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4.4 TV Inspections

Technical Description

Detection of leakages is a serious problem in all countries within the region. As a result of the lack of water meters (see above), detection of leakage before 1990 was mainly by observation, through inspections of manholes and reports of other external indicators. Since 1990, other technologies have been used to identify leakages within water distribution systems. For example, a large scale survey of the state of water mains in Riga, Latvia, was conducted using aerodetection (by aeroplane and helicopter), which sought to estimate areas where leaks occurred by thermal measurements: leakage from water mains tends to elevate ground temperatures in contrast to the temperature of the surroundings. This survey was used in the preparation of General Plan of City Riga during 1990. Subsequently, more detailed inspections of areas with suspected leakage has been carried out using closed circuit television. The success of this method in Riga has resulted in its introduction in the other large cities of Latvia and in many other countries within the region. This system records the technical state of the piping system on video tape, and the technology can be applied not only to surveys of water and sewerage systems, but also to other pipelines (such as oil and gas pipelines), wells, and other similar systems. The results of the survey may also be presented in the form of a computer printout.

Extent of Use

This technology is currently used in Latvia, and is coming into use with water supply companies and service firms in Poland. However, wider use of this technology in Eastern Europe is limited not only by high costs, but also by political difficulties.

Level of Involvement

This technology is typically implemented at the municipal level by specialized service firms.

Operation and Maintenance

This method should be operated by specialist technicians, and requires specialized equipment and installations.

Costs

This technology costs about $5/linear metre of pipeline. The capital cost of the TV equipment, cleaning equipment, and field station is more than $100 000.

Effectiveness of the Technology

This method is effective in aiding the inspection of sewerage and water supply systems.

Suitability

It is expected that this method will become more popular. It is suitable everywhere, and requires little disruption of infrastructure when used to search for leakages in urban supply and distribution networks.

Advantages

The advantages of this technology include its simplicity and efficiency in leakage detection. The system allows a utility company to check the entire length of the pipeline system, not only those portions which are visible from access points or which evidence surface signs of leakage. The method is user-friendly.

Disadvantages

The disadvantages of this technology are its high cost and requirement for an highly skilled operating team.

Cultural Acceptability

This is an acceptable technology.

Further Development of the Technology

There is a need of promotion of this technology as an effective and non-invasive technique for ascertaining the integrity of distribution systems.

Information Sources

The Department of Sewage System, Potlitechnika wi tokrzyska, Kielce, Al. 1000-lecia PP 1, Poland, Tel. (48-41) 24-620, 24-616; fax: (48-41) 43-784, 42-997.

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