We conduct research supervision by taking advantage of the abundant experience and specialized technologies that we have developed over many years to clarify the present condition of the relevant water distribution facilities (distribution pipes and attached equipment, such as valves) to ensure, among other things, that the facilities can perform their functions at all times. We then evaluate the research results from many different perspectives to make specific facility improvement proposals.
Investigation of functions for trunk distribution pipes
We conduct surveys on the corrosion conditions of the inside and outside of pipes, soil surveys, soil analysis, and other such activities to identify how distribution pipes are buried. We use the survey results to conduct a quantitative and statistical analysis of these corrosion conditions and the contributing factors and then create data (e.g., distribution pipe service life predictions) that allows us to judge whether the pipes need to be replaced.
Investigation of corrosion for excavated pipes
We are entrusted by the Bureau of Waterworks Tokyo Metropolitan Government to conduct on-site construction supervision to ensure that any construction work carried out by other companies for the maintenance of water pipe facilities and the like will not cause any damage to these facilities.
On-site construction supervision for other companies
Foreign matter, such as rust, inside distribution pipes may cause water turbidity and water quality deterioration. Given this, we wash pipes by performing systematic drainage.
Washing through water drainage
This method effectively removes foreign materials, such as deteriorated seal-coating,
attached to the inside of distribution pipes.
A cleaning head is inserted from the fire hydrant
T- pipes, without any need for excavation or pipe-cutting, to remove foreign matter that has adhered
to or accumulated on the inside of a distribution pipe. If foreign matter cannot be removed from the
inside of the pipes by drainage washing, this method is an effective alternative as it allows the
pipes to be cleaned by jet-spraying high-pressure water from the cleaning head and using a rapidly
rotating brush.
Characteristics
*This method was jointly developed by the Bureau of Waterworks Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Tokyo Water Co., Ltd. and Kubota Corporation.
Appearance of the cleaning head (φ150)
This machine removes obstructive rust accumulation when performing surveys in
pipelines, such as
main pipe inner surface surveys, hydraulic and water quality surveys, and flow rate surveys.
The
previous model was improved to match the cutting edge to the diameter of the insertion part, add
intake ports in multiple places, and create a unit that collects and holds scraped rust pieces. This
reduces the work time and significantly increases the rust removal rate and collection
volume.
Removing rust accumulation is helpful in maintaining flanged T- pipes that are not easy
to replace.
Characteristics
We install measuring instruments on fire hydrants and air valves to conduct hydraulic and water quality measurements continuously with the aim of accurately ascertaining the water distribution status and ensuring a reliable supply of water that is safe and tasty. We also use rust removers that we developed to remove rust accumulation that could affect the functioning of air valves and other accessories.
We carry out these surveys to meet the needs of water utilities (e.g., the need to eliminate stagnant water and determine the flow rates, directions, etc., before and after system changes) and make proposals accordingly.
Hydraulic and water quality surveys inside distribution pipes
A new type of sensor that offers unprecedented compactness and energy-saving performance! Not only that, it is smaller (approx. 45%–60%) and provides more efficient electric power consumption (approx. 75%) than conventional models! Using fire hydrants and air valves, this sensor can simultaneously measure and record six different types of hydraulic and water quality data. Installing multiple sensor units enables you to analyze various types of hydraulic and water quality information, such as the water flow conditions and water quality changes within a specific section of the water distribution network. The results can then be used to create basic information materials for distribution network analysis, measure the effectiveness of maintenance operations, and so on.
Characteristics
*This product was jointly developed by Tokyo Water Co., Ltd. and Hitachi High-Tech Solutions Corporation.
Example of measuring equipment installation
This device measures the water pipe pressure by using equipment attached to the distribution pipes. It simplifies the measurement and recording of water pressure by utilizing existing equipment (e.g., fire hydrants) attached to the distribution pipes. With this attached equipment and a little bit of space, the water pressure can be measured anywhere. By measuring the water pressure at different locations, you can use this product to streamline maintenance operations and promote more appropriate water supply management through pressure control.
Characteristics
*This product was jointly developed by Tokyo Water Co., Ltd. and Hitachi High-Tech Solutions Corporation.
Example of measuring equipment installation
Most leakages tend to be subsurface ones, which are often detected long after they first occur. The Bureau of Waterworks Tokyo Metropolitan Government has been implementing measures such as the following to reduce subsurface leakages: (1) improving the material used for service pipes by adopting stainless steel pipes; (2) building an effective distribution pipe network; and (3) maintaining appropriate water pressure through meticulous distribution pump operations. Consequently, the leakage volume has decreased to approximately 3% or less of the total distribution amount, which is one of the lowest values in the world. We carry out leak detection works by using the TS Leak Checker (a time integration-type leak detector) and other leak detectors, such as electronic and correlation detection equipment.
Leak detection using the TS Leak Checker
Leak detection using electronic leak detection equipment
Leak detection using correlation leak detection equipment
Illustration of leak detection
Leak detection using minimum night-flow measurement
We carry out leakage volume surveys with the minimum night-flow measurement method that uses the nighttime hours when water usage volume is lower.
Leakage volume measurement
We take measurements from service pipes, water meters, and other such equipment
and detect the
sound of water leaking in their proximity. When it is used to take measurements for service
pipes, water meters, and other such equipment, the TS Leak Checker distinguishes between the
continuous vibration sound associated with leaking water and other transient noise through time
integration to judge whether any water leakages are present in the surrounding area.
This
device is easy to operate and can be used to take water meter readings at the same time, thereby
reducing the costs involved in conducting leak detection work.
Characteristics
TS Leak Checker
This device won the IWA-PIA2010 East Asia Grand Award in the Operation/Management category.
The International Water Association (IWA) presents its Project Innovation Awards (PIA) to
recognize and commend excellence and innovation in water-related engineering
projects.
When we entered the PIA in 2010, we won the East Asia Grand Award in the
Operation/Management category for our leakage prevention technology using the TS Leak
Checker, the product described below.
Third Infrastructure Maintenance Awards
Received the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare
Award that is the highest award in the category
The Infrastructure Maintenance Awards are given by the Ministry of Land,
Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, and
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan to outstanding initiatives and technological
developments related to the maintenance of social capital in Japan to promote infrastructure
maintenance concepts.
Tokyo Water Co., Ltd. received the Minister of Health, Labour and
Welfare Award that is the highest award in the category in the third Infrastructure Maintenance
Awards for our efficient leak detection method using time integration-type leak detectors
(screening technique).
*The TS Leak Checker (SV1110) and the stick-type TS Leak Checker (SV11105) were jointly
developed by Tokyo Water Co., Ltd. and Nihon Water Solution Co., Ltd.
*The TS Leak Checker
equipped with a meter reading function (SV2000) was jointly developed by Tokyo Water Co., Ltd.,
Toshiba Infrastructure Systems & Solutions Corporation, and Nihon Water Solution Co., Ltd.
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