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HWM will be exhibiting its market leading water and energy management technology at Sustainabilitylive! 2012, Birmingham NEC 22nd-24th May. Visitors to stand K30 will be introduced to the company’s Palmer, Radcom and Radio-Tech brands, which provide a comprehensive range of solutions for water leak detection, pressure control, data logging, and energy and environmental monitoring.

HWM will be exhibiting its Palmer, Radcom and Radio-Tech brands of water leak detection, datalogging and energy monitoring equipment at Sustainabilitylive! 2012

HWM products have earned a deserved reputation for offering exceptional levels of technical quality and innovative features. The company has over thirty years’ experience producing long-lasting, reliable and precise leak detection, wireless monitoring and data management systems, and this is reflected in the many products that will be available to view at the show.

The Palmer brand of market-leading leak detection and pressure control products are used around the world, and include the popular Permalog noise loggers and brand new MicroCorr Touch touchscreen leak noise correlator. Radcom dataloggers are designed and built for a wide range of applications, specialising in data collection and SMS/GPRS telemetry for remote locations. Radio-Tech’s Economise™ and Observe™ wireless energy and environmental monitoring products are used by some of the UK’s leading facilities and building management companies. Following the successful integration of the Radio-Tech brand into HWM last year, their energy management systems have been combined with Radcom logger technology to provide even more versatility to suit any installation.

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The Radio-Tech brand of energy monitoring and management products will be exhibited by HWM on Stand S26 at the Facilities Show 2012, 15-17th May at the Birmingham NEC. Visitors will be able to see and find out more about the Observe™ and Economise™ systems, as well as how the integration of Radio-Tech into HWM brings new, optimised data collection and collation options to suit any type and size of FM requirement.

Radio-Tech (part of HWM) will be exhibiting its energy, building and environmental monitoring equipment at the Facilities Show 2012

The Economise™ and Observe™ ranges are already being used by some of the UK’s leading FM and building management companies, and the addition of HWM’s market-leading telemetry dataloggers broadens the appeal of the technology even further. Products such as the award-winning Ecosense™ combined temperature and humidity sensor can now be connected to a battery-powered telemetry logger for cost effective single point data gathering.

Visitors to stand S26 will see how, with the new products complementing the traditional Radio-Tech centralised network, HWM now offers products to suit any FM’s remote energy, building and environmental monitoring needs.

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The MicroCorr Touch from HWM is the world’s first standalone water leak noise correlator to feature a high visibility colour touchscreen, and it now features the unique Automated Filtering Intelligence System (AFIS) software to make accurate leak pinpointing quicker, easier and more accurate than ever.

New MicoCorr Touch Touchscreen Leak Noise Correlator from HWM uses AFIS to automatically optimise pipe parameter filter settings

Like most traditional correlators, the MicroCorr Touch provides default filter settings for a wide range of different pipe materials and sizes. However, due to the number of unknown variables that can change the frequency of leak noise, default filter settings will never be optimised for every leak situation. Experienced users can manually change the filter settings to find the leak, but this is often a time consuming process involving multiple correlations. Even then it can be ‘hit or miss’ to successfully locate the leak. With AFIS, the MicroCorr Touch effectively builds an expert user into the unit.

AFIS works by automatically applying multiple filter settings to determine the best possible correlation result every time. The system runs 55 different filter combinations on the correlation data, checking the quality of the result and optimising the filter settings as required, until the clearest and most accurate result can be presented. Working on live or pre-recorded data, tests have shown AFIS to significantly improve leak pinpointing on almost any pipe – effectively making manual filter setting a thing of the past.

In addition to this advanced software, HWM has incorporated the latest technological developments into the MicroCorr Touch’s hardware: best-in-class sensors, the VGA touchscreen, and an innovative carrying case that can charge the components from a mains or vehicle connection.

AFIS builds an expert user's knowledge into the MicroCorr Touch, making leak pinpointing quicker, easier and more accurate than ever before

Specially developed by HWM for the new correlator, the new accelerometer sensors offer unparalleled sensitivity in the marketplace. In a recent project in Shandong, China, the local water company had visibly identified a leak presence, but correlators from three different companies were unable to even detect a leak signal – let alone pinpoint where it was on the pipe. When the MicroCorr Touch was deployed it immediately identified the leak and then determined its position to within 0.1m, confirmed by ground microphone and subsequent excavation.

The full colour touchscreen makes entering data incredibly easy, with an intuitive menu system quickly guiding operators step-by-step through the correlation process. By maximising the screen space without the need for button controls, viewing results and analysing the data is also easier and clearer than on traditional units. A high contrast mode for increased clarity in bright sunlight has also been built in, and the on-screen controls designed and tested for use with gloves, ensuring that the MicroCorr Touch retains its usability and functionality in all weather conditions.

The compact, purpose-designed charging case not only carries and protects all components, but also enables the base station and outstations to be charged from the mains or a vehicle via a single power lead. The charging status of each component is displayed on a panel inside the case, and units can be stowed with the sensors still connected. This means that a leak finding team can simply stow the kit safely in the case between jobs for it to be charged and ready for immediate deployment upon arrival.

MicroCorr Touch has been designed from the ground up by experts in both the technology and its application in the field. The result is a correlator that combines cutting edge design and highly innovative functionality to deliver outstanding results with the minimum amount of effort required from the operator.

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Leading water management and remote datalogging product developer and manufacturer HWM-Water Ltd. has launched its new website, now including the wireless energy and environmental monitoring ranges of Radio-Tech in addition to the well-established HWM brands of Palmer leak detectors and Radcom dataloggers. Radio-Tech was recently merged into HWM, bringing the benefits of shared expertise and technology to all areas of the business. The web address is the same as before: www.hwm-water.com.

New website for water management and leak detection company HWM includes Radio-Tech energy and environmental monitoring ranges

The new website makes it easier to find out information about the company and its extensive range of products, split into the three sub-brand product groups. Datasheets, user manuals, training information and even software/firmware updates are now available on the site, with customers also able to log in to access even more useful information.

Palmer Environmental is one of the world’s most recognised names for water leak finding and pinpointing equipment, including Permalog noise loggers, ground mics, digital correlators, flow measurement and pressure control. These are used around the world to find, reduce and fix leaks in water mains networks to save time, money and the precious resource of fresh drinking water.

Radcom Technologies offers, amongst others, the MultiLog LX data logger with remote telemetry options, the SonicSens ultrasonic level monitor, and the Senator+ satellite transmission system for automated data collection from areas even without mains power or mobile phone signal coverage – such as environmental monitoring in the Scottish Highlands.

The latest addition, Radio-Tech, brings a market-leading range of RF-based wireless monitoring and data collection devices that are predominantly used in and energy management, automatic meter reading (AMR) for utility companies and legionella control.

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Following the merger of Radio-Tech with HWM last year, the highly respected and popular Economise range of wireless energy management equipment has been further strengthened with the integration of HWM’s market leading range of SMS and GPRS Data Loggers. The company’s offering to the energy management market is well suited to all types of project, providing new and continuing customers with a ‘one-stop-shop’ for their remote monitoring requirements.

Radio-Tech Merger with HWM brings new wireless energy and environmental monitoring products for all sized premises

Radio-Tech is already established as the Technology Partner of Choice for many of the UK and Europe’s leading data collection and carbon management service providers. This new enhancement to the Economise range will now enable Radio-Tech and its partners to offer an innovative, cost-effective and robust battery-powered data logging option for single point monitoring applications that compliments the existing fixed-network systems.

Radio-Tech’s RF based products are fully approved in the UK and Europe and are available on 434MHz, 869MHz, 153MHz (UK Only) and 169MHz ERMES band for many European countries.

Rob Fish, Managing Director of HWM, said: “It’s great to have the Radio-Tech operation here now, and we think we can really build on the existing technology, products and markets they’ve developed. Our expertise in the production and design of long-lasting, reliable and precise monitoring and data management systems is already helping us to develop the full potential of wireless environmental and energy monitoring.”

Since the merger, Gavin Farrand and Matt Dillane have joined the Radio-Tech team as the account managers for UK North and UK South respectively, and will be keen to introduce customers new and old to the finer points and latest developments in the Economise and Observe product ranges. The company also welcomes Matthew Hoblyn as a Technical Support Engineer, and Phil Tomlinson who will be developing Radio-Tech’s Export business.

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A major project to fight leakage by Yorkshire Water is using HWM’s Radio-Tech SMART Log wireless datalogging automatic meter reader (AMR) to significantly reduce the time and cost taken to find and fix leaks in the network. The SMART Logs are being installed by Vernon Morris & Co. Ltd. along with its Incertameter ‘bolt-on’ in-line flow meter, enabling Yorkshire Water to split 250 of its existing DMAs* in half for more efficient water management – without the need for constructing any new, expensive metered bypasses. The initial phase includes 350 installations, with more planned to follow as the project rolls out across the network.

SMART Log wireless dataloggers from HWM Radio-Tech help Yorkshire Water fight water leakage

Dividing a water mains network into DMAs is current water loss prevention best practice. It allows water companies to examine their network in small pieces, narrowing down areas where water is being lost so that leakage teams can then pinpoint the location within that DMA. Obviously, smaller DMAs result in more detailed initial information, and proportionally less time taken to identify the exact position of the leak; in these cases time equals not only money but also water, personnel and the chances of a severe service disruption.

SMART Log and Incertameter allow for the easy and very cost-effective creation of more and smaller DMAs, and very rapid collection of data from them. SMART Log’s wireless technology means that data collection teams no longer need access to the meter itself, but instead can download the data via a secure wireless link from up to 100 meters away – even from a moving vehicle. This drastically reduces the time taken for data gathering, which, in addition to the use of smaller DMAs, results in impressive savings.

SMART Log wireless datalogging automatic meter reader (AMR) reduces time and cost of finding and fixing water leaks

In a series of blind pilot trials conducted last year to compare the before and after effects of the project, results indicated an average saving per leak of roughly 60 hours of detection time and over £1500, even without factoring in the initial saving of £5000+ per sub-metering point created. Leakage inspectors can expect to cover a DMA approximately five times faster than before, and prioritise their leak repair activities much more effectively according to the severity of a leak and its impact on the water supply.

Advanced technology not only enables this level of functional efficiency, but has resulted in an impressive battery life for the systems. Batteries last for 5 years with a 5 minute sample rate, meaning that the time and cost savings first made at the installation continue on for half a decade. The SMART Log technology has already seen extended use in Scotland and England over the last few years, both in conjunction with the Incertameter and as a standalone AMR or commercial datalogger, and has consistently proved itself a valuable tool in improving a project’s operational functionality and underlying efficiency.

*District Metered Area

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Equipment helped department exceed water loss reduction goal

Milford, OH (December 14, 2011) – Texas-based New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) used leak detection equipment from Fluid Conservation Systems (FCS) to build an efficient maintenance program for its distribution network while drastically reducing water loss. The equipment allows NBU to conduct scheduled repairs on its pipelines instead of dealing with leaks on an emergency basis.

NBU workers use an FCS TriCorr Touch correlator to locate leaks and conduct scheduled maintenance.

The NBU leak detection and valve maintenance program was established in 2009 to reduce water loss and increase system and valve reliability for NBU’s 456 miles of pipeline and 24,000 customer connections. At the end of the first year of the program, NBU calculated its average water loss at 2,000 gallons/ mile/ day.

Recognizing the need for improvement, NBU purchased FCS leak detection equipment including Xmic ground microphones, a SoundSens “i” correlating noise logger, a TriCorr Touch correlator and Permalog acoustic leak noise data loggers. The team began using the equipment to perform preventive maintenance on 750 valves per year and proactively scan the city for non-surfacing leaks. Two years later, NBU estimates its average water loss at 961 gallons/ mile/ day, less than half the loss rate during the program’s first year.

“Everyone knows that water is a precious resource and its preservation requires a ton of attention,” said NBU Operations and Maintenance Division Manager, Trino Pedraza. “We tested many products in the field and found FCS to have the highest level of reliability.”

FCS Permalog data loggers attach magnetically to pipelines and use advanced algorithms to discern the acoustic signature of leaks from background noise. SoundSens “i” and TriCorr correlators analyze data from acoustic sensors to approximate a leak’s location. The FCS Xmic electronic ground microphone amplifies noise generated by water escaping from buried supply lines under pressure, allowing users to pinpoint a leak’s location.

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Hong Kong was the first city in Asia to take advantage of the advanced leak detection capabilities of the Permalog noise loggers, with an initial deployment back in 1999. The loggers are placed on water pipes where they listen for the sound made by leaks, log the data and then transmit it for further analysis. This enables water companies to identify leak areas quickly and efficiently; saving time, money and water by enabling a rapid, accurately-targeted response to repair the issue.

In Hong Kong, the Water Supplies Department (WSD) is in charge of maintaining the 7800km of underground water pipes in the city, and has a 15-year rehabilitation program costing billions of HK dollars to repair, upgrade and modernise the network. Their target is to reduce burst incidents from 2500/year in 2010 to 1000/year by 2015, and to decrease the leakage rate from 25% to 15%. Out of the 1100 cross-road pipes, around half are very old, and at increased risk of damage and disrepair.

HWM's PermaNet SMS leak detecting noise loggers help protect Hong Kong's vital water networks

When a pipe in the busy Wanchai district burst recently, the Hong Kong government identified a further 600 sites around the city where very old pipes run under busy streets, and deployed a new batch of Permalog+ noise loggers to watch for, identify and locate any leaks in these areas. 

Permalog technology is made and developed in the United Kingdom by Halma Water Management (HWM-Water Ltd), and the company’s distributor in Hong Kong is Allied Power Technology Ltd. Allied Power has supplied over 800 sets of Permalog+ units with SMS repeaters to the region, and also has a contract with the local government to analyse the data gathered from the system.

When deployed with SMS repeaters, the Permalog+ devices can function together as a nodal network, with all data being automatically transmitted back to a ‘home station’ – in this case Allied Power’s offices. Every morning, the company receives the leakage data for each of the install sites, and makes recommendations to the WSD based on this information.

Davis Li, Managing Director, said: “We manage a huge amount of data every day, which has to be organised and presented clearly. Because the noise loggers are on busy roads for this project, there is quite a lot of interference from road noise, which can complicate our job. The main challenge of this monitoring work is to localise a leak when a correlation is simply not possible. In these situations, we usually use the Permalogs’ Aqualog function to differentiate interference and help identify the leak location.”

When in Aqualog mode, a Permalog+ logger will measure and log acoustic data at preset intervals over an extended period of time, typically at night to minimise the traffic noise. This data can then be presented graphically so trends, anomalies and incidents can be clearly identified. This effectively displays whether or not the noise is caused by a leak, since any leak noise will be consistent.

The combination of the automated leakage data transmission for general leakage alerts, and in-depth on-site analysis with Aqualog, means that leaks can be quickly identified and problems repaired before they cause major disruption or damage to Hong Kong and its residents.

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Radio-Tech’s market-leading wireless energy monitoring ranges will be exhibited by HWM at upcoming shows The Energy Event, Low Carbon Expo and Energy Solutions. Visitors will be introduced to the company’s Observe™ and Economise™ systems, which are made up of products such as the award-winning Ecosense™ combined temperature and humidity sensor.

HWM exhibits Radio-Tech wireless energy monitoring systems at upcoming trade events

Radio-Tech, leader in wireless telemetry and remote monitoring systems, is now a part of Halma Water Management (HWM-Water Ltd). The two entities had previously worked together on a number of projects and products, and the new company structure will allow the Radio-Tech systems to benefit from even greater support.

Visitors will be able to see how the company’s wireless telemetry, sensing and datalogging expertise can help to easily measure, record and analyse the energy consumption and allocation of resources. Radio-Tech’s Observe™ range, which focuses on environmental monitoring, has been designed to meet the Energy Saving Trust’s specification as outlined in: “Evaluating energy and carbon performance in the ‘Retrofit for the Future’ demonstrator projects”. The Observe™ system makes the whole process easy and simple, and even works seamlessly across multiple sites and projects by providing a web-based interface for remote data access and analysis.

In the drive for businesses to reduce costs, wastage and environmental impact, accurate and easy monitoring of energy usage and building performance conditions is essential. The Economise™ system from HWM uses modular component sensors and remote telemetry to form a network of measurement points and parameters – from temperature and humidity levels to localised consumption of water, electricity and gas. This data is then routed through a centralised data collector, all completely wirelessly, which stores the information and acts as a secure server for data access and assisted analysis from the internet.

The use of high-quality hardware and custom-designed software means that the system does not require field programming (it automatically detects nearby devices), is remotely accessible through a variety of communication platforms, and can even be configured entirely by SMS.

HWM has over 30 years of experience in data logging and water management, and is considered one of the foremost experts in water leak detection and remote monitoring in the world. The addition of Radio-Tech’s environmental and energy focused technologies fits in well with the company’s goal of providing innovative and cost-effective solutions to help its customers use their resources more effectively and efficiently.

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Equipment finds leaks before digging to minimize repair costs and road closures

Milford, OH (June 27, 2011) – Water leak detection specialist Fluid Conservation Systems (FCS) helped the town of Mooresville N.C. save money and resources while keeping in compliance with state regulations.  With FCS leak detection equipment, Mooresville can now identify and repair leaks in its water distribution network as they occur.

The Mooresville Public Services Department installed FCS equipment allowing leaks to be found and repaired as they happen.

Mooresville is a town of 33,000 people that provides an average daily flow of 3.24 million gallons of water to 13,000 homes and businesses.  In the summer of 2008, officials at Mooresville Public Services Department were experiencing a 10% non-metered water rate in their 240 miles of water mains.  Underground water leaks were causing damage to roadways, and the extensive digging required to find and repair these leaks was expensive and caused heavy traffic congestion.  With the passage of North Carolina House Bill 2499 requiring public water services to develop and implement water conservation measures, as well as new industry moving into town that would drastically increase water usage, officials knew it was time to upgrade their water distribution network maintenance program.

After evaluating competing products, Mooresville officials decided that acoustic leak detection equipment from FCS most closely met with their operational and budget requirements.  “The FCS equipment was compatible with our record keeping system and simple enough so that the guys in the field could use it and feel confident that they were collecting accurate results,” said Mooresville Public Services Director, John Vest.

Vest contacted local distributor Carolina Meter & Supply (Hampstead, N.C.) and purchased Permalog leak noise loggers, L-Mic and X-Mic ground microphones, an AC Digital leak noise correlator, and a Patroller II system to allow leak data to be collected from a moving patrol vehicle.  The equipment was fully installed and in use by the fall of 2009.

In April of 2010, Mooresville Public Services staff had located and repaired 24 leaks, saving an estimated total of $80,000 annually.  Workers were pinpointing leaks accurately, allowing preventative maintenance work to be scheduled with advance public notification to avoid traffic congestion.  “The FCS equipment has really enhanced our planning capabilities.  We’re finding leaks before they become a problem,” said Field Operations Supervisor, WD Bumgarner.

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