Datamatic Ltd., a leading supplier of flexible data collection solutions, and leak detection market leader Fluid Conservation Systems have announced a partnership to integrate their technologies for distribution throughout the United States and International water utilities markets.
A data collection systems innovator since 1980, Datamatic has completed development of a comprehensive acoustic leak detection solution that integrates FCS’s Permalog™ Leak Noise Sensors into the its MOSAIC mesh network, ROADRUNNER Mobile and handheld data collection platforms. Deployment of 500 Permalog units that are read via ROADRUNNER Mobile at a joint customer site was completed in January.
“Partnering with FCS was a natural fit,” said Ken Kercher, CEO of Datamatic. “Their market leadership and strong technology contribute to our ongoing effort to increase the value we deliver to our customers. We’re constantly seeking innovative ways to leverage existing investments toward ultimately helping our customers measure and account for every gallon of water running through their systems.”
Datamatic Business Development Manager Rich Sanders noted, “Leaks that don’t force visible water to the surface can continue for a long time without being noticed. In fact, a single eight-gallon-per-minute leak will waste more than four million gallons in a year. Resource-strapped communities just can’t afford to waste that much water. And small leaks that stay hidden eventually become big leaks. They can cause main breaks, sinkholes, flooding and serious disruptions in around the areas where they occur.”
Datamatic’s integrated solution makes it possible for utilities to have their entire distribution system checked for leaks daily and be notified of issues found via a MOSAIC mesh network or ROADRUNNER Mobile collection platform.
“I can’t overemphasize the value of immediate detection,” added Sanders. “The difference between finding and repairing a leak after one day and finding it via traditional sounding methods, which can take years, can literally mean saving millions of gallons of water.”
Permalogs are deployed throughout the distribution system, attaching magnetically to valves. They “wake up” and listen for leak noise when ambient sound is at its lowest levels, which typically occurs in the middle of the night. Advanced algorithms discern the acoustic signature of leaks from background noise. Once leaks are identified, data is collected via a MOSAIC mesh network, ROADRUNNER Mobile or handheld that is simultaneously performing normal AMR reading operations and analyzed using a Digital Leak Correlator. This process calculates the leak’s location. Armed with precise location information, repair crews can quickly find and efficiently repair leaks.
The integrated Datamatic/FCS leak detection solution is now available only from Datamatic and its authorized distributors. Those interested in further information should contact their local distributor or Datamatic at (800) 880-2878.
About Datamatic, Ltd.
Datamatic provides flexible data collection solutions to utilities worldwide. The company’s innovative ideas virtually created an industry when it installed the first electronic meter reading system in 1980. For more than a quarter of a century, Datamatic has been an innovation leader in the design, implementation and support of advanced data collection solutions for water, gas and electric utilities