Recruitment of partners for joint research (Development of water leakage detection method and new pipeline diagnosis method using infrared thermography)

City of Yokohama, Water Works Bureau (hereinafter referred to as "Water Works Bureau") has decided on the following research in cooperation with private companies in order to solve technical issues in the water supply business. .

Development of a method for detecting water leakage using infrared thermography and a new pipeline diagnosis method

In this study, double pipelines. ※The purpose of this method is to develop research equipment that identifies the location of water leakage from the inside of the pipeline, and to build a "new asset management method" that diagnoses and evaluates the soundness of pipelines.
※A double pipeline is a structure in which a small diameter pipe is placed inside the pipeline.In the case of new construction or renewal of water pipes, the pipe-in-pipe method and entanglemented steel pipe for the purpose of protecting from other buried objects.

The details of the joint research are as follows. (Detailed research details will be determined after coordination between the partner and Water Works Bureau.)

Using infrared thermography equipment, the location of water leakage will be identified from the inside of the pipeline and develop equipment to investigate the meat reduction status of the pipeline.
The production conditions of the research equipment to be developed are as follows.

• The pipeline to be surveyed is a straight line pipe with a diameter of 700 mm (inner diameter), and the material is steel pipe.
• In the survey, the survey equipment shall be carried into the inner pipeline of the double pipeline, and the survey shall be conducted from the inside of the pipeline.
• The survey shall be conducted in the air when the water in the pipeline is discharged.
• Investigations shall be conducted in the entire circumference while moving the inner surface of the pipeline (automatic or manual).
• The research equipment to be developed will be brought into a 700 mm diameter pipe from a human hole with a diameter of 600 mm, and will be assembled.
• The survey equipment to be developed will have a structure that can pass through obstacles (rust bumps, etc.) in the pipeline.

A. Details of the demonstration experiment
In the demonstration experiment, the following items shall be verified using infrared thermography equipment.

• Detection of perforated holes generated by meat reduction, etc.
• Measurement of pipe thickness of the survey pipeline (surface survey of meat reduction)
• Surveillance status survey in welded parts (detection of penetrating, meat reduction status survey)

B. Number of demonstration experiments
Two demonstration experiments are scheduled to be held, and the first demonstration experiment will identify and organize issues and problems. After that, in order to solve these issues, we will conduct a second demonstration experiment after improving the research equipment.
(C) Field for demonstration experiments
Fields for demonstration experiments will be provided by Water Works Bureau.
D. Evaluation of research content and report preparation
The research content shall be evaluated and compiled into a report.

The expenses borne by Water Works Bureau shall be 1/2 of the cost related to the production of research equipment, demonstration experiments, etc., and shall be limited to 3.5 million yen (including consumption tax).

All of the following shall be satisfied.
（１） A system in place for joint research with Water Works Bureau is in place.
（２） Owners of infrared thermography equipment (including analysis software) and possess knowledge and know-how on non-destructive testing.
（３） Have knowledge, know-how, and equipment to develop and manufacture research equipment.
（４） Be able to verify the accuracy of the research equipment used for research purposes.

The contents of the joint research proposal shall be reviewed in accordance with Attachment 1 “Examination Standards” and Attachment 2 “Examination Items”.

（１） (Refer to "Guidelines for Formulating Joint Research Project Form" for the form of the proposal)
（２） Documents that can prove that you are eligible to apply

Please submit the above "Documents to be submitted" from the electronic application system by 17:00 on April 5, 2024 (Fri).

If you have any questions about your research, please contact us by e-mail at the following address by 17:00 on March 27, 2024 (Wednesday).
The answer will be posted on the Yokohama City website on April 3, 2024 (Wednesday).

〒２３１－０００５
10 City Hall 20th Floor, 6-50 Honcho, Naka-ku, Yokohama
Human Resource Development Section, General Affairs Department City of Yokohama, Water Works Bureau
Phone number: 045-671-3115
Email: su-jinzai@city.yokohama.jp