Gutermann AG, a Swiss provider of acoustic technologies focused on water leak detection, has announced the launch of a claimed world-first: a water leak detecting noise logger based on Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) technology.
The product, called Zonescan NB-IoT, is Gutermann’s first cellular logger. The logger is tied in to the cloud-based Zonescan Net software, which can automatically compare the data of all neighbouring sensors – and even identify leaks which had not been spotted by individual loggers.
Pilot projects have already been conducted across France, the UK, and Australia, with Gutermann claiming the initiatives reduced ramp-up time and lowered investment for acoustic loggers.
“We are excited about the launch of this product because we see an enormous potential for it given the connectivity and power properties of the NB-IoT technology,” said Lucas Grolimund, CEO of Gutermann. “Our hope is that the Zonescan NB-IoT logger will make permanent monitoring of networks more accessible to utilities due to its cost, ease of installation and compact design.
“It should therefore contribute to the rapid growth of technology-enabled smart water networks, helping to consistently reduce and maintain lower water loss levels,” Grolimund added.
Many stakeholders in the water industry have been pursuing IoT-related technologies – take BT’s initiative with Northumbrian Water which IoT News reported in March – yet this initiative, which goes closer to the source than many, is an interesting one because of its use of NB-IoT technology. In July, South East Water announced a pilot project with Vodafone on similar lines, with the companies claiming it could ‘revolutionise’ leakage detection and prevention.
The solution will be first demonstrated on December 4, at the North America Water Loss Conference and Exhibition in Nashville, Tennessee. The day is also being designated as World Water Loss Day, an initiative encouraged by the water loss group of the International Water Association (IWA).
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