Gutermann Unveils NB-IoT-based Leaks Detection System

Swiss leak detection specialist Gutermann has announced the world’s first Narrowband (NB)-IoT-based water leak detection systems for monitoring of water distribution mains pipes. The system uses IoT-based noise logger, small devices that can be deployed along water mains, which can listen to the sound of the pipe.

NB-IoT is a new cellular communication standard optimised for machine-to-machine data communication in smart cities and the company claims it outperforms other 3G- and 4G-based leak detection systems, and offers better underground coverage. It also consumes less power than earlier cellular systems, and can even use its Zonescan cloud software to automatically compare the data of all neighboring sensors every day to identify even quiet leaks that may otherwise not get noticed by individual loggers.

According to the company, a Correlation Indicator provides information about the area in which the leak has been identified, neatly displayed on a Google Mapsenabled user interface. It also lets users see and manage their leak detection infrastructure, perform advanced leak analysis, import and display their GIS data, and change settings such as recording times and alarm thresholds.

According to reports, Gutermann will be partnering with a water management company for implementing a pilot project and test water pipes across 2,000 user homes and the cellular system. The large-scale NBIoT trial for the smart city leak detection and metering system will be using the Vodafone’s NB-IoT network in the UK, it stated.