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Intervention sur fuite du réseau d'eau potable
pedagogy
24 January 2025

Detecting water leaks: A major challenge for network performance

While leakage is a major problem, there are many tools and methodologies available to limit its effects, as well as to prevent it.

Detecting water leaks: A major challenge for network performance

Water leaks are a common but critical problem when it comes to managing water networks. Today, around 20% of distributed water is lost through leaks, which is equivalent to the yearly consumption of 18 million people (the regions of Paris and Occitania combined). They not only represent an economic challenge, given the increased operating costs and often oversized production, they also represent an environmental challenge, due to the loss of a precious resource. When carried out using the right technologies and with methodical exploration, leak detection plays an essential role in improving network performance while at the same time preserving water resources.

The consequences of water leaks

The impacts of a leak in a water network are many and varied. From an economic perspective, losses due to leaks increase operating costs, making it necessary to supply more water to compensate for the losses and generating additional costs associated with corrective actions and repairs. From an environmental perspective, these losses affect the sustainability of water resources and mean that proactive, optimised network management is essential. It is worth noting that the cost of energy is the main item of expenditure involved in producing drinking water. In effect, raw water is captured or pumped from an underground water table or a river, transported and then treated.

Fuite sur canalisation

Leak detection methodology

Leak detection is based on a methodology consisting of five main steps, designed to achieve accuracy and efficiency:

1 - Knowledge of the network: The first step is to map your network by detecting connections and pipes of all types of materials from a point of access to the network.

2 - Sectorisation: The aim is to divide the network into several geographical areas based on its configuration and to assess night-time flows using meters equipped with data loggers.

3 - Pre-locating: This phase consists of identifying suspicious areas on the network. It entails installing sensors or loggers to monitor noise at night, primarily to detect acoustic anomalies associated with a leak.

4 - Correlation: Once an area has been identified, acoustic correlation is used to locate the leak with greater accuracy by analysing the noise between several points on the network.

5 - Pinpointing: This final step confirms the exact location of the leak, using acoustic tools such as vibration sensors or specialised devices for specific pipes (plastic, steel, etc.).

The right equipment for effective detection

The reliability of the results is highly dependent on the equipment used. Suitable tools, such as those offered by the Claire Group, excel for their outstanding performance, ease of use and versatility.

  • Pre-location with BIDI Loggers: The magnetic version of these data loggers is installed on the network's valves or taps, or the hydrophone version is installed on an access point in the network to listen to the flow of water. They record night-time noise to identify suspicious areas. They communicate and transmit information to the Watercloud supervision platform, which means the entire network can be constantly monitored.
Logger BIDI aimanté
  • Correlation and Pinpointing with the LOKAL 400: This device combines several methods, including multi-point correlation and acoustic listening, to pinpoint leaks. This device stands out thanks to its tremendous versatility, with the ability to carry out pre-location operations and correlations on all types of pipes thanks to its built-in accelerometers and hydrophones. It also delivers accurate and efficient acoustic pinpointing, thereby boosting the speed and reliability of response operations.
Corrélateur LOKAL 400
  • Upgradeable solutions such as the SENSE access point: This smart connection features the flexibility to add sensors to continuously monitor the network. This versatile device can be adapted to a host of different applications, from leak detection to pressure and temperature measurement. It is especially effective on plastic pipes, which can often prove difficult with diagnostics. The SENSE works with a hydrophone sensor that is integrated into the water flow.
Système SENSE

Simple and versatile: fundamental criteria

When it comes to leak detection, the devices must satisfy certain requirements. They must be:

  • Easy to use: Tools such as Pipemic and LOKAL 400 feature user-friendly interfaces and automatic modes so that they are universally accessible, even to non-experts. Our Bidi Loggers and Drulo pressure loggers have dedicated applications to make it easy to analyse the data.
  • Compact and portable: Thanks to their light weight and ergonomic design, they can be used every day in a wide range of configurations, even in confined spaces (Aqua M60).
  • Accurate and reliable: A combination of accurate acoustic sensors and multi-point correlation means that leaks can be pinpointed swiftly and reliably, thereby reducing response times.

Spotlight on innovative solutions

The Claire Group offers a complete range of equipment designed to cater for the needs of network managers:

  • PIPEMIC FLEX: A high-performance immersion tool for pinpointing leaks and identifying plastic pipes. It is ideal for small pipes, even if they are curved, and optimises excavation work.
Pipemic FLEX
  • AQUA M300: The universal system for pre-locating and pinpointing leaks. It provides acoustic leak detection, tracer gas leak detection and the ability to locate pipes made from all types of materials when coupled with the PWG II pulse generator.
Aqua M300
  • LOKAL 400: This device combines pre-location, correlation and acoustic pinpointing for swift, accurate response actions, even in urban environments.
Corrélateur LOKAL 400
  • Aqua M60: It is compact and wireless, making it ideal for preventive and daily leak detection thanks to its ultra-sensitive sensor.
Aqua M60
  • BIDI Hydrophone: The BIDI's built-in hydrophone sensor optimizes pre-locating operations on all types of pipes, including plastic ones.
BIDI Hydrophone

A high-quality, sustainable approach

The Claire Group embraces innovation and sustainable development. Its solutions, such as the BIDI Loggers and the AQUA range of devices made by FAST, are designed to improve network efficiency while preserving resources.

Preserving networks, preserving water

Leak detection is so much more than a simple technical operation. It is a strategic instrument to optimise costs, preserve resources and guarantee that users receive a high-quality service. With state-of-the-art equipment and proven methodologies, action can be taken swiftly and effectively to reduce water losses and extend the service life of infrastructures.