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Screening Solutions Aqseptence Group GmbH Water Intake Systems Hardeckstrasse 3 76185 Karlsruhe, Ger many Phone +49 721 5001-0 info.geiger@aqseptence.com www.aqseptence.com S outhern Water is testing the SmartBall device that travels along water pipes and can detect weakened pipes before they become bursts. Supported by partners Pure Technologies and Water Research Centre (WRc), Southern Water's technology team are applying the device, which was developed for use in the oil and gas industry, in the 13,000 km of pipeline that make up its water network. The SmartBall, which resembles a bowling ball from a distance, features a small hardened globe containing acoustic sensors that can 'hear' a leak of as little as 0.11 litres/min. Other detectors can spot unevenness in pipes and pockets of air in a pipe. The data is transmitted to surface stations placed along the Southern Water trials SmartBall in battle against leaks pipe's path or downloaded when the ball is recovered. The 'globe' is covered with a bright blue protective sponge layer. "We have worked very hard on finding new ways of finding and fixing leaks with a goal of eventually reducing wasted water from our vast network to zero," Sarah Elliman, Southern's research and development project manager, said. "Innovation and collaboration go hand in hand at Southern Water – we look for the best technology and the best partners and work together to deliver the best solutions to the challenges we face." "We are really pleased with how smoothly the SmartBall project went for Southern Water, and in collaboration with our partners Pure Technologies," Keith Walker, head of infrastructure at Œ In-line leak detection technology being tested We look at how Twitter reacted to the inquiry into the regulation of the water industry. S tonbury has expanded into Scotland, with Iain Weir named as MD of the new venture. Services will include traditional Stonbury works, from the refurbishment of TWSPs including service reservoirs and water towers to the introduction of the full scope of services the Stonbury Group o" ers. Stonbury Scotland is operating from o• ces in Peebles, with the intention to expand into other geographical locations. Initially supported by DOMS trained site and management teams from the north of England, Stonbury Scotland intends to employ local sta" in the near future. Jon Featherstone, delivery director, said: "The board is delighted to appoint Iain Weir as managing director of Stonbury Scotland. We have known Iain for many years and recognise that he holds the same values that Stonbury stand for in terms of customer focus, integrity and dedication to his profession." Weir has 20 years' experience from working across the UK and US water sector. Since graduating with a degree in chemistry from the University of the West of Scotland, he has pioneered the introduction of various new technologies into the drinking water sector and led the development and growth of a company, from less than £200k to generating over £3 million proœ table turnover. Weir said: "The vitality and excitement of setting up a new team, reinforced with the full support and experience of the group structure, is a unique challenge which I am delighted to embrace." "Failure to properly regulate the water industry has caused catastrophic damage to rivers in the south east of England, bled dry by abstraction, polluted with human waste or both. @ CommonsEFRA inquiry into industry could not be more timely or appropriate." @Feargal_Sharkey When pumping station equipment gets older the risk of breakdowns and disruptions increases, switching out your old pumps to the submersible sewage pump type ABS XFP is easy with the Sulzer adapter bracket which fits to the existing guiderail. Choosing the XFP also means lower energy consumption with the Premium Efficiency IE3 motor that comes as standard, and reduced maintenance costs and blockages delivered with the versatile range of Contrablock Plus impellers. For more information, www.sulzer.com/timeforchange Time for Change "Note that they're not tackling the elephant in the room, the lack of a #NationalGridOfWater. We live in a #TemperateRainforest, one of the wettest countries on the planet. Attempts to reduce demand are a sticking plaster for government inability to tackle long-term issues." @Nigelh7n "New and timely @CommonsEFRA inquiry launched on regulation of the #water #industry. How well does the industry serve consumers, the #environment, are the enforcement mechanisms † t for purpose, and are there potential post-#Brexit divergence bene† ts?" @EmmaSHLui activity most e• ciently, and we look forward to supporting Southern Water in the future – now we've got the 'ball rolling'." A member of the Southern Water team has nicknamed the device 'The Dude' after the film 'The Big Lebowski', which features an avid 10-pin bowling fan. wwtonline.co.uk | JUNE 2018 WET NEWS 3 Stonbury announces expansion into Scotland WRc, said. The combination of SmartBall and Sahara – a tethered tool for inspecting pipes – means we can inspect rising mains of any length with minimal disruption to service. "In-pipe inspection provides the conœ dence to target replacement and maintenance "The Environment, Food and Rural A" airs Committee of MPs is launching an inquiry into the Regulation of the Water Industry - after recent incidents of leakage and pollution this is overdue." @Chrisitv WET News is registered at Stationers' Hall. Origination by Faversham House and TR Clash Ltd. Printed by Buxton Press, Palace Road, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6AE. Copyright 2018. Faversham House. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publishers. Every e" ort is made to ensure the accuracy of material published in WET News. However, Faversham House will not be liable for any inaccuracies. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editor or publishers. 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