  |
SeCorrPhon AC 06 |
   |
Portable Correlator with “Fully Loaded” Ground
Microphone Capabilities |
| Click on any image to
enlarge |
What is correlation? |
 |
Correlation is a way of finding and pinpointing leaks in water pipes.
A leak in a pipe under pressure creates noise that travels through the pipe
walls, the surrounding ground and along the contents of the pipe. If two
highly sensitive microphones are attached to two different locations on
a pipe with a leak the sound from the leak will take longer to travel to
the microphone furthest from the leak; this is referred to as the “time
delay” or ∆t. Utilising this and other information (pipe diameter,
material and length of section under test), the exact leak position can
be calculated by the correlator SeCorrPhon AC 06. |
|
Advantages of using correlators to find water
leaks |
 |
Using listening sticks or ground microphones
alone as methods of water leak detection can be affected by external noise
interferences such as cars, wind etc. The correlator SeCorrPhon AC 06 is
unaffected by these interferences making water leak detection possible in
even the noisiest environments. Other surrounding influences including the
depth of pipe, ground conditions and rain have no effect on the accuracy
of results. When using electro-acoustic devices the operator’s experience
and sense of hearing is paramount. Correlation is based on purely mathematical
calculations consequently the reliance on the operator’s subjective
views are eliminated allowing anyone with minimal training to carry out
leak location. |
|
Precise water leak location with Digital
Signal Processing |
 |
The two microphones are attached
by magnet, or valve adaptors, to hydrants, valves, the pipe walls or even
directly into the water column using hydrophone sensors. As long as the
leak noise can be “heard” by both microphones the SeCorrPhon
AC 06 can process and analyse the resulting information.
The sounds picked up by the microphones are transmitted via two powerful
500 mW radio transmitters to the lightweight central processing unit SeCorrPhon
AC 06 Digital Signal Processor where the information is quickly
analysed & the resulting leak position is displayed both graphically
and numerically, in metres to the leak from each sensor. If the leak lies
outside the measuring section the SeCorrPhon AC 06 correlator
will let you know; you should then move the sensors to different positions
as the ideal is to get the leak as close as possible to midway between
each sensor.
if the leak lies outside the measuring section the SeCorrPhon AC 06 correlator
will let you know; you should then move the sensors to different positions
as the ideal is to get the leak as close as possible to midway between
each sensor. |
 |
|
SeCorrPhon AC 06 - Radio transmitters and
Piezo accelerometers |
|
The noise from the microphones is transmitted
to the central control processor by two powerful radio transmitters
- Lightweight radio transmitters which can easily be carried in one
hand by the antenna carrying buttons
- Automatic on/off when the microphone is plugged in/out - no danger
of running the battery flat by mistake
- Automatic best amplification level selected when microphone connected
|
 |
- In built low pass frequency filter - Ideal for plastic pipes; It highlights
and emphasises sounds in the range 0-300 Hz which is where leak noises
are more likely to be propagated on this material
|
 |
- The receiver and radio transmitters can all be charged in the closed
case doing away with the nuisance of having multiple component parts
plugged into various sockets around your office.
- Charging can also be carried out in your car or van via the 12V cigar
lighter lead or permanently hard wired
|
|
Direct microphone connection |
 |
In the event of accidental damage to a radio
transmitter either microphone can be plugged directly into
the SeCorrPhon AC 06 allowing you to carry on working without interruption. |
| |
Hydrophones Best performance for finding leaks in plastic pipes |
 |
- Hydrophones are Piezo accelerometers which are attached, via hydrants,
directly into the water column (as opposed to on the external surface
of the pipe) so even very quiet water leak noise can be heard far more
successfully.
- They are particularly useful on plastic pipes and trunk mains where
sounds does not travel as well as on cast and steel pipes
|
| |
SeCorrPhon AC 06 - Firmware and Software |
|
With the SeCorrPhon AC06 software you can:
- Analyse field tests on your PC or laptop.
This can be very useful where a test gives a good indication of a leak
but the other input data is unreliable, such as pipe material, or size.
The results can be recalculated back in the office to give the correct
leak location without the need to carry out another correlation. This
can be carried out on the PC or on the SeCorrPhon AC 06 itself
- E-mail: Test results can be sent by email for comment
or assistance from Sewerin
- Reports: PC software produces clear reports including:
Your address, client’s address, operator, leak location, material, diameter,
coherence, correlation and a pictorial representation of the leak location
(professional)
- Record leak noise: Real leak noise sound can be recorded
which allows users to listen to noises away from the field for later comment
and interpretation, perhaps by more experienced staff (professional)
- Zoom: Zoom function on display - Gives added clarity
to suspect readings
|
SeCorrPhon AC06: Not Just a Correlator but also an Advanced
Ground Microphone |
|
For a number of reasons correlation is not a fool proof
science, (much as we all wish it were so!)
After correlation has been carried out it is always advisable that the
indicated leak position should be checked by listening on the ground above
the suspected leak location. With other correlators this would mean having
to purchase a separate ground microphone - not so with the SeCorrPhon
AC 06.
There are also times when it is impractical to use a correlator and the
only way of locating a leak is to use an acoustic listening instrument.
With the SeCorrPhon AC 06 there is no need to purchase another instrument.
It is also a fully featured ground and valve microphone
device having ALL the features of our standalone ground mic system A100
By attaching a tripod directly onto the base of the correlator microphone
or by using any of our dedicated ground microphones used with the Aquaphon,
the SeCorrPhon AC 06 recognises that you want to use it as a ground mic.
and the display shows the following functions: |
|
|
|
Minimum Noise Level Memory Function - Assistance
In Finding Water Leaks
Current “lowest” noise level: - A leak noise does not get quieter but
traffic and wind noise will increase and decrease.
The SeCorrPhon AC 06 ignores all these interfering noises digitally displaying
only the “quietest” it has been during the time you have been listening.
The current “actual” noise level is also displayed as an analogue bar
graph. This is a constantly moving display depending on ambient noise
levels.
Memory: The last lowest noise level is stored and displayed. Are you
closer or further away from the leak in the current listening position
compared to the last?
Is the leak sound getting louder or quieter? The higher the number on
the display the closer to the leak you are.
Amplification: There are three levels of amplification (as well as the
volume control). The amplification level can be selected to best suit
the noise level being listened to.
Dynamic Hearing Protection Function
With normal acoustic detection instruments an uncomfortable, sometimes
painful and dangerous, noise is heard when the test rod slips from the
contact point, or the headphones are activated too soon, or not soon enough,
or some comedian bangs their foot to see if you "can hear".
The SeCorrPhon AC 06 incorporates a novel technology to makes this danger
a thing of the past. When a very loud noise is picked up the sound in
the headphones is immediately muffled. If the sound increases even further,
the headphones are switched off completely.
Frequency Filter - Water Leak Noise Optimised Listening
We do not all hear best at the same frequencies; some people prefer
listening at high frequencies others to lower.
Leaks do not all produce noise at the same frequency.
Sometimes interfering noises make listening at certain frequencies very
difficult.
The SeCorrPhon AC06® has a number of ways to assist with all these problems...
...SUIT YOURSELF:
By applying your own choice of frequency filters you can listen to any
frequency range that you wish which best suits the leak noise being listened
to, your hearing and to filter out interfering noises, all selected by
the push of a button.
...LET THE SeCorrPhon AC06® HELP:
If you are unsure of what filters to use the SeCorrPhon can be easily
used in “Band Pass” mode utilising pre-defined filter settings.
The filter-optimisation function makes it easier to detect leaks even
when the sound is very muffled. By activating the frequency filter button
the receiver takes a noise sample which is then analysed & the optimum
frequency range is set and filtered. This can greatly assist those with
less experience making the sound of the leak particularly clear.
...AUTOMATIC BEST SETTINGS:
When a microphone is plugged in the SeCorrPhon® automatically recognises
which model it is and sets the best filter range. If you have chosen an
alternative setting it defaults to the last settings you chose; The SeCorrPhon®
even turns itself on and off when you plug the microphone in or out |
|
|
SeCorrPhon AC 06
FEATURES |
| |
- Very quick and easy to use intuitive operation sequence (can be operated
by only four buttons)
- Input data via Jog dial and / or water resistant film pad – Users
can select one or both methods according to their personal preference
- Automatic background interference noise suppression
- Utilises the latest Digital Signal Processor (DSP) provides fast accurate
calculations ensuring quicker leak location
- Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) correlation – precise fast location
even with the most challenging leaks
- High resolution 320 x 240 pixel display – Clear precise visualisation
of leaks, even in bright sunlight
- “Highest Peak” (likely leak location) automatically selected-
This can be moved by the operator to look at other suspicious indications
- Many “Drill down menu” advanced features, comparable to
PC driven correlators, are available for times that you need to use
their advantages & out of the way when you do not
|
|
SeCorrPhon AC 06 - Technical Information Receiver |
|
- Display 320 x 240 pixels with bright background LED illumination
- PC connection for information download Socket for direct connection
of a variety of microphones
- BNC connector for antenna input with 90 deg rod aerial (rotary)
- 1 or 2 radio channels
- Built in NiMH rechargable batteries and 12V socket for direct power
or charging from vehicle Approx. 8 hours use
- Operating/storage temperature: -10 °C … +40 °C / -20 °C … +60 °C
- Protection class: IP 54
- Weight: approx. 1.3 kg
- Dimensions (W x H x D): approx. 12.5 x 18 x 6.5 cm
|
|
SeCorrPhon AC 06 - Technical Information Radio transmitter RT 06 |
|
- Automatic microphone recognition when attached
- Automatically on when microphone connected
- Selectable low-pass filter to increase performance on non-metallic
pipes
- Automatic signal control
- 500 mW output power level with optimal selectivity
- Operating/storage temperature: -10 °C … +40 °C / -20 °C … +60 °C
- Protection class: IP 67
- Weight: approx. 1.3 kg
- Dimensions (W x H x D): approx. 12.5 x 19 x 7.3 cm
- Operating time: approx. 10 hours
|
