Leak Detection on Water Distribution Networks Using Helium Gas

Abstract

Water loss problems become main issues for most water operators in in around the globe. Locating invisible atau undetected leakages under the ground is not a simple task for the water operators. The emergence of undetected leakages cause severe deficits for the water operators and inadequate services for the customers. To reduce leakages, it is important that the water operators choose a suitable leak detection method for their water distribution networks. There are several leak detection methods need to be considered by the new users before they are put into practice in a particular water distribution networks such as: accoustic methods, tracer gas technique (helium gas), infrared (IR) camera thermography and ground penetrating radar (GPR). This study aims to address applicability and limitation of implementation leak detection using helium gas, especially for locating undetected leaks. The results proved that the method posses high level of accuracy (more than 80%) to identify the leak locations on various pipe materials and on various pipe diameters. Besides, the method worked properly either on high or low pressurized network, although it requires a minimum water pressure of 3 mH₂O at its inlet valves, so that the helium gas enables spread evenly to the entire networks. Furthermore, the method shows a good accuracy for locating undetected leakages that are trapped under asphalt or concrete pavement for many years.

Keywords: leak detection, helium gas, undetected leaks