Conclusion of a joint research agreement (Development of water leakage detection methods using infrared thermography and new pipeline diagnostic methods)

City of Yokohama, Water Works Bureau ("Water Works Bureau") has concluded an agreement on joint research with Ken Automation Co., Ltd. to solve technical issues related to the water supply business.

Development of water leakage detection methods and new pipeline diagnostic methods using infrared thermography

In this study, double pipelines were used. ※As a method of detecting leaks, the aim is to develop research equipment that identifies leak locations from the inside of pipelines, 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 pipe with a small diameter is placed inside the pipe.In the case of new construction or renewal of water pipes, the pipe in-pipe construction method and entangled steel pipe construction method for the purpose of reducing excavation and cost. There are technologies using non-cutting methods such as pipe construction methods, and a sheath pipe structure for protection from other buried objects.

The details of the joint research are as follows.

Using infrared thermography equipment, the location of water leakage from the inside of the pipeline and the development of equipment to investigate the status of reduction of the pipeline shall be performed.
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, survey equipment shall be brought 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 of draining water in the pipeline.
• The survey shall be conducted in the entire circumferential direction while moving the inside of the pipeline (automatic or manual).
• The research equipment to be developed will be brought into a pipeline with a diameter of 700 mm from a human hole with a diameter of 600 mm and assembled.
• The research equipment to be developed shall have a structure that can pass obstacles (rust bumps, etc.) in the pipeline.

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

• Detection of permeable holes caused by meat reduction, etc.
• Measurement of pipe thickness of survey pipelines (area survey of meat reduction status)
• Meat reduction status survey in welds (Detection of penetration holes and investigation of meat reduction status)

(B) Number of demonstration experiments
The demonstration experiment is scheduled to be conducted twice, 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 survey equipment.
(C) Fields of demonstration experiments
Fields for demonstration experiments will be provided in Water Works Bureau.
(D) Evaluation of research contents and preparation of reports
The contents of the research shall be evaluated and compiled into a report.

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

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