The EchoShore®-M system combines the latest generation of acoustic sensors with proven wireless communication networks in a node configuration that can be easily moved to multiple sites in your transmission main network to search for leaks or validate acoustic POI signals. The EchoShore-M system enables utilities to quickly pinpoint leaks and significantly reduce water loss. The system is designed to be lightweight, rugged and portable, allowing a water company to monitor different sections of the transmission main from just a few hours to several days.
A node is fitted into a rugged case and consists of an advanced acoustic sensor, network hardware, battery, antenna and ancillary parts.
Nodes can be connected to a water transmission main in a chamber or other locations where access to the water main can be obtained. Nodes are typically placed 500 m to 1,000 m apart and can be applied to a variety of pipe materials ranging in diameter from 16 to over 90 inches.
Data files are recorded at a user-specified intervals and wirelessly uploaded to the secure server via a cellular network. Automated analysis of the recorded files is performed to remove unwanted interference and provide indications of leaks or other anomalies in the transmission main.
Once the desired monitoring duration is complete, nodes are moved to a new location.
Local water company personnel often understand their transmission assets best – including terrain, working environment, and asset operability. The EchoShore®-M system has been designed to enable local or utility leak detection crews to manage the installation of the monitoring nodes to the transmission main. Crews will quickly learn the operating procedures required for the EchoShore®-M system through standardized training provided by Echologics. This approach enables utilities to develop internal expertise, and reduces the cost of transmission main leak detection through flexible program options:
Service Contract Approach – Echologics field engineers conduct inspections and analyze data
Licensee Agreement Approach – Water system operator enters fixed term license agreement. Echologics provides standardized training program
Data Capture and Analysis Options – Water system operator can capture data and Echologics conducts data analysis, or water system operator can capture data and conduct analysis internally, with additional training and support from Echologics.
In Malaysia, Jalur Cahaya Sdn. Bhd. has selected the EchoShore®-M system for a twelve-month field deployment with the objective of significantly reducing non-revenue water loss in their transmission main network – without impacting on customer supply. Echologics® was able to quickly mobilize the program and achieve rapid success working closely with the water company. Locally based technicians, with no prior leak detection experience, were trained on the EchoShore®-M system and software program. In the three months of deployment in the field, over 200 kilometers of large transmission mains were surveyed and field crews quickly identified and repaired 20 large leaks.
In Ontario, Canada, two EchoShore®-M nodes were placed in chambers on either side of a suspected leak on a 24-inch ductile iron transmission main. The main was difficult to access as it ran through a swamp like environment. Approximately 600 feet of the main was monitored for a 48 hour period during which the EchoShore-M system continuously gathered acoustical data for Echologics® engineers to analyze. The leak was confirmed and pinpointed in a rarely used access chamber which was flooded and difficult to access.
The City of Flint, Michigan selected Echologics® to assess approximately 600 miles of metallic water mains, some of which are more than 100 years old. With the objective of significantly reducing leakage, Echologics field engineers deployed the EchoShore®-M leak detection technology. The new platform enabled field technicians to inspect greater distances of pipeline in less time with a high degree of accuracy.
For more information on the EchoShore®-M Transmission Main Leak Detection