The Development of Leak and Contamination Sensors for Water Pipeline Networks

Major cities across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah and Medina) depend on desalination for more than 90% of their water needs. The water is desalinated in large plants and then distributed to cities and towns. This distribution needed the construction of a large network of pipelines. The problem of water leakage from these pipelines causes clean water loss, energy loss and a major increase in water contamination with hazardous chemicals and metals. It is reported that 30% of the water transported across KSA is lost through leakage. This is considered a very high quantity given that the present desalination capacity is estimated at six million cubic meters per day and is expected to rise to more than ten million cubic meters per day over the next five years. Assuming an average cost of 0.75 USD per cubic meter, it is estimated that the desalination cost losses amount to 820 million USD per year. This amount does not include transportation distribution and other losses. Furthermore, the problem of leakage implies penetration of hazardous contaminants into the water distribution system. It has been reported by a group of medical doctors from the department of Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia that water contamination causing esophageal cancer at Qassim region (KSA) constitutes a major health problem.

The present proposed work (Project 1st phase: 2 years) is aimed at (1) developing the conceptual designs of a water leak and a water contamination detection system and (2) building working prototypes for both leak and contamination sensing and carry out initial testing in a laboratory pipe network and, (3) exploring methods of monitoring and predicting the integrity of the water distribution system. The design specifications for both sensors will be defined based on market and water surveys; which need to be carried out at the outset of the project; as well as the needs and requirements of possible customers (e.g. Saline Water Conversion Corporation, SWCC) that need to be solicited during the course of the project.

Once the proposed 1st phase of the project is successfully completed, it is further proposed for the 2nd phase of the project (3 years) to optimize the designs of leak and contamination sensors, then build and test a prototypical network of sensors for leak and contaminant detection across a water distribution networks; typical of those constructed in KSA. The sensor network design will take into account the weather and ground conditions in KSA. These networks of sensors will feature multiple capabilities including: leak detection, temperature sensing and contamination sensing of at least three priority contaminants to be determined based the water survey. Eventually the goal is to have a network of sensors connected (wirelessly or otherwise) capable of alarming operators and major water distribution centers of major leaks, as well as critical contamination levels. The proposed array of sensors would eventually become an integral component of the water distribution system across KSA. The sensors will be designed to continuously sense and report leakage and contamination data around the clock. Such data will be instrumental in monitoring leakage and contamination levels countrywide, and will eventually help in planning better strategies to avoid water leakage and contamination; in present pipelines as well as future upgrades or extensions of the water distribution network.