SmartValve

The issue of transient pressure surge in water networks is a serious issue for water companies. A transient pressure surge can occur as a result of network operations or interventions, particularly valve operations and hydrant operations.

The result of the surge is the potential for structural damage, especially on ageing distribution networks, resulting in increased leakages, bursts and ultimately customer supply interruptions.

Research and analysis of asset failures by water companies shows that over 50% of unplanned supply interruptions can be traced back to network activity, primarily valve operations that have taken place in the preceding seven days.

High-quality training for Network Technicians is clearly one of the answers to reducing these issues but this is only part of the picture. To support the network operations we have created SmartValve.

SmartValve is an app which attaches to any standard valve key. The app uses Near Field Communication (NFC) to identify a Valve and deliver a safe turn profile for the Network Technician to follow. The app records the operations in real-time and provides audio and visual guidance on the status of the operation. The data recorded is streamed back to the cloud for analysis and export to any of your internal systems.

SmartValve gives you:
• The ability to tag all your network valves using NFC chips
• The distribution of network operations to your NTs
• The delivery of a valves turn history and current turn profile
• The recording of the operations to ensure they meet the required standards
• The ability to stream data to the cloud in real-time for analysis and integration
• And ultimately full traceability of ALL NETWORK OPERATIONS, reduced leakage and bursts and happier customers.