Case Study: East Cherry Creek Valley Water & Sanitation District (ECCV)
Condition assessment and leak detection of 3.27 miles (5.26 km) of 48-inch steel transmission pipeline.
Project Overview
KenWave was engaged by Kennedy Jenks and ECCV to assess the Northern Supply Transmission Pipeline using Dynamic Response Imaging™ (DRI) technology. The project involved a detailed condition assessment and leak detection across 3.27 miles (5.26 km) of 48-inch steel pipeline.
KenWave’s DRI technology delivered high-resolution data at 15-foot intervals, identifying areas of pipe wall degradation and variations in wall thickness. The inspection was performed externally, using existing access points, and without service disruption, ensuring the pipeline remained fully operational throughout the project.
Challenges
- Long Distances Between Access Points: Required careful planning and coordination to ensure seamless sensor deployment and data collection.
- Background Noise: External environmental factors introduced challenges for vibroacoustic signal clarity during the assessment.
- Extensive Logistics: Managing manpower and equipment during segment-to-segment transitions required precise execution to maintain project efficiency.
Results
KenWave’s DRI technology provided ECCV with actionable insights to better manage its critical transmission infrastructure. The high-resolution data enabled the identification of degraded sections of the pipeline, allowing for targeted maintenance and repair efforts. By conducting the assessment externally and without service disruption, KenWave minimized operational impact while delivering precise and reliable results.
This project highlights the advantages of using DRI for large-diameter steel pipelines, offering utilities an efficient, non-invasive solution to gain a clear understanding of their assets. The simultaneous leak detection and condition assessment provided ECCV with a comprehensive view of their pipeline’s health, empowering them to make proactive, data-driven decisions to maintain the reliability of their water supply.
- Delivered a residual wall thickness profile for the entire 3.27-mile pipeline with a resolution of 15 feet, providing detailed insights into pipeline condition.
- Identified areas with varying levels of degradation and changes in wall thickness, enabling ECCV to target specific sections for maintenance or further investigation.
- Performed leak detection simultaneously with the condition assessment, offering a comprehensive overview of the pipeline’s structural integrity.
