Acoustic sensing to bank water for Sydney

A collaboration between NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN), Sydney Water, SA Water and University of Technology Sydney (UTS), the acoustic sensing pilot is part of a proactive effort to reduce leaks and breaks in water networks using cutting-edge acoustic technology. 

The sensors build on Sydney Water’s existing sensor deployment and monitor a total of 13km of pipes across the Sydney CBD.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey said her priority was to reduce water wasted through leaks and breaks during this difficult drought.  

“We are in the worst drought on record, every drop counts. Some of the pipes in this area are over 100 years old and are understandably difficult to access,” Mrs Pavey said. 

“This new technology will help predict and reduce leaks and breaks around the city by listening to the network. In three years’ time, it is predicted to reduce major breaks by 50 per cent in the CBD.”

The acoustic sensing pilot is a part of NSSN’s existing collaborative smart sensing technology research project with Sydney Water that uses a wide range of smart sensing methods for leak detection to prevent breaks in critical infrastructure. 

Dr Don McCallum, NSSN Development Manager said the acoustic sensors have a variety of mechanisms but the fundamental engineering principles are generally electrostatics, electromechanics or piezoelectric. “They are just like little speakers in reverse, like your stereo speaker at home. In this case, the membrane vibrates first and sends an electrical signal back to the signal recording box.”

When water leaks it creates vibration due to the pressure differential between the inside and the outside of a pipe. The waves travel through both pipe material and water. Acoustics sensors measure the vibration inflicted on the material or directly in the water column.

“By using smart sensing and advanced acoustic technology not only we can sense leaks and do reactive maintenance but we will be able to predict leaks and be able to do preventative maintenance,” said Dr McCallum.

Over the next three to five months Sydney Water will be testing a range of different sensing technologies.

Roch Cheroux, Sydney Water Managing Director said with the current drought conditions that we’re facing, water main breaks can be difficult to prevent due to dry soil and other environmental factors. 

“This acoustic technology allows us to listen to the ‘music’ of the network, using advanced algorithms to hear the ‘songs’ of a leak,” Mr Cheroux said. 

“Initiatives and partnerships like this across industry, provide us access to the best technology and innovations to proactively prevent leaks and breaks and improve our service for our customers and community.”

“From next year, we will install more of these sensors across our water network, including in Liverpool, Bankstown and Penrith,” Mr Cheroux said. 

The video courtesy of Channel 7 News.

The content used in this article is partially sourced from a Media Release by the NSW Government.