Inside the framework of AQUAKNIGHT and the task 2 activities, the Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS) has demonstrated the usage of a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) in the identification of water leakages in the Water Board of Lemessos (WBL) water distribution network. The experiments took place on 15-16 July 2013 at Lemessos (Cyprus).
Three different positions on the network of WBL were measured each one with different characteristics and leakage dimensions.
The first measurement set was executed on an old asphalt ground where a communication pipe crosses the street and connects the house with the main distribution pipe. The leak was identified just under the pavement at the side of the street, at the point where the communication pipe is connected on the main distribution pipe. The results of the measurements were satisfactory but further calibration needs to the GPR were identified.
The second and third measurements took place at a main street in Lemessos where larger leaks were present but their exact positions were totally unknown. The methodology to spot these leaks included consecutive measurements following the pipe length that actually indicated the possible positions of leakage. These positions were eventually validated by the WBL technical personnel that spotted the same positions of leaks in both cases.
During the measurements, some improvements to the GPR system were identified leading to an upgraded version of the GPR that will be used at the second round of tests to be held in May 2014 in Aqaba, Jordan (at the water network of the Aqaba Water Company – AWC).
Below, some schematics of the radar system can be seen followed by some images of the equipment in use in the field.
Figure 1 – GPR measurements identifying two different leakages
Figure 2 – GPR in use in the field
