Aclara unveils automated leak-detection system

Aclara has unveiled its STAR ZoneScan, an automated system used for detecting underground leaks on water mains, for widespread distribution.

It is a combination of the STAR Network two-way, fixed-network AMI technology from Aclara, and the leak-intelligence units from Gutermann International.

Deployed at regular intervals on valves throughout the water-distribution network, the loggers monitor the noise characteristics within the pipe network and send this information back to the utility via the Aclara STAR Network.

Gutermann’s web-based Zonescan net software will be used to automatically process the data from individual leak-intelligence units to pinpoint the presence and location of leaks.

Aclara said the new system can be deployed as a stand-alone system or added on to an existing STAR Network AMI one.

The new features of STAR Network AMI system, including two-way communication between the utility head-end and endpoints, will help the STAR ZoneScan automate the collection, retrieval and analysis of acoustic data.

The company said that once the units are deployed, operators can monitor the water-distribution system and analyse results at the utility office.