WET News

FEBRUARY 2018 WET NEWS 17 presents a major benefit for water companies, particularly as it was recently revealed by an Oxford University scientist that many UK water companies are still using divining rods to find underground pipes, despite there being no scien- tific evidence they work. Additionally, Mobile LPWA technology can be paired with sensors and water meters to detect leaks and reduce waste, allowing water management firms to keep track of any potential problems that could pose a risk to both people and the environment. It also helps track any major costings that lie ahead, with the ability to detect issues before they evolve into fully blown problems. The GSMA Smart City Guide: Water Management explains in detail how this technology and other existing mobile technologies are becoming an integral compo- nent of the Smart City, and includes case study examples in Tainan City, Taiwan, a city at the confluence of several major rivers, and in Las Vegas, an area that has struggled with underground pipes. Las Vegas is a great example of Mobile LPWA technology being used in the best way possible to solve a dangerous and expen- sive problem. AT&T installed a sophisticated pipeline moni- toring system, to identify leaks that could otherwise go unno- ticed for months and are nick- named by some as 'ticking time bombs'. This kind of sys- tem coupled with mobile com- munications and data analysis has helped city leaders to make more informed decisions that extend asset life, and reduce operating risks. These case studies reveal the breadth of mobile technol- ogy, and how it can be applied in so many different cases and instances to help with the management of water, leading to reduced consumption, improved leak detection, and better monitoring of water THE CONCEPT • Low Power, Wide Area (LPWA) networks are an area of the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem that has been steadily gaining momentum • Mobile LPWA is unique in its ability to communicate information in underground or hard to reach locations and in such a way that supports long term battery life • Mobile LPWA technology can be paired with sensors and water meters to detect leaks and reduce waste, allowing water management firms to keep track of any potential problems that could pose a risk to both people and the environment NEED TO KNOW 1 The GSMA Smart City Guide: Water Management explains in detail how this technology and other existing mobile technologies are becoming an integral component of the Smart City - it includes case studies from Taiwan and Las Vegas 2 Mobile networks give water companies the ability to remotely monitor water usage in many below ground locations, meaning they can take readings more regularly and become less dependent on manual or drive by readings quality, to name just a few of the benefits. Affordable solution Of course, many observers will comment on Mobile LPWA technology and how the adop- tion of such technologies will depend on its cost effective- ness. In this respect, there are a number of ways in which LPWA has the edge over con- ventional solutions. Mobile LPWA devices transmit rela- tively low amounts of data and consequently, the overall cost of the solution is kept to a min- imum, meaning that the tech- nology can be retrofitted at relatively low cost. Monitor remotely Importantly, Mobile LPWA gives water companies the ability to remotely monitor water usage in many below ground locations, meaning they can take readings more regularly and become less dependent on manual or drive by readings. The proof is in the pudding, with existing mobile-enabled remote moni- toring solutions such as AT&T's HydroPoint proving their value by saving custom- ers £100M and 68BN litres of water in 2015 alone. Ultimately, both cities (where they are responsible for water supply) and water utilities can benefit from smart connected water meters and other IoT sensors in the water network. Other areas of water network operation are assisted by the move towards the use of IoT for network monitoring and management. At the heart of this change are mobile oper- ators, who provide the solu- tions to cater to the needs of the water industry. As more and more projects start to implement mobile technology, the future of water manage- ment may become an area where firms and organisations can make a positive impact on the lives of people, the envi- ronment and the economy all in one go. THE VERDICT "As more and more projects start to implement mobile technology, the future of water management may become an area where firms and organisations can make a positive impact on the lives of people, the environment and the economy all in one go." Dr Shane Rooney THE DETAILS WHAT'S NEW: Innovex, the company behind the Push-Tec Pipe Pushing system, has evolved its business model to become a one-stop- shop for international network owners and operators seeking solutions for PE Pipe lining of existing metal host mains. In the USA, Innovex has received a patent for its Pipe Pusher and the company is currently securing distributors in both the USA and Canada. Initially the company will provide a range of solutions in the support equipment and pipeline renovation fields offering Sales, Hire, Training and Product Servicing. WHAT PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE: In addition to the Push-Tec, other equipment available from the new company includes the Prop Lock (for securing shoring in access pits and shafts), Guide Collars (to protect liner pipe when entering the host main), the Crab Claw (a portable, efficient, and safe pipe break-out tool) and the Crush-Tec (an excavator attachment for breaking out cast iron pipes). WHAT THEY SAY: Rosalind MacGregor of Innovex says: "Across our range Innovex offers a full service to our distributors for sales, hire and training to ensure that all our products are expertly supported whichever market they are in. Customer satisfaction is a main driver behind what we do and what we offer." Picote sewer renovation range A new partnership between Picote and Source One Environmental (S1E) sees the latter become a new re-seller of the full Picote range. Most products will be held in stock at S1E's Yorkshire headquar- ters for delivery to mainland UK customers the day after they place an order. The stock is available for order from 11th December 2017. The Picote range available from S1E includes all five Miller machines, grinding chains and brushes, Twisters, the Smart CutterTM range, CIPP lining tools, coating, drill heads and all the spare parts that support those products. S1E Pipe Doctor The WRc-approved Pipe Doctor kits are now available off the shelf in Scotland, thanks to a deal between distributor Scotjet Ltd and manufacturer Source One Environmental (S1E). Scotjet will be stocking the patching kits at their recently refurbished Trade Counter in Govan, Glasgow. Customers across Scotland and the North of England will be able to drop in to pick patching materials up as needed, along with their other require- ments from this drainage industry one stop shop. Scotjet will initially be stocking patching kits, with the intention of representing the entire Pipe Doctor range over time. HWM DXmic HWM has launched the DXmic, a new ground microphone offering touchscreen operation and innovative features. The high-qual- ity microphone enables accurate location of leaks on-site. The colour touchscreen is easy to operate and has multiple signal, memory and frequency displays. Digital features, such as auto-filtering and frequency analysis, allow the microphone to be used in the most challenging environments. The DXmic is compatible with HWM's Xmic sensors, giving an upgrade path for existing HWM ground microphone users. Supplied in a robust carry case, battery life ranges from 15 to 25 hours. WHAT'S NEW OTHER TOP PICKS FOR NETWORKS PRODUCT OF THE MONTH Innovex Push-Tec Pipe Pusher ● Part of new PE pipe lining solutions from Innovex - handles pipes from 180 mm to 630 mm in diameter ● Suited for lining of existing metal host mains ● Prop Lock, Guide Collars, Crab Claw and Crush-Tec among other products available Next month: sensors and instrumentation

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