Severn Trent hunts leaks with fibre optics

Severn Trent has installed 750 metres of fibre optic cable in a section of its network to identify leaks, pressure changes, temperature and vibrations within the pipes.

The trial is the first time fibre optics have been used in a live network and will be followed by the installation of CCTV cameras to let engineers see the state of the pipes.

Jo Claronino, the project lead from Severn Trent, said the technology will also identify where people are accessing the network illegally.

“Fibre optic cables act as a long line of continuous microphones or sensors that can ‘hear’ multiple leaks simultaneously across a longer distance. Once a leak is identified, the location can be pinpointed accurately.”

She said the current hydrophone technology, which relies on the person listening for accuracy, has limitations and only one sensor.

The trial – with Craley Group and API – is part of Severn Trent’s work with the World Water Innovation Fund – an international initiative designed to encourage water companies to work together by sharing new technologies and best practice.

Anglian Water is also trialling a Craley fibre optic system to detect leaks in its own network using a model section of pipework. The model was designed to let engineers test the endurance and capability of the fibre optic cables. The company, which requested a referral to the Competition and Markets Authority for Ofwat’s final determination of its PR19 business plan, has a leakage reduction target of 15 per cent by 2025 and said it is exploring every avenue to meet its goal.

Severn Trent was the first company to accept Ofwat’s final determination for its fast-tracked 2020 – 25 business plan. The plan included bill reductions of 8.9 per cent; total allowed revenues were set at £7.77 billion; and totex allowance of £6.2 billion.