ELECTRO-SCAN TECHNOLOGY - IS IT THE “SILVER BULLET” FOR RAINFALL DEPENDENT INFILTRATION (RDI) AND EXFILTRATION?

GSWW, Inc. recently completed four projects totaling over 53,200 linear feet of sewer pipe ranging in size from 8-inch to 24-inch in diameter. The results and experiences from these projects have strengthened the fact that electro-scan testing is a technique that is here to stay. This paper provides an insight into the FELL-41™ (Focused Electrode Leak Locator) system of detecting Rainfall Dependent Infiltration (RDI) and Exfiltration in sewer pipes.Traditional methods of Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Surveys (SSES), like smoke testing, pipeline visual inspections, and closed circuit television inspection (CCTV) have been used for the determination of RDI and Exfiltration. These techniques have been marginally successful in locating these types of defects in wastewater collection systems. Electro-scan testing, which has proven to be very accurate, can be performed dependably at any time under any weather conditions. It will identify any type of leak in a pipeline system including joint leaks, leaks at service taps and leaks at structural defects.