RALEIGH, NC, June 11, 2009 -- Two leading data collection providers in the water utility industry are partnering to offer an advanced solution that will quickly and accurately detect leaks along a water distribution line. Sensus and Fluid Conservation Systems (FCS) will pair their products -- Sensus' FlexNet® and FCS' Permalog+ AMR -- to provide an acoustic leak detection solution that can be used to enhance customer service, curb revenue loss due to leaks, and promote conservation efforts of any sized water utility.
FlexNet is an advanced, wireless fixed-base data collection and communication system, which employs a primary-use, licensed radio spectrum to transmit data at up to two (2) Watts. The FlexNet network allows for additional products to be added in order to maximize the overall benefits to the utility. The Permalog+ AMR interface accomplishes this task.
Permalog is a fourth generation acoustic noise logger which detects vibrations caused by leaks in water pipes. Permalog units listen during the night when ambient noise is at its lowest. If leak noise is detected, the unit reports this information via a two-way radio link, along with the general location of the leak, to a mobile unit that can then send a crew to pinpoint and conduct repairs.
Under the agreement, the FCS acoustic monitoring device will interface to the FlexNet water SmartPoints to identify leaks and potential water disasters that result from unmonitored leaks. The Permalog+ AMR devices are magnetically attached to valves along the distribution lines and monitor advanced algorithms that detect acoustic sounds of leaks. That information will be read by FlexNet SmartPoints and the data will be transmitted over the network. Acoustic data will be transmitted through existing Tower Gateway Basestations to the utility for consistent monitoring.
"Because Permalog+ AMR attaches directly to the distribution line, it takes the guesswork out of other solutions that use service line monitoring, which doesn't pinpoint the leak as accurately," said FCS President, Rob Fish. "This advantage can save thousands of dollars in unaccounted for water usage."
Sensus' Tom Galuska, Marketing/Product Manager, Water and Gas AMI adds: "The Permalog+ AMR device is a value-added solution to FlexNet. A utility can take full advantage of the network by adding such solutions as an acoustic monitoring device without compromising performance. The fact that FCS can interface with FlexNet allows utilities to make excellent use of their AMI investment and extend the benefits beyond the meter reading department."
In addition to FlexNet, the Permalog+ AMR device is also completely compatible with the Sensus RadioRead Walk-By and Drive-By systems. The FCS-Sensus agreement includes provisions for RadioRead systems to be included in the plans, in order to accommodate more than 3,400 utility users that exist throughout the country.
Sensus is a time-tested technology and communications company providing data collection and metering solutions for water, gas and electric utilities around the world.
Fluid Conservation Systems (FCS), based in Cincinnati Ohio, is the leading USA leak detection company, having provided equipment to water municipalities for over 30 years. FCS equipment is used to identify the presence of leaks and pin-point the location for water repair crews.
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