Response, Reliability and Results in the delivery of leak detection services

Response, Reliability and Results in the delivery of leak detection services

Response, Reliability and Results Polygon is a global provider of property damage restoration, property performance services and temporary humidity control. Response Every year we help thousands of property owners. This experience and insight drives our development and ensures we are proactive in designing and delivering new innovative solutions to meet customer needs. Every day we provide 24 hour coverage, delivered by a global network of over 2,000 skilled technicians and supported by Simply, our unique workflow management tool as well as a fleet of fit-for-purpose vehicles containing state of the art equipment to ensure a rapid, right first time response that mitigates loss and effectively manages cost. Reliability Our trusted, real world expertise and experience, coupled with innovation and technical excellence enables us to maintain consistently high standards and provide reliability at a time when it is needed most. Results Above all, our constant investment in people, technology and equipment, coupled with our insight, creativity and customer centric approach ensures we are able to deliver demonstrable, robust and repeatable results. 1

We understand that property is a valuable asset and should be treated as such. That s why we have created a range of leak detection services that reduce risk and mitigate against damage by providing accurate, non-destructive detection where traditional methods will be destructive or have failed. Key benefits of using Polygon s leak detection service Non-destructive, accurate detection that limits expensive excavation as well as subsequent repair and redecoration costs Minimised water loss resulting in reduced water damage to the building fabric and a faster drying time Disruption is minimised, negating client concerns and reducing business interruption and the costs associated with alternative accommodation Accurate, transparent reporting to ensure project management and cost is effectively monitored. In the event damage is suffered, you can rest assured that Polygon has the necessary skills to deliver a rapid, robust, cost effective and efficient response. Our trace and access service remediates the leak, makes it safe and prepares the area for re-instatement. Every repair undertaken is carried out by our fully qualified engineers. Restoration services from Polygon have been employed in every conceivable scenario; from the repair of individual domestic properties, through large commercial loss to the remediation of some of the world s largest incidents. Our core services in Property Damage Restoration: Water Damage Restoration Fire Damage Restoration Technical Reconditioning Document Drying & Restoration Accidental Damage. 2

Leak detection The damage suffered as a result of leaking pipes should not be underestimated - a 0.5mm leak could lose 20 litres of water every hour. Even if a leaking pipe is noticed, the cost and disruption associated with locating the source could be considerable. Too often walls, floors and even other pipes are unnecessarily damaged and there are no guarantees that the leak will be found as it is very often some distance from any signs of any water damage. Diameter Water loss in litres Water loss in M 2 Cost ( 1.24 per M 2 ) Per min Per hour Per day Per annum Per annum 0.5mm 0.33 20 0.48 175 217.52 1.0mm 0.97 58 1.39 507 630.20 2.0mm 3.16 190 4.56 1,664 2,068.35 5.0mm 22.30 1,340 32 11,680 14,518.24 Source: Anglian Water UK (11.11.05) Price per M quoted 1.24p @ 4bar We employ a number of methods to detect leaks in scenarios as diverse as a small scale domestic pipe leak through to major pipeline constructions. Our methods include Acoustic profiling Thermography Tracer Gas Correlation. 3

The principles of water leak detection are based on three core indicators; - Acoustics i.e. noise or bodysound ; Infra-red i.e. the energy patterns generated by water loss and Dampness i.e. the presence of wet materials. Electro Acoustic sound profiling This method works on the principle of body-sound (noise). Leaks are accurately detected through pipe mapping, pre-location and ground sound profiling, Our Electro Acoustic methods test to a depth of 3 metres through most surfaces including concrete, wood, soil and tarmac. Typically applications are within internal or external pressurised systems such as distribution or network pipes; mains supplies and internal mains feeds. 4

Infra-red leak detection Leaks are detected by plotting temperature changes in the hot pipe work against the cooler surroundings. The key benefit of this technology is that it enables us to assess large surface areas in a very short timescale. Typical applications are within heating, hot water and drainage systems. Tracer gas Used in situations where leaks are difficult to locate, for example in long sections of pipeline, this method requires specialist gas to be pressurised through the pipes. It is then detected above the ground as it escapes. Used in internal or external applications, this method can test for leakages on most systems or pipe constructions, including distribution or network pipes, mains supply, internal mains feed or heating systems and waste pipes. Polygon recently received a request to apply its specialist leak detection services to the Donbass Arena; a 51,000 capacity football stadium in the Ukraine. Home to FC Shakhtar, the stadium has nearly 10,000 sq.m. of astroturf and natural grass. Polygon s non-destructive tracer gas technology was used to successfully discover the source of a water leak within the under-pitch heating system, after traditional methods had failed. 5

Endoscopy Used in situations where pipes are hidden, Endoscopy works as an extension to the naked eye, providing images that can then photographed as survey evidence. Typically, endoscopy is applied where sub-floors, voids, ceilings, cavities and pipes require surveying. Supporting methods Polygon employs a range of other supporting methods, depending on, but not limited to: Moisture measurement Water analysis Plaster analysis Pressure testing Dye testing Pipe tracing and mapping. 6

Pipe work assessment Modern methods of construction often mean that pipes are not immediately traceable or accessible. This can mean that leaking pipes can go unnoticed for days, weeks or even months. Unfortunately this often means that when the leak is recognised, the damage is significant. As a part of our Property Performance Services portfolio, we offer a number of proven scientific techniques. This technology, coupled with the experience and expertise of our thermographic specialists, means that any leaks can be identified quickly, cost effectively and accurately before damage is suffered. Building envelope assessment Poor building efficiency can result in infrastructure fabric degradation through condensation, occupier discomfort, poor air quality and an increased energy demand. This results in higher than necessary energy costs and potentially damaging moisture affecting the building s infrastructure. Using proven scientific techniques our thermographic specialists can measure the air leakage from the building by identifying the temperature differences between the inside and outside of the structure thus immediately and accurately highlighting the areas of concern. This precise, low cost approach can support awareness of energy use and a wider sustainability message to both internal and external audiences. 7

Flat roof assessment If left unchecked, roof leaks can lead to damage in the roof and throughout the building, with the most serious and costly scenario being a total replacement of the roof and ceiling below. The business interruption and loss of trade associated with such a scenario could prove to be catastrophic and is entirely avoidable. Using the latest technologies to detect temperature differences in the roof material, our thermographic specialists can identify areas of trapped moisture and damaged insulation, enabling customers to take the appropriate action, whether that be a minor repair or in the worst case scenario - a completely new roof. This detection method is both non-destructive and fast. For example a 500m 2 roof can be scanned and assessed in as little as four hours. 8

Electrical systems assessment Electrical circuits are subject to deterioration and over time faults will occur if not detected. As the electrical current flows through a circuit heat is generated and the amount of heat will increase as the contact surface of the circuit weakens, ultimately leading to power failure or in some cases fire. Our thermographic specialists detect and interpret differences in heat emissions, and are able to identify areas and/or components that are running in excess of their power specification and therefore susceptible to failure. With this information, the customer can best decide the appropriate course of action required in the short term. In the longer term, the data we provide can reduce maintenance costs and support an application for more accurate insurance premium costs, based on greater information in risk underwriting. 9

Case Study: Thermography identifies leak born in barn The Granary is a converted barn, domestic dwelling near Oxford, UK. The homeowner had called its energy provider to investigate problems experienced with the heating system. The engineer found that the boiler pressure was dropping, but could not identify the source of the problem. The energy provider then contacted Polygon to carry out a leak detection assessment at the property. Solution An in-depth thermographic survey was carried out using a 320 x 240 thermal imaging camera. This technology highlights hot or cold spots in the thermal image contact sheet. These detailed thermal images are supported with a standard digital photograph to help easily identify the affected area. The entire property was subject to a thermographic survey. No areas of concern were noted on the outside of the property. A moisture survey noted water damage to the hallway wall by the bathroom and also in the bedroom. The floor was reading a lower figure than the walls; it was therefore suspected that the escape of water came from the shower. After further investigations the shower cover below the tray was removed and a thermal survey was carried out. Warm water was applied to the shower wall and tray, and the result showed that warm water was running down the rear of the shower. The Polygon technician then carried out a full thermal survey of the ground floor, mapping out all the heating pipes. An area of concern was noted in the main bedroom by the door. This was identified as a failed T joint which was causing the leak. Once the carpet was removed the technician noted water damage to the underlay and concrete slab. The Polygon technician recommended that the leak in the shower tray and beneath the bedroom floor were repaired immediately and was able to pinpoint the exact location of both leaks. Thermal images and digital photographs were given to the homeowner along with the full report so that the leak could be fixed quickly and accurately with minimal damage to floor and walls. The Polygon technician also contacted his colleagues in the Temporary Humidity Control division who were able to quickly install dehumidifiers to stabilise conditions and completely dry the property. Benefits Polygon technicians quickly identify areas of concern and provide a full report backed up with thermographic and digital images Non-destructive testing methods increase detection speed of all types of leaks and minimise interruption for inhabitants Thermography is a cost effective method which reduces material and labour cost by pinpointing the source of leaks and speeds repair Supported by the world s largest fleet of drying equipment, our technicians can immediately install dehumidifiers to dry affected areas and control the environment within the property. 10

Why choose Polygon? As a pioneer in critical response services, Polygon continues to focus on listening, reacting and delivering on its customers requirements. This commitment has enabled us to build an organisation of global significance, one that delivers a full range of property damage restoration, property performance services and temporary humidity control first, fast and right first time. Our constant investment in skills, technology and equipment supports the real world expertise and experience in our network of over 2,000 technicians to ensure our solutions are proven, repeatable, results oriented and cost effective. Polygon Response, Reliability and Results Property Damage Restoration Temporary Humidity Control Property Performance Services Water Damage Restoration Fire Damage Restoration Construction Drying Building Assessments Technical Reconditioning Document Drying & Restoration Surface Preparation & Coating Code Blue Leak Detection Industrial Process Polygon Blackstone Road Huntingdon PE29 6EE Tel: 0845 600 4306 Email: uk_leakdetection@polygongroup.com www.polygonleakdetection.com