Water leak Detection | Gas leak detection | Pipe and Cable location | Object Detection

SeCorr® 08

Portable Correlator with D.S.P.

Correlation is a way of finding and pinpointing leaks in pipes. A leak in a pipe under pressure creates noise that travels through the pipe walls, the surrounding ground & along the contents of the pipe. If two highly sensitive microphones, are attached to two different locations, on a pipe with a leak it follows that the sound from the leak will take longer to travel to the microphone furthest from the leak; this is referred to as the “time delay” or ∆t. Utilising this & other information (pipe diameter, material & length of section under test), the exact leak position can be calculated by the correlator SeCorr® 08.

ADVANTAGES

Electro-acoustic methods of leak detection can be affected by external noise interferences such as cars, wind etc. The correlator SeCorr® 08 is unaffected by these interferences making leak detection possible in even the noisiest environments. Other surrounding influences including the depth of pipe, ground conditions and rain have no effect on the accuracy of results.
When using electro-acoustic devices the operator’s experience and sense of hearing is paramount. Correlation is based on purely mathematical calculations consequently the reliance on the operator’s subjective views are eliminated allowing anyone with minimal training to carry out leak location.

PRECISE LEAK DETECTION WITH DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY

The two microphones are attached by magnet, or valve adaptors, to hydrants, valves, the pipe walls or even directly into the water column using hydrophone sensors.
As long as the leak noise can be “heard” by both microphones the SeCorr® 08 can process and analyse the resulting information.

The sounds picked up by the microphones are transmitted via two powerful 500 mW radio transmitters to the lightweight central processing unit SeCorr® 08 Digital Signal Processor where the information is quickly analysed & the resulting leak position is displayed both graphically and numerically, in metres to the leak from each sensor.

If the leak lies outside the measuring section the
SeCorr® 08 correlator will also let you know; you should then move the sensors to different positions as the ideal is to get the leak as close as possible to midway between each sensor.

SeCorr® 08 - RADIO TRANSMITTERS & PIEZO ACCELEROMETERS

The noise from the microphones is transmitted by two powerful radio transmitters

Lightweight radio transmitters which can easily be carried in one hand by the antenna carrying buttons

Automatic on/off when the microphone is plugged in/out - no danger of running the battery flat by mistake

Automatic pre amplification level selected when microphone connected

In built low pass frequency filter - Ideal for plastic pipes; It highlights and emphasises sounds in the range 0-300 Hz which is where leak noises are more likely to be propagated on this material

The receiver and radio transmitters can all be charged in the closed case doing away with the nuisance of having multiple component parts plugged into various sockets around your office.

Charging can also be carried out in your car or van via the 12V cigar lighter lead or permanently hard wired

In the event of accidental damage to a radio transmitter either microphone can be plugged directly into the SeCorr® 08 allowing you to carry on working without interruption.

Hydrophones: - Piezo accelerometers listen into the leak noises directly from the water column via hydrants so faint leak noise can be heard far more successfully, over several hundred metres. They are particularly useful on plastic pipes & trunk mains where sound does not travel as well as on cast and steel pipes (low frequencies).

The SeCorr® 08 can optionally use active electronic filters with the hydrophones to filter the frequencies at source which concentrates the processor’s power on the frequencies that matter

SeCorr® 08 - Firmware & software

Two levels of firmware are available: Standard & Professional – Choose the version most suited to your requirements and budget

Post test analysis: Up to 25 test results can be stored at high resolution allowing post test analysis or for later downloading to PC. This can be very useful where a test gives a good indication of a leak but the other input data is unreliable, such as pipe material, or size. The results can be recalculated back in the office to give the correct leak location without the need to carry out another correlation. This can be carried out on the PC or on the SeCorr® 08 itself
E-mail: Test results can be sent by email for comment or assistance from Sewerin

Reports: PC software produces clear reports including: Your address, client’s address, operator, leak location, material, diameter, coherence, correlation & a pictorial representation of the leak location (professional)

Record leak noise: Real leak noise sound can be recorded which allows users to listen to noises away from the field for later comment and interpretation, perhaps by more experienced staff (professional)

Zoom: Zoom function on display - Gives added clarity to suspect readings

SeCorr® 08 - As a ground microphone

For a number of reasons correlation is not a fool proof science, (much as we all wish it were so!)
After correlation has been carried out we always advise that the indicated position should be checked by top sounding the suspected location. SeCorr as Ground Microphone
With other correlators this would mean having to purchase a separate ground microphone - not so with the SeCorr® 08. By attaching a tripod directly onto the base of the correlator microphone and selecting “Aquaphon” mode in the menu the SeCorr® 08 turns into a very useful ground microphone offering 3 amplification levels along with an analogue display of noise levels

LISTEN IN WHILST CORRELATING:

Another useful feature offered is the capability of listening to the sounds from each microphone during and before correlation. You can select to listen to both or each microphone separately. This allows you to get an idea of the noise level on the pipe and to ascertain which sensor the leak is nearer, or to decide if there are any strange competing noise on the pipe that may lead you to draw other conclusions (pressure reducing valves etc).

Very quick and easy to use intuitive operation sequence (can be operated by only four buttons)

Input data via Jog dial & / or water resistant film pad – Users can select one or both methods according to their personal preference

Automatic background interference noise suppression

Utilises the latest Digital Signal Processor (DSP) provides fast accurate calculations ensuring quicker leak location

Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) correlation – precise fast location even with the most challenging leaks

High resolution 320 x 240 pixel display – Clear precise visualisation of leaks, even in bright sunlight

“Highest Peak” (likely leak location) automatically selected- This can be moved by the operator to look at other suspicious indications

“Coherence analysis” – Allows automatic or manual setting of frequency filters for optimal performance & location of even the most difficult leak noises

Microphone can be plugged directly into the receiver allowing the SeCorr® 08 to also be used as an electro acoustic leak detector

Available as a single or dual radio system - Fits in with your budget

Lightweight ergonomic design with carry strap – Comfortable to use over a full day

Many “Drill down menu” advanced features, comparable to PC driven correlators, are available for times that you need to use their advantages & out of the way when you do not

NiMH rechargeable batteries giving 8 hours working time

All components can be charges whilst remaining in the case - no need to take parts out in your office

A choice of useful accessories available

SeCorr® 08 - Technical Information Receiver

Display 320 x 240 pixels with bright background LED illumination
PC connection for information download
Socket for direct connection of a variety of microphones
BNC connector for antenna input with 90 deg rod aerial (rotary)
1 or 2 radio channels
Built in NiMH rechargable batteries and 12V socket for direct power or charging from vehicle
Approx. 8 hours use
Operating by 12 V= from a vehicle is possible
Operating/storage temperature:
-10 °C … +40 °C / -20 °C … +60 °C
Protection class: IP 54
Weight: approx. 1.3 kg
Dimensions (W x H x D):
approx. 12.5 x 18 x 6.5 cm

SeCorr® 08 - Technical Information Radio transmitter RT 06

Automatic microphone recognition when attached
Automatically on when microphone connected
Selectable low-pass filter to increase performance on non-metallic pipes
Automatic signal control
500 mW output power level with optimal selectivity
Operating/storage temperature:
-10 °C … +40 °C / -20 °C … +60 °C
Protection class: IP 67
Weight: approx. 1.3 kg
Dimensions (W x H x D): approx. 12.5 x 19 x 7.3 cm
Operating time: approx. 10 hours