Pipescout™

The Pipepod Flowrider™ Long Distance Leak Detection Product

The Pipepod Flowrider™ or Pipescout™ is a unique leak detection system using internal acoustic technology.

The system is designed for a reliable yet affordable approach to leak detection in all diameter pipelines sizes ranging from 3 to 100 inches. The unit has many benefits that are not rivalled in the pipe inspection industry as this is a tethered device for accurate pipe assessments on leak detection, air entrapment and pipe tracing.

System insertion points

The system platform can enter pressurised pipelines through any type of access fitting that has an opening of 2 inch and above. The fitting must be directly on the top of the main, without any bend configuration.

The unique system can enter pipelines through specially designed sanitization housing at ground level, or directly on top of the pipe within an excavation or chamber, and can successfully survey pipelines buried at any depth using locking insertion rods as required.

System set up

The system is fully portable, low voltage and battery powered. It can be either vehicle or trailer mounted for ease of use.

The self-stacking motorised cable drum hygienically delivers the desired length of cable required up to 5KM.

The cable roller unit that is used during the system insertion and retrieval protects cable through sharp pipe cut outs. The control-box unit records distance data during a survey, and accurately measures the cable. Once a survey is completed the Pipepod acoustic capsule data is overwritten to distance data, to accurately identify any leaks identified during a survey.

System propulsion

The system requires a flowrate of 0.3 M/S this can be created by the flushing of hydrants or washouts along the pipeline, or alternatively surveys are planned during peak flow periods. Once the correct survey distance has been achieved, these are then isolated and a full leakage sweep is undertaken during the pullback. Alternatively the sensor can be removed when reaching holding chambers or tanks.

Analysing the data

Once a survey has been completed, the data is processed away from site in a controlled environment. The sound of a leak is clearly understood by a trained leakage technician, and most leaks can be heard from several metres away, with a clear acoustic peak on fluid exit (actual leakage point).

Benefits of using the PIPA platform system:

Consumable cable- The deployment cable is a consumable item and if damaged during a survey can be simply cut back and reinstated at a fraction of the time and cost of any other market product.

Diameter of cable- The cable diameter is only 2mm and offers less friction during a survey. This improves inspection distance and offers the potential to navigate more pipeline bends and at a lessor flow than other industry products.

Flowrate required- Due to the light weight micro sensor, the system can be deployed at even low flowrates opposed to other market products.

Pressure rating- The system sensors are rated to 20 Bar pressure.

Size of system- The system can be trolley mounted to make it portable; also it can be easily shipped due to the compact product design.

Depths of system launch- The system can be launched in all pipeline bury depths using a unique launch device.

Pipeline entry- The system can enter a pipeline at ground level via a pressurised fitting installed directly on top of the pipeline; this offers a huge cost saving as other companies require deeply buried concrete chambers for system access.

All materials used with the Flowrider product are MIC (materials in contact) compliant.

System supplied with a PIPA product potable passport and all associated spares. 

System comprises:

• Motorised delivery self-stacking cable drum
• Battery powered VDU
• Battery pack
• 5000 metre umbilical cable
• Unique launch system
• Tripod and cable wheel
• 5 Pipepod sensors pack
• Hydrochute set and accessories
• Seal set and accessories
• Chlorination set and accessories

System Data

• Accurate leak detection tool for all pressurised water pipes and riser mains
• Can navigate several bends due to compact sensor design
• Unique and registered design of hydrochutes offer failsafe anti snag system during inspection surveys
• Motorised cable delivery drum
• System is silent during operation
• Portable unit due to compact design
• System can be vehicle or trailer mounted
• Battery powered with no external generator required
• Enters pipe through a 2 inch entry point
• Cost of cable removes the risk of damage in a harsh environment opposed to fibre optic cables

The Pipescout™ product is an ideal survey tool for rural and remote locations, where other products could not offer a solution due to equipment size and weight.

The system is supplied with a 5km cable drum as standard