Reduzierung der Kosten von PCCP-Zustandsbewertungsmaßnahmen

Assessing and monitoring the condition of large diameter prestressed concrete cylinder tubes (PCCP) is an important and challenging task. Water utilities are demanding solutions that provide the accuracy of complex electromagnetic (EM) and internal survey methods, but without the operational hurdles, limitations, and costs. Echologics ePulse® condition assessment technology uses non-invasive acoustic wave propagation (AWP) to identify pipe sections with reduced structural stiffness and to estimate the average remaining structural strength or wall thickness. Acquired acoustic data is also analyzed for the presence of leaks in pipelines, avoiding separate leak detection inspections.

A key differentiator of Echologics is that a reputable, independent consulting company is used to analyze and recommend pipeline condition analyzes instead of providing the service in-house. Echologics works with Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. (SG&H), a renowned engineering firm with unique expertise in PCCP design and construction.

This cooperation ensures a strict separation between the execution of condition assessments of the pipeline on site and the analysis of survey data and the making of recommendations, in order to avoid conflicts of interest as well as advising customers on pipeline management.

Field surveys have shown that the results of the non-invasive acoustic ePulse method are consistent with those of electromagnetic surveys, so water utilities and municipalities now have a flexible solution on hand that offers high accuracy at no high cost.