Overview
A free-swimming inspection tool that detects leaks and gas pockets and maps water and wastewater pipelines
- Highly sensitive acoustic sensor can locate very small leaks and gas pockets in water and wastewater pipelines
- Covers long inspections in a single deployment
- Actively tracked throughout the entire inspection
- Easy-to-deploy in live pipelines through existing features and hydrants
- Navigates tees and vertical sections of pipe and operates in low flow conditions
- Mapping confirms the location of underground pipelines and their alignment with other critical assets
LOW EFFORT, HIGH CONFIDENCE LEAK AND GAS POCKET DETECTION, AND MAPPING
By detecting leaks and gas pockets, the SmartBall® platform allows utilities to understand the condition of pipelines with a low level of effort. This helps to address problem areas before they result in larger failures and reduces non-revenue water.
The SmartBall platform is a free-swimming inspection tool used to detect leaks and gas pockets and map pipelines. The tool can be used in pressurized water and wastewater pipelines without disrupting regular service. It is a valuable addition to a proactive pipeline management program, helping pipeline owners better understand the condition and location of their buried assets. With this information, pipeline owners can focus on the assets that need repair or replacement, which reduces capital expenditures while increasing operational confidence.
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE, DELIVERY EXPERIENCE AND ACTIONABLE INFORMATION
The SmartBall platform is easy-to-deploy in a different operational conditions and has been used globally to detect leaks and gas pockets on critical pipelines.
Leak and Gas Pocket Detection — The SmartBall platform is equipped with a highly sensitive acoustic sensor that can detect pinhole-sized leaks. The sensor also identifies the sound of trapped gas, which can adversely affect pipeline flow or lead to pipe wall degradation in wastewater force mains. The tool indicates the location of leaks and gas pockets relative to known points, typically within 6 feet (1.8 m).
Pipeline Mapping — The SmartBall platform can map the X and Y coordinates of the pipeline using the latest accelerometer and gyroscope technologies, advanced location algorithms, and field-collected global positioning system (GPS) points. Compared with available pipeline information, the tool can help confirm pipeline alignment or identify major conflicts with utility records.
Since 2005, utilities around the world have relied on the SmartBall platform to inspect more than 9,750 miles (15,700 km) of pipeline and detect over 4,450 leaks. This operational experience ensures quality project management and professional inspection delivery.
