Introduction
Coliban Region Water Corporation is one of the larger Victorian regional urban water corporations with a service region that includes 49 towns. They manage, maintain and operate 35 reservoirs and water storage basins across North Central Victoria and provide water and wastewater services to rural and urban customers across an area of 16,500 square kilometres.
The Challenge
The brief was to provide pressure and flow data for the calibration of the network model. This required Detection Services to install, download and manage data for in excess of 130 sites. The aim was to provide Coliban Region Water Corporation with essential information and lead to procedures aimed at mitigating potential impacts on the pipeline infrastructure, the environment and maintain essential services.
Accurate measurement and understanding of the fluid properties of water and pressure at both operating and calibrating conditions is critical to providing accurate data. This interaction can be affected by a variety of conditions from density, temperature, leaks, pipe length, sustainability and more.
The Assessment
The network was unique in layout, topography of the service area and consumer connections. The first step was to inspect all sites prior to commencement for suitability of installing equipment and where inappropriate, consultation with the Coliban Region Water Corporation for alternative sites.
The next step was to install equipment, complete all pre-testing and synchronising in advance of the agreed test period. Finally, the preparation and completion of a risk assessment to outline the scope and objectives of the project and evaluate control strategies.
The Solution
Data loggers were installed at specified points within the Greater Bendigo area to provide accurate operational data for the duration of the monitoring period. Loggers were installed on selected bulk meters, customer meters and hydrants within the area being tested and the information downloaded at specified times during the deployment which was checked and verified by our data management team. During the installation process, our technicians completed an installation report noting all details of the site, installed equipment and current pressure and flows.
All equipment was synchronised to the client’s Scada system to ensure the data could be cross referenced with additional information taken from their Scada system and used in the model. A photographic record was also included on the field report. Data was checked after 48 hours to ensure all equipment was working correctly prior to commencing the actual field monitoring exercise. In addition, data was downloaded at agreed times during the monitoring period which was checked and validated.
AHD survey points were taken using an advanced GPS level system where pressure was being recorded or temporary insertion meters were installed. Each survey point was taken using 1-minute observations or 60 individual observations. The unit was set to record only fixed position solutions, therefore eliminating erroneous readings. In the few cases where the GPS signal did not provide an accurate fix, a temporary point was taken and then a conventional Dumpy level and staff method was used to arrive at final reduced level of the required location. All co-ordinates were referenced to MGA Zone 55 and elevations were corrected with AUSGeiod09 files as supplied by GeoScience Australia.
To improve on elevation accuracy, a daily check was taken at a known survey reference point at one or two locations, (permanent survey marks) within the local area. An average offset of the difference between the GPS value and the reference mark value was applied to each survey point. All HGL profiles and pressure profiles where checked and reviewed to confirm data.
The approach adopted for Coliban Region Water Corporation showcases how
Detection Services investigations and solutions allow customers to optimise resources
and maximise the value of their assets across their lifecycle.
