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IMPROVEMENT OF WATER MAIN INSPECTION TECHNOLOGY
Citation:
Royer*, M D. IMPROVEMENT OF WATER MAIN INSPECTION TECHNOLOGY. Presented at DOE Strategic Center for Natural Gas Meeting, Morgantown, WV, 5/22/03.
Description:
This document is a handout of a slide presentation that addresses improvement of water main inspection technology. The slide presentation addresses the need for improved inspection technology (e.g., 237,000 main breaks/yr); the limits on main break prevention; and, the adverse effects of main breaks, particularly those relevant to EPA's mission (i.e., health, water quality, infrastructure funding gap reduction, and conservation of water and energy). Also, inspection approaches are listed and general approaches to their improvement (i.e., improve inspection value and improve inspection tasks) are identified. Recent improvements are cited. Examples of ongoing research to specifically improve DW pipeline inspection capability, with estimated completions in 2003 and 2004, are cited. Examples of additional unmet research needs that have already been identified are noted. Several examples of opportunities for technology transfer from either non-DW pipeline research (e.g., DOE and DOT gas and hazardous liquid pipeline inspection research) or inspection technology component research (e.g., structural health monitoring technology for bridges, buildings, etc.; sensor advances such as miniaturization; integration of sensing, data storage, data analysis, and data transmission capability; micro-power and energy scavenging systems) are identified. It is concluded that ongoing incremental improvements research should continue; attempts to make major improvements in probability of detection, coverage, and cost are needed and should be sought from related research. The development of consensus benefit, performance, and cost targets are recommended to increase visibility and focus regarding DW pipeline technology improvements. UWMB/WSWRD should continue to investigate the capabilities and limitations of novel intelligent structural integrity monitoring system. The potential for using the ETV program as a vehicle for generating performance data for the user community should be considered.