The leak-locating model comprises advanced acoustic data loggers, cutting-edge cloud-based software, and Ovarro’s in-house leakage expertise.
WD News: A new end-to-end leakage reduction service has been launched by Ovarro, as the water sector moves forward with wider implementation of as-a-service models to improve efficiency.
LeakNavigator is the UK’s first fully-managed, fixed network leakage service.
With all elements combined, the service can accurately identify Points of Interest (POIs) on behalf of water companies, alerting field technicians directly, so they can head straight to the site with high confidence that a leak will be found, thereby reducing the need for in-house data analysis.
LeakNavigator has undergone successful trials with UK water companies, recording a combined performance increase of 20-25% in total leaks found, plus a 30% reduction in lost field time through false positives and a POI-to-leak conversion rate of over 85%.
As-a-service models are subscription-based applications, with infrastructure that is entirely managed and maintained by an external supplier.
Matthew Hawkridge, Chief Technology Officer of Ovarro said, “Regulators and customers are continuing to push water companies to cut leakage and their expectations will only increase. While acoustic fixed networks – which are permanently in place to pinpoint leaks by monitoring the sound of water escaping from pipes – are bringing major improvements, the sector has at times struggled with the correct placement of acoustic loggers. For remote loggers to achieve the best possible results, they need to be placed in the optimum locations across a network – but establishing precisely where these spots are is no easy task and requires specialist expertise. If loggers are not placed appropriately, location data could be compromised and water company analysts have an even harder job of pinpointing leaks. This means leak detection teams could be spending valuable time and money trying to identify leaks in the wrong place.”
Ben Crabtree, Product Line Director for Analytics at Ovarro, says, “LeakNavigator solves this challenge by taking complete ownership of the data analysis and leak detection process, working in collaboration with water companies, with results-driven accountability. This consultative approach is already enhancing the performance of acoustic fixed networks, including high-accuracy POIs, high operability, and good conversion rates. These outcomes are allowing leakage teams to focus their attention on fixing, not monitoring, the problem, which will help them achieve their leakage targets and ultimately secure future water supplies.”
Source & image courtesy: Ovarro
