Smart Water Leakage Detection System for Underground Seawater Cooling Main (REF:C-0040)
E&M InnoPortal Trial Project Ref. No.:

Overview

Many premises in Hong Kong utilize seawater for cooling purposes in chiller systems via underground water pipes. It is crucial to maintain good condition of the underground water pipes to ensure stable air-conditioning services are provided to the premises and avoid potential damage to infrastructure along the water pipes. The water leakage monitoring system for underground pipes is an innovative tool for real-time condition monitoring of underground pipelines.

By detecting leaks at an initial stage, the online monitoring system can help provide an early warning to operators on those potential leakage points and preventing further outbreaks of water leakage. The constant condition monitoring of underground pipes enables operators to respond quickly to any anomalies in the pipeline, minimizing downtime with minimum labour inspection.

Problem Addressed

Underground pipes are often difficult to access and inspect. The location of water leakage is hard to identify. By using the detection system, the potential leakage and its exact location could be identified remotely.

Leaks in underground pipes may result in water loss, affecting air-conditioning services to venues and even damaging infrastructure and risking public safety. The monitoring system gives an early warning signal to operators for potential leakage of the underground pipes. Proactive repairing work can be taken immediately to prevent the water burst from pipeline.
Innovation

The smart water leakage detection system provides an integrated solution of remote detection, monitoring and data storage and retrieval. It utilizes noise detection sensors to detect any potential water leakage.

All water leakage sensors positions are shown on the map for easy identification and access. Potential leakage location is visualized on the map in the system with auto alarm function. Historical data is also available for continuous monitoring of the pipeline's condition.
Key Benefits
  • Provides an early warning of water leakage, allowing for prompt repair and maintenance work to prevent further loss
  • Identifies the exact water leakage location to shorten the time required for manual searching
  • Enables proactive web-based remote monitoring in which SMS and email alerts are pushed to users to review the potential leakage and plan for next move
  • Achieves remote monitoring with Internet of Thing (IoT) sensors that reduce the labour costs and time for frequent inspections of underground pipeline
Patent and Award

British Patent : 2555053 
Project Reference

Seawater Cooling Main of Chiller System in Tuen Mun Town Hall