UK water utility experiencing low pressure in the network.
Tuberculated cast iron pipe
Orbis was contacted by a UK water utility because they were experiencing low pressure in the network. The low water pressure was resulting in the nearby pumping station having to work extra hard. Looking at this video you can see why. The 127mm (5”) pipe has been reduced to 25mm (1”) due to major tuberculation and build-up of corrosion products in one length of the pipeline. This demonstrates how effective the Orbis Investigator camera system is at quickly finding and accurately identifying blockages in pipes.
Video of Pipe Blocked With Tuberculation
Finding pipeline leaks quickly
With the pipe only running at 1 bar pressure, there was definitely a leak, but it was proving to be tricky to find. The client had tried using their listening stick above ground, but with a compressor operating nearby and the additional sound coming from low pressure in the network, they could not hear a thing. Watch how the Orbis Investigator camera, moves backwards and forwards to identify the spot where the sound has the highest pitch. Once identified, it was located using the inbuilt sonde and sprayed up ready for excavation by the client. This proves why our camera system is highly effective in supporting our clients’ complex challenges on pipe networks.
Video of leak on joint
Preventing future leaks
Using our LDS1000 camera system, we have worked in close partnership with one UK utility surveying over 5,000m of 355mm PE pipework. In this instance, the pipe was laid six years ago and there had been numerous bursts and issues, which resulted in the client needing a pipe survey to identify whether there were any more leaks. We identified all the potential problem areas, providing back-up data and clear images. The first image shows an electrofusion joint, which was requested by the client; the second image demonstrates material changes in the pipe itself. The client was delighted with the results.
Quickly finding leaks
Network operatives at this UK water company had been trying to find the leak on this 152mm (6”) cast iron main without any luck. They had dug four dry holes with no luck. Working closely with the client and using the Orbis Investigator, we found and pinpointed the leak within an hour.
Video of cast iron leak investigator
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