SMART DECISIONS START WITH STRONG DATA.
Over the next decade, utilities will invest billions of dollars into updating aging water distribution and collection system assets. Infrastructure renewal is difficult for utilities of all sizes, but the sector is rising to the challenge. Utilities are increasingly adopting proactive asset management strategies.
Actionable data is the foundation for successful asset management. Pipeline condition data guides defensible, cost-effective repair and replacement decisions.
For critical pipelines, continuous monitoring helps utilities manage their assets with even greater confidence. Monitoring prevents dangerous failures and unplanned operational expenses. It also plays an important role in long-term capital planning. Ongoing data collection strengthens predictive degradation models that focus utility resources where they are needed most.
PREVENT PIPELINE FAILURES.
Stay ahead of failures in prestressed concrete cylinder pipe (PCCP) with continuous monitoring. SoundPrint® AFO can alert utilities to wire breaks in near real time. An increasing number of wire breaks signals that the pipe is weakening. This advanced warning system gives utilities the power to act before a pipe fails.
IDENTIFY THE WEAK LINKS.
Just because a pipeline is old, doesn’t mean it needs to be replaced. Most pipe in the ground today is still in good condition. Structural monitoring can identify the small fraction of problematic pipes. Combining regular electromagnetic inspections with 24/7 monitoring is the most reliable way to safely extend the life of a PCCP pipeline.
EMPOWER SMARTER DECISIONS.
Good data is the basis for smart decision making. Monitoring the rate of wire breaks over time creates a clearer picture of pipeline degradation. This long-term view of structural health helps utilities predict a pipe’s remaining useful life with much greater confidence.
HALT DAMAGING PRESSURE SURGES.
Pressure transients are often caused by operational changes, such as starting a pump or rapidly closing a valve. Identify dangerous operating conditions with transient pressure monitoring. Pressure surges strain pipelines and increase the risk of failure. Structurally weak pipes are especially vulnerable.
YOUR PIPELINE INTEGRITY PARTNER.
Pure Technologies, a Xylem brand installed the first SoundPrint AFO pipeline monitoring system in 2005. To date, we have monitored more than 830 miles (1,340 km) of PCCP worldwide. These systems — combined with our dedicated support team — have a proven track record of reliably detecting wire breaks and preventing critical pipeline failures. Since 2017, utilities have performed more than 450 proactive repairs based on monitoring data.
Our expert analysts review monitoring data, identify events of concern, and convey actionable information to utilities. Monitoring and inspection data is accessible at any time, on any device via a secure, map-based web portal. The information also seamlessly integrates with utility asset management systems.
KEEP WATCH ON YOUR CRITICAL ASSETS.
Our pipeline monitoring systems stand guard over your most critical infrastructure 24/7. Utilities can realize a significant return on investment by preventing failures and reactive emergency repairs. Monitoring also helps utilities target the pipes that need repair or replacement and better positions pipelines to reach their maximum useful life.
WHY MONITOR CRITICAL PIPELINES?
- Determine when, where, and how many wire breaks occur on critical PCCP pipelines
- Track PCCP deterioration to inform long-term capital planning
- Selectively rehabilitate at-risk pipe sections
- Prevent pipeline failure
- Avoid replacing pipes with remaining useful life
- Visualize monitoring data on an interactive user portal
- Identify damaging pressure transients
- Understand how pipeline operation affects pressure
- Ensure safe, reliable pipeline operation
GO BEYOND FAILURE PREVENTION.
A large US utility operates a critical 54-inch (1350-mm) PCCP transmission main located under a busy roadway. The utility monitors, regularly inspects, and selectively repairs the main to keep it operating safely. A 20-year capital cost projection shows that this data-driven approach saves over 70% compared to full replacement.
PCCP failures are costly for utilities and their communities. The economic benefits of avoiding even one catastrophic failure are clear. However, avoiding premature pipeline replacement can also yield significant capital savings. Replacement is expensive, especially across a network of aging assets.
Utilities can actively track PCCP deterioration and renew at-risk pipes instead of replacing an entire pipeline with remaining useful life. See how you can leverage our monitoring solutions to prevent failures, reduce risk, and gain powerful long-term insights for a fraction of full replacement cost.
REGAIN CONFIDENCE IN YOUR AGING ASSETS.
Pure Technologies’ monitoring solutions give utilities near-real-time data on the operational and structural condition of their pipelines. Monitoring for pressure transients and wire breaks helps utilities avoid failures and safely manage critical pipelines into the future.
SOUNDPRINT AFO MONITORING
Broken wire wraps are the primary sign of PCCP deterioration. Our SoundPrint AFO monitoring system detects and locates wire breaks using an inline acoustic fiber optic cable and a data acquisition unit. The system monitors long distances and is highly configurable. The cable can even be installed without disrupting service.
TRANSIENT PRESSURE MONITORING
Most pressure transients go unnoticed with each surge causing incremental damage. We continuously monitor pressure to capture surges in high resolution but report data at user-defined intervals to avoid information overload. Utilities can monitor pressure on pipelines of any material and size.
