Staged investigation for long and complex routes
Large Underground Pipeline Leak Detection
A long underground pipeline is often better investigated in stages. The first goal may be to identify the section most likely to contain the leak before carrying out more detailed inspection or excavation.
When a staged investigation makes sense
- The route is long or has several branches.
- Drawings are incomplete or the pipe route is uncertain.
- Access and isolation points are limited.
- Operating conditions change during the day.
- A full-route detailed inspection would be inefficient.
- The project needs a priority zone before committing excavation resources.
Review the pipeline route
We begin with the latest drawing, pipe material, diameter, estimated depth, water source, pressure, previous repairs, valve locations and accessible points.
Divide the route into sections
Valves, meters, hydrants and other access points are used to create practical investigation sections. The available isolation and operating conditions determine how accurately the route can be divided.
Compare the sections
Suitable acoustic, pressure, flow or isolation checks are used to compare the sections and identify where further work is most justified.
Where reliable flow or meter data is available, unexplained loss may be expressed as m³/day, m³/hour or L/min. These figures help plan the investigation but do not identify the location by themselves.
Inspect the priority section in more detail
The priority section may then be checked with closer listening points, wireless correlation or other suitable methods, depending on the pipe and site.
Mark the priority zone and plan the next step
A staged investigation may finish with a priority zone rather than one exact excavation point. More detailed inspection may be required before the final excavation location can be marked.
Information that helps us plan the work
- Latest route drawing and revision history
- Total length, branches and pipe materials
- Diameters and estimated burial depths
- Valve, hydrant, meter and access-point locations
- Pressure, flow and pump behaviour
- Isolation and shutdown opportunities
- Surface, noise, safety and reporting requirements
What the client receives
Depending on the agreed stage, the client receives the investigation findings, a priority-zone map or marked area, and recommendations for the next inspection, excavation or repair step.
How the quotation is prepared
The quotation depends on route length, network complexity, pipe material, access, operating conditions, travel, reporting requirements and the stage of investigation required.
Send us the pipeline route details.
Share the latest drawing, route length, pipe material, diameter, depth, pressure, valves, access points and operating constraints where available.