Ovarro introduces tablet-based leakage detection

The ability to access network information on tablets and smartphones is another step forward in the digitalisation of the Australian water sector, according to Etienne Clauw, product line manager at Ovarro.

The company has launched a tablet-based leakage detection system, the Eureka5, which will become the basis for Ovarro’s leak detection platform. The system displays information on an Android tablet and does not require a dedicated processor or laptop, cutting down the number of devices field teams need to have in their vans.

Digital transformation of the Australian water sector is well underway, with utilities now widely integrating smart, data-driven tools to manage their water networks.

When it comes to leakage, figures from the Bureau of Meteorology show non-revenue water losses make up around 10% of Australian utilities’ system input. This figure is already among the lowest levels in the world, due to the large water loss reduction efforts that have been made to better cope with droughts.

However, with a focus on customer experience, utilities are more aware of the need to limit the public impacts of leakage and main breaks, such as flooding, roadworks and traffic disruption. There are also reputational considerations — customers expect utilities to efficiently manage their networks and minimise water waste, especially when they are asked to be water efficient themselves.

Having the ability to pinpoint precise locations of leaks in real time, through fixed networks, is helping utilities meet these expectations and identify leaks before they become bigger problems.

The use of smartphones and tablets is another major transition — nearly everyone uses some kind of digital device, a shift that is being replicated by water companies, accelerated by the skills of digital natives joining the sector, who have never known a time without the internet and digital devices.

This has made the development and implementation of smart, user-friendly technology easier and faster. At the same time, the cost of these technologies is also coming down while they become more intuitive, robust and secure.

In terms of hardware, Eureka5 consists of two radio transmitters: a radio receiver with signal-processing electronics that interconnects with the Eureka Go app, as well as Ovarro’s existing cloud-based portal, LeakVision. GPS technology enables precise pinpointing of leaks. Ovarro says this includes finding leaks in difficult conditions, such as where there is substantial background noise, where only the quietest of leak noise is present, and on a variety of pipe materials, including plastic.

Eureka5 enables users to listen to noise on the pipe, upload this data directly to Eureka Go and view the data instantly on a tablet, rather than the processing unit used previously. As well as simpler functionality for operators, the solution is said to reduce capex costs.

Smart networks are already significantly improving leakage performance, allowing utilities to move from a reactive to proactive model. The ability to carry out multiple tasks on just one device will further streamline processes, making tasks simpler and faster for operators, while improving customer satisfaction.