Results

Existing tools to assess the actual status of extensive water distribution networks are limited. Too often, utilities are limited to using statistics, pipe sampling and modelling to predict breakages. Modelling often leads to premature replacement of water pipes that would otherwise provide a significant remaining service lifetime. Likewise, the heterogeneity of individual pipes makes pipe sampling highly inefficient, and frequently causes weak pipes to go undetected. This approach is costly, ineffective and unsustainable.

BIT provides data on the condition of every single pipe:

• Measurements of remaining thickness
  • Distinguishing production variance from corrosion
• Quantifications of corroded pipe walls
  • Distinguishing external from internal corrosion
• Mapping of internal topography
  • Presence of valves, branches, joints, repairs, etc.
• On-board leak detection
  • Matches leak noises with pipe topography
• Recommendations for cost-effective and risk-reducing actions

Based on inspection data and main information about the pipeline (year of construction, nominal wall thickness, steel grade etc.) speed of corrosion is calculated, and residual lifetime of the pipeline is determined taking into consideration regulatory documents. According to data received, actions for future safe operation of pipeline sections inspected can be developed.

The report from the inspection includes:

• Technical data on pipe and inspection
• List of important findings
  • Thickness
  • Production variance for each pipe
  • Internal/external corrosion
  • Condition of lining (bitumen, not cement lining)
• Analysis of the condition of each pipe
• Summary and recommendations for actions
• Flexible format – suitable for GIS import

BIT AS is at present the only company in the world that can deliver all these data without pre-cleaning the pipe and in a single scan operation.

The use of the BIT Report:

• Prioritise pipes by urgency and action
  • Which pipes are healthy?
  • Which pipes can/should be lined?
  • Which pipes should be replaced?
  • Which pipes should be repaired?
  • Cost/benefit/risk analysis
  • Combine data with other sources/tools:
  • Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
  • Asset management tools