Losses attributable to water leakage are a major concern in any water network. Even a small leak could potentially result in the loss of thousands of litres of water if left undetected. Given that each litre of this wasted water has been treated and energy has been expended pumping it around the network, such losses also represent lost revenue for water operators.
DMAs – a key weapon against leaks
District metering is an ideal starting point in the war against leaks. A District Metered Area (DMA) is a defined area of the distribution system that can be isolated by valves and for which the quantities of water entering and leaving can be metered. The subsequent analysis of flow and pressure, especially at night when a high proportion of users are inactive, enables leakage specialists to calculate the level of leaks in the district. This can be used to determine not only whether work should be undertaken to reduce leakage, but also to compare levels of leakage in different districts and thereby target maintenance in those areas where it will have the greatest impact.
Easy access
Installing and accessing DMA meters can be difficult, especially in busy urban areas where the ground is already crowded with an array of underground assets, or where a pipeline runs under a major road. Conversely, meters in remote areas may be nowhere near a potential power supply. Thankfully, today’s battery technology means that meters such as ABB’s AquaMaster 3 can be sited anywhere, without having to worry about the availability of power supplies or the need for frequent access. The ABB AquaMaster offers zero pipe diameters upstream or downstream with no loss of accuracy making it the perfect flowmeter for installations with limited space.
Accessing the data is the next challenge, but the latest technology can help here too. ABB’s AquaMaster 3 transmitters have flow and pressure measurement capabilities, integral data-loggers with possibilities of 1 minute logging and GSM text messaging, so that leakage managers can collect all the flow and pressure data from the comfort of the office.
Improved revenue
Water utilities have been making do with an accuracy of ±2% on mechanical flowmeters. By using an ABB AquaMaster 3 electromagnetic meter with an accuracy of ±0,5 percent, the meter pays for itself within less than a month simply by measuring and charging the water more accurately.
Further increased revenue comes from the maximum and minimum flow rates, or operating range, of an electromagnetic meter compared with that of a mechanical meter. Its unique low flow rate capability enables previously unrecordable minimal night flow rates to be properly metered, which could double the saving potential.
Precision measurement for ultra-pure water systems Anton Paar
Flow Measurement & Control
[Sponsored] Ultra-pure water (UPW) is essential in industries where even minor contaminants can impact product quality and process integrity. Anton Paar’s L-Cor Coriolis mass flowmeters provide a highly accurate and hygienic solution by directly measuring the mass of the liquid using the Coriolis effect, ensuring a high level of cleanliness.
Read more...ABB technology powers three substations in Uganda ABB South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
ABB delivered solutions for three substations run by Uganda’s leading utility, Umeme Limited, which manages and operates the state-owned leased electricity distribution network assets.
Read more...Empowering the future of African mining through innovation ABB South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
The mining industry stands at a crossroads, where embracing innovation is no longer optional but essential. As Mining Indaba 2025 explores the theme of Futureproofing African Mining, ABB emerges as a pivotal player in enabling the sector to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
Read more...Enabling Africa’s solar potential – lighting the way with technology ABB South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
As the global population continues to grow, energy demand also rises. ABB can help bridge the gap throughout the renewable power value chain, including consulting, generation, storage, transmission, monitoring, control and optimisation.
Read more...Integrated solutions power the future of mining ABB South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
ABB has a diverse array of solutions that cater to multiple industry sectors, and especially mining. Mining companies across South Africa are embracing automation and control technologies.
Read more...The impact of gearless mill drive technology on CO2 emissions ABB South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
ABB has released an in-depth white paper detailing the vital role that gearless grinding technologies can play in driving productivity in mining while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint.
Read more...ABB updates distributed control system ABB South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Leveraging 30 years of continuous innovation and reliability, ABB’s updated Freelance 2024 distributed control system (DCS) offers greater plant adaptability, faster and more reliable device communication, improved system security, and seamless data exchange.
Read more...Predictive asset performance management with ABB Ability Genix ABB South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
The ABB Ability Genix APM suite is a comprehensive asset management platform powered by AI, IIoT and model-based predictive data analytics. This enables a paradigm shift towards a more proactive and predictive asset management approach.
printer friendly version