THE MAGAZINE FOR THE DRAINAGE, WATER & WASTEWATER INDUSTRIES
AWARDS NEWS
The Blairlinnans water main is a 42 inch (1,067mm) pre-stressed concrete (PSC) pipeline that runs from the Blairlinnans Water Treatment Works to a service reservoir in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland. The pipeline was installed in 1974 and is critical to the ongoing operation of Scottish Water’s supply network.
Scottish Water identified the main as a high-risk asset, which prompted a complete engineering assessment to understand its true condition and prevent an unexpected burst.
Inspections using Xylem’s SmartBall and PipeDiver technologies provided the data necessary to conduct a thorough engineering analysis. The insights showed while most of the pipeline was in good condition, several sections had broken pre-stressed wires, which are critical to support operational pressures. If the wires break, a trunk main can lose its structural integrity, with a risk of failure.
In the first project of its kind in Europe, Scottish Water selected Xylem’s SoundPrint Acoustic Fibre Optic (AFO) system to continually monitor sections of the pipeline. SoundPrint AFO detects breaks in the pre-stressing wire that hold PSC pipelines together.
The system set-up comprises bundled, reinforced fibre-optic cable fed though the water main, which is connected to a data acquisition system to monitor the acoustic activity in near real- time. If a wire break occurs, it is detected by the AFO system, which is connected to Xylem’s AFO analysts via the cellular network.
Wire break events are investigated by the analysts and with the help of machine learning, the break location is pinpointed. An email notification is sent to the customer and the results posted on a cloud-based system, which displays the pipeline status on colour-coded dashboards.
The monitoring, combined with further analysis by Xylem’s engineering service, enables utilities to make proactive decisions about which sections of pipe need to be replaced or repaired as deterioration continues over time.
Ian Dunsmore, team leader - strategic water infrastructure at Scottish Water, said: “Replacement of major pipelines is often cost prohibitive, extremely complex and causes major disruption - however it is rare that the entire pipeline needs to be replaced.
“Leveraging Xylem’s AFO system and engineering experience enabled us to understand the true condition of the Blairlinnans water main at a single point in time and have confidence that the pipeline is being continuously monitored for any further deterioration. It is great news that the success of this joint initiative has been recognised by the sector.”
Andrew Welsh, water utility director at Xylem said: “Xylem is extremely proud that this innovative partnership with Scottish Water has been recognised by the Water Industry Awards.
“The AFO system has enabled Scottish Water to reduce the risk of failure by pre-emptively repairing areas known to be in poor condition, make significant cost savings by extending the life of remaining pipe sections and minimise disruptions to customers, while maintaining the utility’s reputation as a forward-thinking, reliable service provider.”
Energy & Utility Skills announce finalists for 2024 awards
Energy & Utility Skills is delighted to announce the finalists for the highly anticipated 2024 Awards. These prestigious awards recognise outstanding achievements and contributions across power, gas, water and waste industries, celebrating individuals and organisations that have demonstrated exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.
This year’s finalists were selected from a competitive pool of nominees, each showcasing remarkable dedication and excellence in their respective fields. The judging panel, comprising industry experts, faced the challenge of narrowing down the candidates to a select group of finalists who have truly set themselves apart.
“We are honoured to recognise these exceptional individuals and FOLLOW US
organisations,” said Stephen Barrett. “Their achievements reflect personal and professional dedication and also inspire others to strive for excellence in their own endeavours.” The winners of the 2024 Awards will be announced at the Energy & Utility Skills Conference and Awards, which will take place on 10 September at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. This event brings together industry leaders, key decision-makers, stakeholders, and professionals in the energy and utilities sector to celebrate and honour the significant contributions of this year’s finalists. Tickets for the Conference and Awards are available now.
With significant changes ahead, the conference will focus on skills and jobs related to the green agenda and achieving net zero, sharing knowledge and celebrating excellence.
August 2024 | 23
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