Halma Water Management News - from Halma PR - visit www.hwm-water.com

The PermaNet system from Halma Water Management (HWM) receives data from Permalog+ noise loggers deployed on water pipes to listen for leaks, and transmits this information wirelessly to an office computer. A new development called ALMOS (Acoustic Leak Monitoring Online System) now enables live, onscreen display of PermaNet data tracking from the PermaNet system from any internet-connected PC with using a new graphical interface and the latest digital mapping technology – without the need for any specialist software.

ALMOS is a New Online Leak Mapping Service for PermaNet, provided through any web browser from any internet-connected PC

Users of the system simply have to visit the website (www.almosleak.com) and log in to see the precise location, condition and noise levels of their deployed Permalog+ loggers. This information can be displayed either in a list form, or overlaid onto a detailed map, terrain or satellite view of the area. Loggers in a non-leak state appear in blue on the map, those transmitting a leak alert are shown in red, and those with anomalous readings display a yellow warning sign. Each logger can be individually highlighted to view more detailed information, including its serial number, noise level, signal strength and acoustic spread. This enables problem areas to be quickly and accurately identified, and offers the potential for in-depth analysis of the leak situation. The list view allows loggers to be sorted by a number of variables, and historical leak data for each one is available at the click of a mouse.

Users can be set up to have different levels of access to data and administrative functions, so several people can view the data simultaneously but only administrators will be able to make changes to it. A demonstration of the system is available at www.almosleak.com, which shows a district of Copenhagen where the system has been used for several months successfully to achieve and maintain a 10% reduction in leakage.

The ALMOS system can be used to view and manage integrated data from several sources, including PermaNet and Automatic Meter Reading Readers (AMR’s) systems, with all data running through an extensive web server-based algorithm analysis post processing function (patent pending). This offers currently unparalleled water management functionality to save time, water and money.

Water suppliers can now monitor 100% of their distribution system confidently and effectively, knowing that the combination of Permalog® technology, PermaNet data communication and ALMOS online data presentation enables them to identify potential leak sites quickly, accurately, conveniently and automatically.

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More detailed product information and new interactive sales rep map

Milford, OH (December 8, 2009) – Further improving customer access to product literature and sales representative contact information, Fluid Conservation Systems (FCS) has launched a newly redesigned website.  The new website at www.fluidconservation.com features detailed information for the company’s full selection of leak detection technology products.

The new FCS website is designed for customer convenience.

The new easy-to-navigate FCS site includes a complete library of manuals, descriptions and specifications for all FCS products.  Downloadable software updates are available for FCS equipment.  The website also includes an interactive map for customers to find local sales representative or distributor contact information, simply by clicking on their state.  Coming soon, the website will feature online ordering as well as a promotions page with current special offers.

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Non-revenue water down by 55% over two years with leak noise loggers

Milford, OH (November 5, 2009) – Using Permalog leak noise loggers from Fluid Conservation Systems, the Birmingham Water Works Board (BWWB) reduced non-revenue water (NRW) for the city of Birmingham, Alabama by 55% over the last two years.

BWWB officials used the FCS Permalog to reduce non-revenue water.

According to BWWB officials, NRW is a combination of real and apparent water loss. Real water loss is the physical loss of water resulting from leaks in the system. With the help of Permalogs, BWWB reduced real water loss to 5.36 percent. Apparent water loss includes meter inaccuracies, unauthorized consumption and authorized unmetered consumption such as fire fighting, fire service line testing, water quality flushing and street cleaning.

“The utility now has 4,200 Permalog units installed,” says BWWB Revenue Water Department Manager Geoff Goodwin. “Between 2004 and 2008, the devices located more than 700 leaks.”

In addition to using Permalogs, the BWWB employed district metering, pressure management, increased meter accuracy, and new American Water Works Association and International Water Association methodologies to reduce NRW.

About BWWB
The BWWB (www.birminghamwaterworks.com) was founded in 1951 and serves 600,000 people in Jefferson, Shelby, Blount, St. Clair and Walker counties.

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Matchpoint to service customers in southern United States and US Territories

Milford, OH (October 9, 2009)– Fluid Conservation Systems (FCS) has further increased its reach to customers in the southern United States and US Territories by appointing Matchpoint Inc. as its new distributor. Matchpoint will service customers in Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and the US territories of St. Thomas, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas.

Leak detection products from FCS find leaks in water distribution systems and alert maintenance crews to the leak’s location, reducing manpower and work to locate the leak. Matchpoint will now offer the full range of FCS water leak detection technology products to its customers in the utilities industry.

Matchpoint Inc. has over 40 years of combined automated meter reading and installation experience with its parent company. Matchpoint provides customers with project consultation, design, planning and implementation, as well as equipment training and support. The company is located in Wilmington, NC and can be contacted by phone 910-509-7225 or online at www.matchpointinc.us.

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HWM’s SonicSens is a versatile ultrasonic level sensor with a 5 year battery life, designed for easy installation and ready to output results either locally or via a range of telemetry options. The SonicSens combines precise ultrasonic measurement with a connected MultiLog data logger to store, interpret and transmit results, making it suitable for a wide variety of level-sensing and flow monitoring situations. The option of cellular wireless telemetry and the long battery life mean that the device is ideal for remote installations where constant access is difficult and traditional communications unsuitable.

Open channel flow or level monitoring is made easy by the non-contact ultrasonic sensor, taking instant and accurate readings of targeted surface levels – including Combined Sewer Overflows, which must be monitored, as required by European legislation. Fluid levels in tanks or storage containers can also be remotely checked, with easy mounting options allowing for temporary survey type operations. Data from the SonicSens can also be used as a control for other processes, allowing varying levels or alerts to have different effects.

The system is available in four different configurations to suit varying installation requirements and networking preferences. It can be non-ATEX cable linked, ATEX cable linked with a Barrier box, ATEX radio linked to the logger outside the ATEX zone, or the sensor, logger and cable all ATEX rated with total protection for completely below-ground installations.

SonicSens can communicate via GSM, GPRS, PSTN radio or satellite, and the communication module can be sited separately from the sensor itself to maximise signal. Also incorporated are echo-loss alarms, intelligent self-diagnosis, variable blanking distance, and automatic interference rejection based on rate of change to discount false readings.

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Versatile logger features multiple telemetry options

Cincinnati, OH (August 14, 2009) – Providing unique measurement and datalogging technology, Halma Water Management (HWM) introduces the new Octopus logger.

The Octopus logger is ideal for environmental datalogging in a variety of situations, such as rivers, tanks, reservoirs and pipes.  The unit is designed for multiple applications including open channel level and flow monitoring, flow rate and rainfall measurement, pump usage and network pressure monitoring.  The logger features a 5 year battery life, multiple inputs and outputs, and a fully submersible waterproof housing. 

In addition to its datalogging capabilities, the Octopus logger has multiple integrated telemetry options, including GSM and PSTN Landline, to automatically transmit data to the user when it is collected.  A switch output allows it to drive additional equipment such as samplers.

The Octopus uses HWM’s Winfluid software, which configures the device, records its findings and interprets results through automatic conversion algorithms to produce immediately usable data.

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The HydrINS 2 electromagnetic insertion probe from Hydreka has now been launched by Halma Water Management, building on the functionality, proven success and recognised accuracy of the original flowmeter. Chief among the new features is support for an optional LCD screen that gives readouts of all measurements.

As with Hydreka’s original HydrINS, the new product is a portable, easily deployable and remote-monitoring ready method of measuring bi-directional flow rates, using a highly accurate electromagnetic sensor suitable for a wide range of pipe sizes. ‘Hot tap’ installation means that supply is not interrupted, and in addition to the direct output to datalogging devices for result recording and wireless telemetry, the HydrINS 2 also supports an optional LCD display for local (<200m) viewing of readings, results and alarms. The battery life for both the probe and the display is up to 10 years, depending on the setup settings, and both units are watertight – rated to IP68.

The HydrINS 2 can be effectively used throughout the water distribution network, measuring accurate flow rates at reservoirs, treatment works, pumping stations, water pipes and DMA zones. Velocity profiling at the point of measurement validates the enhanced accuracy provided by the stainless steel electrodes. The flow data is easily downloaded and interpreted with the tailor-made Winfluid software (PC or PDA), which can also be used to program the device. Aids to help the physical installation include a reinforced stem, anti-ejection chain, locking nut and insertion point clamp. This product is also easily linkable to other HWM products, with for example a push-fit connector for pressure measurement, and a watertight military specification connection for dataloggers. For more information, the new HydrINS 2 brochure can be downloaded from the HWM website at www.hwm-water.com.

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The MicroCall+ leak noise correlator from Halma Water Management is the newest addition to its proven MicroCorr Correlator line, now with advanced features to maximize performance and ease of use.

The MicroCall+ is a fully digital leak noise correlator that incorporates a highly visible 6.5” colour VGA display with enhanced features provided by the advanced technology, including automatic three-station functionality for improved pinpointing results and reduced incidence of dry holes.

The use of a third outstation produces multiple correlation results for cross checking and allows a greater area to be covered in a single correlation. It also enables automatic velocity measurement which calculates the speed of the sound for the specific pipe. Multiple filtering levels are available to allow automatic correlation across the frequency range and provide highly accurate readings. The correlator features a low frequency response to enable it to work effectively on plastic and large diameter pipelines. Its 16 bit signal description allows the user to pick out weak leak noise from high background noise levels.

The correlator is fully digital, actually digitizing leak noise at the source in the sensor itself, which protects the sound from any signal degradation. The radio transmission is also digital in order to ensure that the quality of signal is maintained throughout the final processing. Digital radio technology enables two-way communication with the base unit, displaying and controlling the outstation status at the base to minimize visits to the outstations.

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Milford, OH (May 12, 2009) – To pinpoint leaks and reduce water distribution system maintenance costs, Fluid Conservation Systems (FCS) introduces the AC Digital leak noise correlator.  The product is the newest addition to FCS’ proven MicroCorr Correlators line with advanced features to maximize performance and ease of use.

AC Digital is a fully digital leak noise correlator that features a highly visible 6.5” color VGA display and advanced technology, including automatic three-station functionality, for improved pinpointing results and reduced dry holes. 

The use of a third outstation produces multiple correlation results for cross checking and allows a greater distance to be covered in a single correlation.  It also enables automatic velocity measurement which takes specific pipe information into account and calculates the speed of the sounds moving through the pipe.  Multiple filtering levels are available to allow automatic correlation across the frequency range and provide highly accurate readings.  The correlator features a low frequency response to enable it to work effectively on plastic and large diameter pipelines.  Its 16 bit signal description allows the user to pick out weak leak noise from high background noise levels.

The correlator digitizes leak noise at the source in the sensor itself, which protects the noise from any signal degradation.  The radio transmission is also digital in order to ensure that the quality of signal is maintained throughout the final processing. Digital radio technology enables two-way communication with the base unit, displaying and controlling the outstation status at the base to minimize visits to the outstations.

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The Permalog Patroller drive-by data capture system now incorporates the latest Microsoft MapPoint technology and GPS to accurately record the location of each deployed Permalog leak detector. This means that operators no longer need to go through the tedious and time-consuming task of manually marking logger locations.

When each new Permalog is deployed, the Patroller uses a wireless handheld scanner to retrieve each logger’s unique serial number via Bluetooth technology. This information is then linked to its GPS position with MapPoint software, plotting the network of leak detectors for future reference and analysis on detailed mapping software.

A database of Permalog detectors and their precise whereabouts is built up, along with the latest leak monitoring measurements and instant visual cues for any alerts: a green flag indicates that all is well, and a red flag means there’s a leak. Having the location mapped then makes it easier than ever to quickly despatch leak repair teams directly to the trouble spots.

Historic data for each unit can also be called up, allowing for a systematic analysis of leak positions over time, and all the data can also be exported in .csv format for water company GIS systems, to be overlaid onto water network plans. This information can then be used to identify problem areas of the water network in the past, present, and – potentially – future.

Another benefit of automatic location logging is the asset security it offers – no more units lost due to inaccurate or mislaid maps, and easier retrieval for temporary ‘lift and shift’ operations.

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