The Cleveland Water Alliance is developing a non-invasive technology to detect underground lead pipes using acoustic methods, in response to regulatory pressures and the need for efficient infrastructure management. This innovative approach seeks to circumvent the costs and disruptions associated with traditional excavation, with significant potential savings.
PARMA HEIGHTS, Ohio — Beneath a seemingly ordinary lawn at the Cleveland Water’s Parma Heights facility lies a sophisticated model designed to mimic various types of underground water utility pipes. Historically, the only method for determining whether a pipe was made from lead, copper, or galvanized steel required physical excavation of the site. This limitation prompted the Cleveland Water Alliance to seek innovative solutions. Emily Hamilton from the Cleveland Water Alliance articulated the core challenge: “We need a viable solution for identifying lead service lines under the street without having to dig them up, without having to excavate driveways, without having to disrupt service.” The urgency of this endeavor is underscored by the EPA’s upcoming October 16, 2024, deadline, compelling water utilities nationwide to submit an initial inventory of their lead service lines, with a target to replace the majority within a decade. To address this pressing issue, the Cleveland Water Alliance, supported by state funding, initiated two Open Innovation Challenges, inviting innovators to propose non-invasive alternatives for pipe identification. Samantha Martin from the Alliance remarked, “We put out this challenge to innovators saying can you help us find a solution.” Some of the proposed technologies included innovative applications of existing acoustic technology, which was originally developed for detecting underground water leaks. Timothy Preager from Solinas Technologies provided insight into this acoustic technology, stating, “if you hold a copper pipe and you hit it against a wall, you’re going to hear a ping kind of sound, and if you do similar with a lead pipe it’s a lot heavier, it’s a lot denser, it has very different acoustic properties and you hit that against the wall you’re going to hear more of a thud sound.” This difference in sound is being harnessed to differentiate between various pipe materials without the need for excavation. The technology involves attaching sensors to the curbside shutoff key used by water utility companies, which allows for the non-invasive shaking of pipes to produce sound vibrations that can be analyzed. Preager elucidated the process, explaining that they “shake the pipe here” and utilize highly sensitive accelerometers to capture the resulting vibrations. The data compiled from these vibrations is analyzed by a computer system capable of identifying whether the pipe is made of lead or another material. Hamilton expressed optimism about the future of this technology, stating, “We’re hoping that these technologies hit the commercial market by the end of the year.” Significant cost savings are anticipated, with estimates indicating a reduction of 90 to 95 percent compared to traditional excavation methods. Martin emphasized the broader implications of their work, noting, “We’re working to solve the issue right here in Northeast Ohio, that is so, so much bigger than us.”
The Cleveland Water Alliance is actively addressing the challenge of identifying lead service lines without excavation, an urgent need given ongoing concerns over lead in drinking water. This initiative reflects a significant deadline imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that requires water utilities nationwide to catalog their lead service lines and plan for their replacement over the next decade. Traditional methods require physical digging, which can be costly and disruptive, hence the need for innovative, non-invasive solutions.
The Cleveland Water Alliance is pioneering an innovative approach to identifying lead pipes using advanced acoustic technology, eliminating the need for disruptive excavation. This initiative not only aligns with regulatory requirements but also promises substantial cost savings. As the testing progresses, there is optimism about the technology’s commercial availability, potentially offering a efficient solution to a widespread issue that affects communities beyond Northeast Ohio.
Original Source: www.news5cleveland.com
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