Detection and pinpointing of underground pipe leaks - What devices are out there?

[mechengr12]

Hi,

I am trying to acquire a device to help pinpoint the location of underground pipe leaks in a chemical plant. The lines are cooling water lines operating between 60-80psig and sizes between 6"-48". The lines are typically located 6'-14' below ground (including 8"-12") of concrete. We have had two leaks in the past 6 months and need a device to help save time by helping to pinpoint a general location the leak is located. Are there any recommended devices that work well for this and does anyone have past experience?

 

[bimr]

There is no easy button for this. Most of the time, you can observe water at the ground surface, especially at the pressures that you have.

The only guaranteed method is a contractor operating a backhoe.

The customary practice when leaks continue to occur is to replace/line the piping segments.

 

[LittleInch]

Acoustic sensors are quite good for plant lines. you sometimes need access to the pipes, but only at ~50 - 100m intervals from memory. At that sort of burial depth ground based systems don't really have the penetration.

A DCVG survey will show areas where coating is poor which often coincides with leaks, but will probably find much more.

internal pigging is your best technical solution, but for piping access can be a real issue unless you have a decent length shutdown.

Water utility companies are a good place to start or companies like this

http://www.sewerin.co.uk/products/water-leak-location/

search acoustic leak detection pipelines

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[LittleInch]

There's no date on this, but has some useful guides and references.

http://www.ndt.net/article/jae/papers/27-027.pdf

This is another vendor.

http://pipelinesinternational.com/n...ystems_for_pipelines_based_on_acoustic_/80371

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.