Trial Confirms Non-Invasive Mains Pipeline Inspection as Effective as Ultrasonics
Technology measures AC mains’ residual stiffness with high accuracy
Brabant Water wanted to better understand the condition of their aging asbestos cement (AC) transmission mains. To achieve this, Isle initially performed a Technology Horizon Scan to identify technologies that could be scaled across their network. One of the technologies highlighted was KenWave’s DRI. DRI is a non-invasive, external inspection technology which measures residual pipe wall stiffness and interprets this data to determine structural thickness. Because of its non-invasive nature, it allows water mains to remain fully operational during assessment. It detects leaks and captures localized changes in effective structural wall thickness — particularly valuable for AC mains prone to leaching. These insights support asset management objectives, such as predicting remaining service life, assigning condition scores and prioritizing pipelines for replacement.
KenWave and Brabant Water conducted a trial through the Trial Reservoirs Initiative to demonstrate the value of KenWave’s pipeline condition assessment technology. The trial took place over a 2-kilometer section of a 400mm and 300mm Asbestos Cement water main. This section had already been inspected using an inline Ultrasonic Testing (UT) tool, providing the client with high-resolution baseline data. The purpose was to compare DRI results with UT data and other operational and deliverable KPIs to evaluate KenWave’s performance.
The results established that the DRI technology offered a non-invasive approach to wall thickness accuracy which was just as effective as more traditional technologies including ultrasonic testing (UT) technologies, but without the associated risk or disruption.
Ventajas del enfoque/la innovación
- Non-invasive: DRI technology offers a uniquely non-invasive approach
- Operational continuity: External inspection technology that allows water mains to remain fully operational during assessment
- Effort-resolution balance: Strong balance between inspection effort and resolution of results
- Self-deployment: Ability to self-perform the field setup and data collection
Servicios especializados implicados:
- Trial design support: We supported the selection of the trial pipeline, the length and the proposed pipeline material. The Trial Reservoir specifically addresses key questions that the trial must answer.
- Validación de ensayos: We received and assessed the trial’s initial outcomes as well as the updated results following KenWave’s data review. We supported KenWave and Brabant Water during the outcome discussion meetings.
- Repayable grant: Isle facilitated negotiation between KenWave and Brabant Water to establish the trial’s critical success factors and key performance indicators (KPIs). Loans were then released to KenWave, to be repaid once the trial succeeds.
Resultados:
- Accuracy levels achieved: All target accuracy levels were successfully met. Accuracy thickness predictions were consistently accurate and met all thresholds.
- No service disruption: The inspection was carried out without affecting water flow, pressure or delivery.
- Timely data delivery: Leak data was delivered within 48 hours; wall thickness and final reports were provided on time following sample results.
- Comprehensive reporting: Deliverables included a GIS Shapefile, an Excel file with wall thickness data and a detailed inspection report.
Contactos clave:
Para más información, póngase en contacto con Jo BurgessJefe de la reserva de prueba de Isle Utilities.