FCC ID: SJH-LEAKFINDERRT Wireless Transmitter

LeakFinderRT - PC Based Leak Noise Correlator Operating Manual Echologics Engineering Inc. 50 Ronson Drive, Unit 165 Toronto, Canada M9W 1B3 T: +1 (416) 249.6124 F: +1 (416) 249.8833 info@echologics.com www.echologics.com 1 Copyright 2003 by Echologics Engineering Inc. Disclaimer Echologics Engineering Inc. makes no warranties, expressed or implied, that the LeakfinderRT leak location system is free of errors, or is consistent with any standards, or that it will meet the users requirements for any application. The user should not rely on this system for locating leaks in water or other fluid-filled pipes or for solving any problems whose incorrect location or solutions could result in loss of property or injury to a person. If this system is used in such a manner, it is at the users own risk. Echologics Engineering Inc. disclaims all liability for direct or consequential damages resulting from the use of this leak location system. ii 2 INSTRUCTION TO THE USER This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. In order to maintain compliance with FCC regulations, shielded cables must be used with this equipment. Operation with non-approved equipment or unshielded cables is likely to result in interference to radio and TV reception. The user is cautioned that changes and modifications made to the equipment without the approval of manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate this equipment. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. 2. This device may not cause interference This deivce must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Safety Precautions .......................................................................................................................................................... 1 Handling of hardware ...................................................................................................................................................... 2 Hardware components .................................................................................................................................................... 4 Hardware setup ............................................................................................................................................................... 5 Attachment of accelerometers.......................................................................................................................................... 6 Attachment of hydrophones ............................................................................................................................................. 10 Measurement of sensor spacing ...................................................................................................................................... 12 Connection of wireless receiver to computer..................................................................................................................... 13 Creating an out-of-bracket leak to measure velocity ............................................................................................................... 14 Good practice tips ........................................................................................................................................................... 15 Suggested carry-on tools ................................................................................................................................................ 18 Starting LeakFinderRT .................................................................................................................................................... 19 Selecting LINE-IN port as recording source ..................................................................................................................... 22 Preview of leak sound level PreView command ............................................................................................................................................... 28 Adjustment of volume level.................................................................................................................................... 29 Correlating leak noise Correlate command .............................................................................................................................................. 30 4 Input parameters form .......................................................................................................................................... 31 Pipe type ..................................................................................................................................................... 32 Pipe diameter .............................................................................................................................................. 33 Sensors spacing........................................................................................................................................... 34 Re-correlate option ....................................................................................................................................... 35 Save option and record duration .................................................................................................................. 36 Start command .............................................................................................................................................38 Results.................................................................................................................................................................. 39 PlayBack of leak sound ................................................................................................................................................... 41 Re-correlation of leak sound ........................................................................................................................................... 42 Leak sound Velocity Calculator ....................................................................................................................................... 44 Optional input pipe parameters ....................................................................................................................................... 48 Default input ......................................................................................................................................................... 49 Pipe wall thickness ............................................................................................................................................... 50 Leak sound velocity .............................................................................................................................................. 51 Unknown dimensions ............................................................................................................................................ 52 Multiple pipe materials..................................................................................................................................................... 53 Manual filtering of leak signals ........................................................................................................................................ 59 Command Menus............................................................................................................................................................ 62 File menu .............................................................................................................................................................. 63 New..............................................................................................................................................................63 iv 5 Open ............................................................................................................................................................ 64 Save As ........................................................................................................................................................ 66 Export ASCII ................................................................................................................................................ 67 Print.............................................................................................................................................................. 68 Exit .............................................................................................................................................................. 69 Edit menu ........................................................................................................................................................... 70 Copy............................................................................................................................................................ 70 Zoom............................................................................................................................................................ 71 Live cursor................................................................................................................................................... 74 Reset........................................................................................................................................................... 76 Display menu........................................................................................................................................................ 77 Time signal.................................................................................................................................................... 78 Frequency spectrum ..................................................................................................................................... 79 Coherence function ...................................................................................................................................... 80 Functions menu ................................................................................................................................................... 81 Play, Stop, PreView, Record and Analyse .................................................................................................... 81 Display Results Form ................................................................................................................................... 82 Export Results to Excel ................................................................................................................................ 84 View Leak Signals ......................................................................................................................................... 87 Tools menu.......................................................................................................................................................... 89 Sound Mixer ............................................................................................................................................... 89 v 6 PlayBack Speed ........................................................................................................................................... 90 Velocity Calculator......................................................................................................................................... 93 Channel setting ............................................................................................................................................ 94 Current Parameter Setting ........................................................................................................................... 95 Preferences menu ................................................................................................................................................ 96 Results Display ............................................................................................................................................ 96 Graphic range .............................................................................................................................................. 97 Reference Channel ...................................................................................................................................... 98 Measurement Units ...................................................................................................................................... 99 Notch Filters for noise from power mains ..................................................................................................... 100 Button commands .......................................................................................................................................................... 101 Online Help .................................................................................................................................................................... 102 Help menu ............................................................................................................................................................ 103 Context-sensitive help .......................................................................................................................................... 104 Technical specifications .................................................................................................................................................. 108 vi 7 Safety Precautions Before using LeakfinderRT, carefully read the following precautions and this Operating Manual. Working with pressurized water pipes and opening of valve and meter chambers can be hazardous. You must use the appropriate tools and follow your organizations adopted safety practice. Equipment coming into contact with drinking water in pipes may lead to contamination. You must disinfect hydrophones and their adaptors before installation and you must follow the hygiene practice adopted by your organization. The LeakfinderRT system is designed for use on pressurized water pipes. Use of the system on pipes carrying other fluids or gases can be hazardous. If used on these pipes, you must follow the appropriate safety procedure regarding the use of electrical and electronic equipment on these pipes. Before using the headset, turn down the volume using the receivers control knob to avoid hearing loss or discomfort from loud noise. 8 Page 1 Handling of Hardware When you need to transport the hardware, package it using the padding material and box that it was shipped to you in or use similar packaging material to minimize the possibility of damage during shipping. Handling sensors while they are powered ON can permanently damage them. Press the transmitters power ON button only after the accelerometer has been attached to the pipe. Press the transmitters power OFF button before detaching the sensor from the pipe. Do not expose the hardware to excessive heat for prolonged periods, e.g., in direct sunshine or an enclosed vehicle. Do not subject the hardware to sudden temperature change. Do not expose the hardware to rain or excessive moisture and do not allow water or other liquids to penetrate the hardware housings. Use care when inserting or removing cable connectors. Also, keep connectors clean, e.g., by not placing them on loose soil. Rough handling can damage the connectors or their sockets. Page 2 9 Handling of Hardware (continued) When connecting or disconnecting cable connectors, hold the connector itself never pull or push on the cable; otherwise the connector can be damaged. Immediately turn OFF the power and request service by Echologics Engineering Inc. or an authorized distributor if a hardware component: (i) has been exposed to rain or otherwise has become wet, or (ii) do not appear to operate normally and exhibit a change in performance. Do not attempt to repair the hardware yourself. Do not subject hardware components to impacts, e.g., from being dropped. Do not excessively bend or twist sensor cables or cut their protective cover. Do not place heavy objects on hardware components. Do not open or perform any internal or external modifications to the hardware. Do not store or use the hardware in places that are subject to temperature extremes, humid, exposed to rain, dusty, or subject to high level of vibration. To clean the hardware components, wipe them with a soft cloth that has been very lightly dampened with water. Page 3 10 Computer (optional) records and correlates leak noise 11 Accelerometers sense leak-

induced vibration 12

For very weak signals, change the position of the receiver, or elevate it, until radio signal lights turn on or at least flicker. You may have to use a long mini-stereo cable, or an extension, to place the receiver outside the vehicle. Always listen to the received signals, using a good-quality audio headset, to verify signal strength and to check for radio interference. If you believe youre experiencing wireless interference on regular basis in your area, contact Echologics, or an authorized distributor, for instructions on adjusting the wireless system. 23 Good practice tips Accelerometers can be used for sensing leak noise in metallic pipes; however, hydrophones should be used for plastic and large-diameter pipes. Low-frequency vibration sensors may be used as an alternative to hydrophones. For metal pipes, attach sensors directly to the pipe. To ensure good coupling with the pipe, clean the pipes surface with a steel brush. If the pipe cannot be accessed directly, sensors can be attached to fire hydrants. Attaching accelerometers to fully charged and de-aired fire hydrants yields superior results. Sensors can also be attached to underground valves. Preferably, they should be lowered into access chambers and attached directly to valves. However, chambers may be filled with debris and many users prefer to attach accelerometers to valve keys. If low-frequency vibration sensors (or accelerometers) are used instead of hydrophones for plastic pipes, they should be mounted vertically on top of fully charged and de-aired fire hydrants. To maximize the similarity between leak noise signals, mount the sensors on similar fittings and in the same direction. For example, two sensors on valve keys but not one on valve key and the other on fire hydrant (unless necessary). Different fittings filter leak noise differently. Also, if the leak position is less than 20% of the sensors spacing, its good practice to re-position the near sensor farther or the far sensor closer. Leak noise signals arriving at sensors that are positioned in a significantly unsymmetrical manner about the leak will be attenuated in significantly different degrees. Page 15 24 Good practice tips (continued) When sensors are attached to fittings on lateral connections, the length of lateral connections, up to the position where the sensor is attached, should be included in the total sensor-to-sensor distance. If the lengths of lateral connections at the two sensor positions are equal, they may be excluded from the total distance. In the latter case, the leak distance will be with respect to the point where the lateral connection branches off the pipe. For plastic pipes, it may not be possible to locate leaks with sensor-to-sensor spacing greater than 100 m (328 ft). For metal pipes, sensor-to-sensor spacing can be as large as 500 m (1640 ft) but a maximum spacing of 200 m (656 ft) is recommended. Wireless transmitters and receiver should be placed at least 30 cm (1 ft) above ground to minimize RF signal loss. Wireless transmitters should be in line-of-sight from the receivers position and the latter should be positioned halfway between the transmitters to maximize the range. Velocity values are calculated by LeakfinderRT on the assumption that the fluid carried by the pipe is water. These values are approximate and are provided only for the users convenience for preliminary leak location. Leak positions based these approximate values can be inaccurate. It is strongly recommended that the propagation velocity be measured onsite using a known in-bracket or out-of-bracket simulated leak, e.g., by drawing water at a fire hydrant or service connection. Page 16 25 Good practice tips (continued) When using LeakfinderRT in pinpointing mode, measure the distance between the leak sensors accurately, e.g., using a frequently calibrated measuring wheel. Before excavating a leaking pipe, always confirm by listening with a ground mic the location of the leak position predicted by the correlator. Some computer brands have a power management tool which if ON may limit the soundcard operation to MONO mode to conserve power. Its recommended to edit the computers power management profile to exclude the soundcard or to disable power management altogether. Handling sensors while they are powered ON can permanently damage them. Press the transmitters power ON button only after the accelerometer has been attached to the pipe and press the power OFF button before detaching the sensor from the pipe. Use care when inserting or removing cable connectors. Also, keep connectors clean, e.g., by not placing them on loose soil. Rough handling can damage the connectors or their sockets. To prolong the life of cable connectors and sockets, minimize the frequency of connecting / disconnecting them. For prolonged battery life and for achieving the highest possible charge level, charge the hardwares batteries at room temperature overnight. Page 17 26 Suggested carry-on tools (not supplied) Work tools 9 Valve cover lifters 9 Valve keys 9 Meter box lid lifters 9 Curb stop keys 9 Fire hydrant keys 9 Pipe and service box locators 9 Modified fire hydrant caps with inch 14 NPT tap 9 Spray paint 9 Measuring wheel and tape 9 Teflon tape 9 Pressure gauge 9 Plastic buckets Safety Tools 9 First aid box 9 Reflective safety vests 9 Traffic cones and barricades 9 Radio or cellular communication link Page 18 27 9 Electrical connector cleaner 28 29 Starting LeakfinderRT (2) 30 Page 20 Starting LeakfinderRT (3) 31 Page 21 Selecting Line-in port as recording source (1) 32 Page 22 Selecting Line-in port as recording source (2) 33 Page 23 Selecting Line-in port as recording source (3) 34 Page 24 Selecting Line-in port as recording source (4) 35 Page 25 Selecting Line-in port as recording source (5) 36 Page 26 Selecting Line-in port as recording source (6) 37 Page 27 Preview of leak sound level (Preview command) 38 Page 28 Preview of leak sound level (Ajusting volume level) 39 Page 29 Correlating leak noise (Correlate command) 40 Page 30 Correlating leak noise (Input parameters form) 41 Page 31 Correlating leak noise (Input parameters: pipe type) 42 Page 32 Correlating leak noise (Input parameters: pipe diameter) 43 Page 33 Correlating leak noise (Input parameters: sensors spacing) 44 Page 34 Correlating leak noise (Input parameters: re-correlate option) 45 Page 35 Correlating leak noise (Input parameters: save option) 46 Page 36 Correlating leak noise (Input parameters: input of file name for saved leak sound) 47 Page 37 Correlating leak noise (Input parameters: start command) 48 Page 38 Correlating leak noise (Results 1) 49 Page 39 Correlating leak noise (Results 2) 50 Page 40 Playback of leak sound 51 Page 41 Re-correlation of leak sound (1) 52 Page 42 Re-correlation of leak sound (2) 53 Page 43 Velocity calculator (1) 54 Page 44 Velocity calculator (2) 55 Page 45 Velocity calculator (3) 56 Page 46 Velocity calculator (4) 57 Page 47 Options for pipe input parameters 58 Page 48 Options for pipe input parameters (default setting) 59 Page 49 Options for pipe input parameters (pipe wall thickness) 60 Page 50

Options for pipe input parameters (leak sound velocity) 61 Page 51 Options for pipe input parameters (unknown dimensions) 62 Page 52 Options for pipe input parameters (multiple pipe materials 1) 63 Page 53 Options for pipe input parameters (multiple pipe materials 2) 64 Page 54 Options for pipe input parameters (multiple pipe materials 3) 65 Page 55 Options for pipe input parameters (multiple pipe materials 4) 66 Page 56 Options for pipe input parameters (multiple pipe materials 5) 67 Page 57 Options for pipe input parameters (multiple pipe materials 6) 68 Page 58 Manual filtering of leak signals (1) 69 Page 59 Manual filtering of leak signals (2) 70 Page 60 71 Page 61 Command menus 72 Page 62 File menu (New command) 73 Page 63 File menu (Open command 1) 74 Page 64 File menu (Open command 2) 75 Page 65 File menu (Save As command) 76 Page 66 File menu (Export ASCII command) 77 Page 67 File menu (Print command) 78 Page 68 File menu (Exit command) 79 Page 69 Edit menu (Copy command) 80 Page 70 Edit menu (Zoom command 1) 81 Page 71 Edit menu (Zoom command 2) 82 Page 72 Edit menu (Zoom command 3) 83 Page 73 Edit menu (Cursor command 1) 84 Page 74 Edit menu (Cursor command 2) 85 Page 75 Edit menu (Reset command) 86 Page 76 Display menu 87 Page 77 Display menu (Time signal) 88 Page 78 Display menu (Frequency spectrum) 89 Page 79 Display menu (Coherence function) 90 Page 80

Functions menu (Preview, Correlate, Play & Stop commands) 91 Page 81 Functions menu (Export results to report command 1) 92 Page 82 93 Page 83 Functions menu (Export results to Excel command 1) 94 Page 84 95 96 Functions menu (View leak signals command 1) 97 Page 87 Functions menu (View leak signals command 2) 98 Page 88 Tools menu (Windows sound mixer command) 99 Page 89 Tools menu (Playback speed command 1) 100 Page 90 Tools menu (Playback speed command 2) 101 Page 91 Tools menu (Playback speed command 3) 102 Page 92 Tools menu (Velocity calculator) 103 Page 93 Tools menu (Channel setting) 104 Page 94 Tools menu (Current parameters setting) 105 Page 95 Preferences menu (Results display) 106 Page 96 Preferences menu (Graphic range) 107 Page 97 Preferences menu (Reference channel) 108 Page 98 Preferences menu (Measurement units) 109 Page 99 Preferences menu (Notch filters for noise from power mains) 110 Page 100 Frequently used button commands 111 Page 101 Help menu 1 112 Page 102 Help menu 2 113 Page 103 Help menu 3 114 Page 104 Context sensitive help 1 115 Page 105 Context sensitive help 2 116 Page 106 Context sensitive help 3 117 Page 107 Technical Specifications Software 9 Enhanced and traditional correlation function 9 Correlation function calculated via fast Fourier transform (FFT) 9 Indefinite noise averaging 9 25 micro second minimum time resolution 9 0.1675 Hz minimum frequency resolution 9 Automatic or manual selection of frequency range 9 Propagation velocity calculator 9 10 different pipe materials 9 Mixed pipe sections 9 Arbitrary leak noise playback speed Accelerometers 9 Amplified piezoelectric sensing element 9 3 metres long cable having -40 to +90 C (-40 to

+194 F) temperature rating 9 7.26-kg (16-lb) pull base magnet Wireless system 9 License exempt 900 MHz ISM frequency band 9 Automatic gain controlled sensor amplifier 9 Non-

removable antennas 9 Rechargeable batteries 9 Low-battery indicator 9 Charge indicator 9 Very low center of gravity for improved geometrical stability 9 Splash proof ABS transmitter housing and aluminum receiver housing 9 Foil switches 9 Volume controlled 3.5 mm stereo headphones receiver output 9 10 to 15 hours of operation on fully charged battery @ 20 C (68 F) 9 10 to 2000 Hz frequency range (-6 dB @ 10 Hz) 9 500 metres (1640 ft) operating range Page 108 118

LeakfinderRT can be used in both leak pinpointing and leak survey modes. In leak pinpointing mode, leak noise sensors are attached to the pipe at two positions that bracket the suspected leak. Vibration sensors should be attached directly to the pipe or, if the pipe is not accessible, to suitable fittings such as fire hydrants or underground valves. Signals from the sensors are fed to wireless transmitters and signals from the wireless receivers line-out are fed into the line-in port of the computers soundcard. Wireless transmitters and receiver should be placed at least 30 cm (1 ft) above ground to minimize RF signal loss. Transmitters should be in line-of-sight from the receivers position and the latter should be positioned halfway between transmitters to maximize the range. Accelerometers can be used for sensing leak noise in metallic pipes; however, hydrophones should be used for plastic and large-diameter pipes. Low-

frequency vibration sensors may be used as an alternative to hydrophones. If low-frequency vibration sensors are used instead of hydrophones for plastic pipes, they should be mounted vertically on top of fully charged and de-aired fire hydrants. For plastic pipes, it may not be possible to locate leaks with sensor-to-sensor spacing greater than 100 m (328 ft). For metal pipes, sensor-to-sensor spacing can be as large as 500 m (1640 ft) but a maximum spacing of 200 m (656 ft) is recommended. In leak survey mode, sensors are attached in the same manner as in the pinpointing mode. However, the operator(s) moves the sensors from one position to the next in a pre-determined manner following a marked system map. Page 5 13 14

Wireless transmitters should be placed at least 30 cm (1 ft) above ground to minimize RF signal loss. Le i beneeitiadiee LT ta 9

" If the pipe cannot be accessed directly, accelerometers can be attached to fire hydrants. Attaching accelerometers to fully charged and de-

aired fire hydrants yields superior results.

If the pipe cannot be accessed directly, accelerometers can also be attached to underground valves. Preferably, they should be lowered into valve access chambers and attached directly to valves. However, chambers may be filled with debris and many users prefer to attach accelerometers to valve keys. 17

Attachment of hydrophones (1) Under certain circumstances, e.g., for plastic and large diameter pipes, hydrophones must be used. The hydrophones must be in direct contact with the pipes water core. Attach them to fire hydrants using a suitably modified cap. Fire hydrants should be fully charged and de-aired before hydrophones are attached. For plastic pipes, it may not be possible y to locate leaks with sensor-to-sensor spacing greater than 100 m (328 ft).

Attachment of hydrophones (2) bid Low-frequency vibration sensors may be used as an alternative to hydrophones. To work properly, they should be mounted vertically on top of fully charged and de-aired fire hydrants. Attach the hydrophones connector to the socket in the wireless transmitter. Turn the transmitters power ON only after the hydrophone has been attached to the fire hydrant. A green LED light indicates that power is ON and a red light indicates weak battery. There are no adjustments to be made on the transmitter signal level is adjusted automatically by the transmitter. Page 11 19

Measurement of sensor-to-sensor distance lateral connections, the length of lateral connections, up to the position where the sensor is attached, should be included in the total distance. If the lengths of lateral

.| connections at the two sensor positions

| are equal, they may be excluded from the total distance. In the latter case, the leak distance will be with respect to the point where the lateral connection branches off the pipe. When using LeakfinderRT in pinpointing mode, measure the distance between the leak sensors accurately, e.g., using a frequently calibrated measuring wheel. In survey mode, distance measurement can be approximate, e.g., using system maps.

21 The receiver has two lights that indicate the strength of the received signals transmitted wirelessly over radio. The Right light is for the Blue transmitter, and the left one for the White transmitter. For strong radio signals, the lights will be continuously on. The lights may flicker for weak signals, for example, in the case of plastic pipes, or when correlating leaks in metal pipes over long distances. For very weak signals the lights will go off, however, you may still be able to successfully correlate a leak even if radio signal lights are off. ecking the strength of wireless radio signals Page 14 22