HOFOR, the Danish Metropolitan Area Utility Company, is now using new methods to detect leaks in Copenhagen's extensive district heating network. With advanced sound technology, drones with thermal cameras, alarm wires and green tracing material, leaks can be located more quickly, which reduces heat loss and minimizes the need for excavation. HOFOR writes in a press release.
- The four methods together mean that we avoid heat loss and limit damage to the district heating pipes. This saves time-consuming labor and money, and not least we avoid unnecessary excavation, which can be a major nuisance for the nearest neighbors and traffic, says Jakob Hvidt, team leader in District Heating Operations at HOFOR.
The acoustic leak detection makes it possible to locate leaks with great precision. The technique has previously been used for drinking water supply, but has now also been used in heating supply.
- We found that we could also use the special technique to track leaks in the heating supply. At the same time, we are lucky to have some of the few experts employed who know the technique. That is why we now also have sound whisperers, which we internally call our skilled colleagues. They can locate leaks within a meter. So the drones and alarm wires identify a so-called leak area – that is, an area where the hot district heating water is leaking – while the sound technology shows us more precisely where the leak or leak is. This has actually meant that we can often find and repair leaks without the customers being inconvenienced too much, says Jakob Hvidt.
Drones with thermal cameras are also used to identify potential leaks. They fly during the cold months at night and register heat radiation from the pipes, so that areas with abnormally high temperatures can be identified.
- The new technologies allow us to detect damage quickly, so that we can limit further damage. We can also prioritize the most important places first, which also helps to minimize inconvenience and save money, says Jakob Hvidt.
HOFOR also uses alarm wires in the district heating pipes, which detect moisture in the insulation and send an alarm if a leak occurs. A green tracer in the district heating water also provides a visible indicator if a pipe is leaking, which makes it possible to detect leaks quickly and prevent further damage.
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