutes per site. The nodes are installed in a clean and easy-to- access location.

    The first step involves the removal of the existing fire hydrant pumper nozzle cap. For wet barrel fire hydrants, water flow to the hydrant must first be shut-off.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The EchoShore®-DX acoustic node is factory assembled and tested prior to delivery. Once installed, there is virtually no visual difference between the old and new acoustic pumper nozzle cap.

    Nodes are made of standard cast iron material and are customizable to meet utility requirements:

    • Color to match existing hydrant scheme
    • Nut can be machined to required shape (square, hex) and dimensions
    • Threads are custom machined to match existing patterns 

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The acoustic nodes have all the required equipment built into the pumper nozzle cap, including an acoustic sensor, electronics board, network hardware, batteries, and an antenna. Once the node is visually inspected, a field engineer fits it to the fire hydrant. There is no impact on the operation of the fire hydrant.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Once the smart pumper nozzle cap is installed, a field engineer activates the acoustic node and links it to the data backhaul network.

     

  3. RELATED PROJECTS

    Identifying Leaks Early Can Avoid Costly Failures

    Working with West Virginia American Water, Echologics installed the EchoShore®-DX system in a community with aging pipeline infrastructure challenges. The system identified a leak that could not be located from above ground by field crews. The leak was monitored and observed over a four-week period as it grew in size. Due to the increase in size of the leak, the location was excavated and revealed an aged cast iron pipe with a crack on the bottom of its bell joint. The utility quickly made the repair, and avoided water loss and costly infrastructure damage.

  4. DOWNLOADS

    EchoShore®-DX Platform

    For more information on the EchoShore®-DX Platform

    EchoShore-DX Product Brochure