Heat Networks Leak Detection
Heat networks rely on efficiency and reliability to deliver sustainable energy. Undetected leaks can lead to significant energy losses, increased costs, and even system failures. At RATMON, we specialise in advanced leak detection solutions that pinpoint issues in district heating and cooling networks before they escalate.
Early Leak Identification
Identify leaks early to prevent system-wide inefficiencies, reducing downtime, conserving resources, and minimising costly repairs.
Non-Intrusive Monitoring
Detect leaks without disrupting operations, allowing for targeted repairs and avoiding costly excavations.
Energy & Cost Savings
Efficient leak detection helps lower energy consumption and operational costs, maximising savings over time.
Leak Detection for Pre-Insulated Heating and Cooling Networks
RATMON is an advanced monitoring system designed to integrate with pre-insulated heating and cooling networks. It provides continuous surveillance to detect potential leaks at an early stage, allowing for proactive maintenance before minor issues escalate into costly and hazardous problems. Speak to us today about how RATMON can benefit your project.
Pre-Insulated Heating and Cooling Networks
The RATMON range of products, services and solutions can cater for all types of applications. We offer compatibility with the standard systems found in pre-insulated heating and cooling networks – including Nordic, Resistance (Brandes) and our very own unique MSC-1 Sensor Cable (pictured) that further expands the opportunities for monitoring cooling networks and in-building leak detection.
Beyond Nordic, Brandes and HDW systems, we also offer our patented solution of two double wire MSC-1 cables, enabling precise detection and location of faults in pre-insulated pipes. Fully insulated cables mitigate the risk of false alarms caused by condensation.
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Pre-Insulated Heating and Cooling Networks
Nordic Network
The Nordic system, which utilises two copper wires (one tinned) embedded inside a pre-insulated pipe’s PUR insulation is the most widely used system within European heating and cooling networks. Our RATMON products offer extensive compatibility with Nordic-based systems.
- Fault Detection is based on foam insulation resistance and loop (wire) continuity.
- Fault Location is based on TDR technology (Time Domain Reflectometer).
Pre-Insulated Heating and Cooling Networks
Resistance Network
The Resistance technique also uses two wires and a bespoke solution produced by Brandes. Our RATMON products offer extensive compatibility with networks utilising this technology.
- Fault Detection is based on foam insulation resistance and loop (wire) continuity.
- Fault Location is based on TDR technology (Time Domain Reflectometer).
Pre-Insulated Heating and Cooling Networks
MSC-1 Sensor Cable
Our patented solution of two double-wire MSC-1 cables enables precise detection and location of faults in pre-insulated pipes. Fully insulated cables mitigate the risk of false alarms, caused by condensation effect. It is also a great solution for monitoring of pre-insulated plastic pipes, straight or PEX type, where using of conventional alarm wires is not efficient.
Fault Detection and Location is based on automated TDR (Time Domain Reflectometer) technology offered by RATMON systems.
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Download Our Brochure
Please click the button below to download a PDF copy of our latest RATMON brochure. This provides an overview of our systems and the applications available. If you have any further queries or would like to discuss your requirements, please contact our technical team.
Download the RATMON Brochure
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Our mission is to create safe and energy-efficient solutions that help improve the condition of infrastructure and ensure safety and efficiency for many years to come. RATMON UK and Ireland would be delighted to discuss your requirements and how our range of products and services can help monitor and protect your applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is district heating and cooling network leak detection, and what does this mean?
Leak detection, or leak surveillance, is a method for permanently monitoring district heating/cooling networks for faults. Detecting leaks early from weak points in the infrastructure can help reduce unplanned downtime and minimise repair costs.
By making the network more efficient, it lowers the energy consumption of devices using the infrastructure and related operational costs. Accurate fault location information avoids costly exploratory excavations and further damage.
How is the RATMON solution installed in the district heating/cooling system?
RATMON solutions use a variety of sensor wires, commonly embedded in both steel and plastic pre-insulated pipe systems. Supported technologies include the Nordic impulse system, the Brandes resistance system, or RATMON’s patented, fully insulated MSC-1 cable that is for all systems but ideal for plastic or PEX pipes.
Contact our sister company CPV Ltd who can supply pre-insulated pipe manufactured complete with leak surveillance wire. The fully insulated nature of MSC-1 cables can mitigate against the risk of false alarms caused by the condensation effect.
RATMON manufactures a number of portable and stationary devices for real time evaluation and remote monitoring of the network. These devices can both detect a leak, short, or a break in the system, and locate where the leak is using Time Domain Reflectometry.*
Will RATMON leak surveillance work with plastic or PEX pipe infrastructure?
Yes it will. Utilising our patented, fully insulated, double-wire MSC-1 cable, leaks can be detected in infrastructure using plastic piping. Wires are either embedded in the PUR insulation or adhered to the outside of the service pipe. Automated Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) is used to both detect the leak and locate any faults.
How does implementing leak detection lead to a more efficient and less wasteful district heating/cooling (DHC) network?
Leaks that allow moisture into the PUR foam cause it to get wet, which will severely degrade the foam leading to increased heat losses and shorten the life expectancy of the pipe. A key issue in modern low temperature networks. Leak surveillance provides early warning of a fault. In turn, repairs can be made to joints or sections of a small leak before it becomes a major and urgent one.
Any background leakage or persistent weeping is lost energy and forces a continual topping up of the system with water that must be treated, pumped and heated. When excavation is required, pinpointed fault locations enable targeted, not broad excavations, reducing fuel, labour and road closures.
How accurate is RATMON leak detection?
RATMON’s leak detection systems are highly precise. Depending on the model chosen and method used, leak locations can typically be pinpointed to within a few metres.
For example:
- RAT-Combo (TDR system for pre-insulated pipes): accurate to ±0.1% of range ± 1 pixel on the trace.
- ILA 1.0 (advanced TDR module): accurate to ±0.1% of range ± 2 m.
- RAT-2b (resistance-loop monitoring): accurate to ±2 m ± 2% of the cable length.
In practical terms, this means leaks can often be located within just a couple of metres. Helping maintenance teams respond quickly and efficiently.
* Functionality is dependent on the combination of product and wire technology chosen.