Application note

Leak detection on water distribution network using
clamp-on flowmeters
Benefits• Easy to set up• No mechanical modification• No downtime• Acceptable accuracy andrepeatability

Summary
A global engineering company in the testing, inspection and certification field in the UAE
was awarded a project from a local water distribution company to track leaks in their main
water distribution networks at Al-Selmiyyah, Bainoona and Yas Island sites in Abu Dhabi.
The inspection company traditionally used methods like ‘acoustics technology’ to identify
leaks. However, they recognized that this approach was time consuming and expensive,and so began to explore alternative solutions, such as ultrasonic flow meters.

Application
Water lines – flow measurement on ductile iron pipelines ranging from DN400 toDN600 (16” to 24”), simultaneously at the inlet and outlet in each identified segment
to verify the line balance.

Challenge
The customer advised that the water flow could not be interrupted, and therefore
required a non-interruptive and possibly a non-intrusive method. As a result, thecustomer, partnering with Panametrics’ Channel Partner, explored liquid clamp-on
ultrasonic flow meters.
By measuring the totalized flow simultaneously at the two ends of the pipeline segment,
they could compare the readings and assess whether any major leaks appear in
between. Any imbalance in the flow readings, would indicate a leakage in the pipe.
Upon confirming the presence of a leak, the contractor could use different methods
such as ‘Acoustic Leak Detection’ to locate the leak on the underground pipe network.
The customer was impressed by the proposed solution but required sufficientconfidence that any flow measurement technology deployed was robust, reliable,accurate and easy to install (no mechanical modification to the pipe was possible
as there are hundreds of branch connections across the customer’s water network).
Eager to road-test the proposed solution, the customer approached a range ofclamp-on vendors, including Panametrics.

Solution
A product demo was conducted by Panametrics’ local
Channel Partner at two different locations using PT900 andAT600 Clamp-on Ultrasonic flow meter technologies. The
results provided a 100% flow reading match demonstrating
the accuracy of Panametrics products.
After seeing the successful demo, the customer ordered two
Transport PT900 portable meters and is now better equipped
to identify leaks, save water and optimize its operations.
1. AT600/PT900
2. CRS402 / CRR592 1MHz transducers
3. Clamping fixture
4. Cable
5. Solid pad couplant CPL-8

Panametrics, a Baker Hughes business, provides solutions in thetoughest applications and environments for moisture, oxygen, liquidand gas flow measurement.
Experts in flare management, Panametrics technology also reduces flareemissions and optimizes performance.
With a reach that extends across the globe, Panametrics’ criticalmeasurement solutions and flare emissions management are enablingcustomers to drive efficiency and achieve carbon reduction targets acrosscritical industries including: Oil & Gas; Energy; Healthcare; Water andWastewater; Chemical Processing; Food & Beverage and many others.
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BHCS39386 (04/2023)

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