Range of techniques we use to locate leaks

Our trained staff use a number of techniques to locate leaks on buried pipes which can be applied to suit the individual circumstances of client’s properties.

The three main techniques we use involve using ground microphones, tracer gasses, and leak correlators.

Ground microphones
Ground microphones allow us to amplify, trace and display the noise created by a fluid escaping from a pipe. We also use ground microphones to trace the line of a pipe. This is done by inducing a sound wave along the pipe which can be measured at ground level thus allowing us to follow and plot its route.

Tracer gas
A tracer gas containing 95% Nitrogen and 5% Hydrogen can be injected into the pipe. This mix of tracer gas is used mainly because hydrogenis the smallest molecule on the planet and therefore permeates through surfaces quicker than any other gas. It is also non-toxic, non-corrosive, pro environmental and the gas mixture is approved as a foodstuffs additive so, in most cases does not require purging from the pipe. The tracer gas escapes through any hole in the pipes wall and permeates through whatever layer of surrounding soil, tarmac, concrete slab or paving is above it allowing us to measure its quantity at the surface and pinpoint the leak.

Leak correlators
Leak correlators identify the acoustic frequency made by water escaping from a pipe. The correlator uses two sensors over the length of a pipe which calculate the leak’s location by comparing signal delay, the sensors distance apart and the sound velocity.

These techniques can be combined or used in isolation depending on what is constructed over the service or how deep the service lies.