REDUCING DRINKING WATER LOSSES
Accurate data – one of the keys to establishing intelligent water distribution networks
Many countries around the world are suffering from droughts that have lasted for several years. One would think that in such situations especially, people would use water resources wisely, if for no other reason than a sense of self-preservation. The fact is, however, that as much as 60 % of the water supply in major cities like Cairo, Nairobi and Mexico City was lost to pipeline leakages in 2010. The situation in Europe is not much better. Spain and Italy suffered water losses of more than 25 % in 2010, while the water-loss figure for Germany was just under 10 %.1 It can only be hoped that these numbers have declined in light of recent efforts to improve the situation. Most of the losses are due to outdated water distribution networks. For example, part of Germany’s pipeline network dates back to the days of Kaiser Wilhelm, while London neglected to modernise its network for so long that new leaks now form nearly as fast as existing ones can be repaired.
Water losses generally occur when burst pipes go undetected or when cracks form in pipes, although leaky taps are also a frequent cause. This constant dripping in numerous households is hard to identify, and the losses tend to become apparent only after comparisons are made between water supply figures and the water consumption data registered by meters. Local governments often have no other choice but to pay the cost differences or pass them on to consumers. Even in a small water distribution network, a loss reduction of just a few per cent can lead to savings of tens of thousands of euros. Water losses in major cities can quickly reach six or seven figures.2 It therefore pays to invest in intelligent measurement technology, without which it is virtually impossible to detect water losses at an early stage.
1 sbz-online: «Hohe Trinkwasserverluste» (05.2010) / 2 Berliner Zeitung: «Berlins Wasserverbrauch steigt» (04.2017)
Example of a smart water distribution network
One company that offers such measurement technology is i2O, which links together sensor heads from KELLER Pressure to create smart network solutions. Here, pressure transmitters provide accurate measurements for relevant points in the pipeline network. The network management system sends the processed data in predefined intervals to various nodes, which then forward the data to a control centre. The control centre analyses the data, identifies anomalies and then looks for the causes. Control parameters can be adjusted remotely if necessary. Teams of technicians only have to be sent out if defective components need to be repaired.
KELLER Pressure has been supplying sensor heads for installation in i2O data loggers since 2008. In 2012, the two companies began cooperating extensively on the development of a new range of i2O pressure loggers. The product’s success is due to not only the technological advances that have been made but also the close collaboration between two extremely competent enterprises.
The new loggers needed to have a very compact design and be highly accurate and easy to install and remove. A transmitter that met the same requirements was therefore also needed, which is why i2O got in touch with KELLER Pressure right from the beginning.
Series 20D pressure transmitter (standard product) - Customer-specific variant in a compact design and with an additional quick release coupling
The 20D pressure transmitter was able to meet key requirements here: The digitisation of the measurement values is managed by a microchip integrated directly into the pressure sensor. The logger can read out the pressure values directly from the transmitter via the I2C-Bus interface. There’s no need for an additional electronic circuit, which saves a lot of space.
The pressure connection was equipped with an additional quick release coupling especially for the i2O application, and the housing was also made more compact. Specialised calibration by KELLER Pressure was required in order to achieve the high accuracy required by i2O. Here, it was possible was to reduce the total error band as compared to the standard product from 0,5 % to 0,2 % full scale .
This solid foundation enables i2O to offer accurate, reliable and affordable loggers that provide the relevant data for intelligent water networks in a timely manner. Those who utilise these smart solutions can therefore quickly repair damages in a targeted manner while simultaneously conserving a valuable resource – and saving a substantial amount of money in the process.
