Tracking leaks: tracer gas technique
Although acoustic detection techniques are widely used, there are limits to these sensors due to a variety of factors, including the nature of the soil and the pipe materials, which can disrupt sound propagation and low pressure in the system. The alternative tracer gas technique remedies these drawbacks and avoids the need for direct access to the pipe network. Leak testing using tracer gas involves injecting helium or a hydrogen-nitrogen mixture under pressure into the water system. A spectrometer detects any gas-charged water escaping through the leak. This technique has been used both in France (Digne-les-Bains) and elsewhere (Jakarta, Indonesia).
Palyja
Palyja, the SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT subsidiary in Indonesia, was faced with a major leak problem that accounted for some 15% of its total water production. In 2005, it called on CIRSEE teams to use helium leak-detection techniques in its network. In the first nine months, the teams inspected 1,000 km of network and detected and repaired 800 leaks, resulting in estimated savings of 3 million cubic meters of water per year.
Waste carbon footprint: a unique decision-making tool
In June 2006, SITA France launched the first free Internet site calculating the environmental fooprint of waste-collection activities: Empreinte Ecologique des Déchets (in French).
This calculation tool can be used by local authorities to assess the environmental impact of their waste-collection activities. Inspired by the work of the US academic, Mathis Wackernagel, the Footprint calculator was created by a research programme developed by SITA and 3 partners: the Global Footprint Network, the Angenius Institute and Médiation & Environnement. The calculator carries out an immediate diagnosis, compares the impact of various collection projects and identifies ways of reducing their carbon footprint. In addition to increasing awareness, the Ecological Footprint of Waste Collection also makes possible an analysis the opportunity to study alternative solutions to promote best practices and the selection of the wisest technical solutions. Since its launch, the site has carried out 1,200 calculations.
www.empreinte.sita.fr
OMOBILE®: mobile units produce demineralised water
OMobile® is a water treatment plant on board a trailer truck. Designed for industrial customers, and with a capacity of 35 to 100 m3 per hour, OMOBILE is a fully autonomous service, requiring no capital investment and offering remote control features.
Developed by Ondeo Industrial Solutions, OMobile®, is based on the principle of reverse osmosis or the new Advanced AmberpackTM pre-engineered ion exchange system, providing quality demineralised water for periods from several days to several months. The solution avoids the need for industrial plants to halt production at sites during maintenance and renovation operations. It provides a solution to cope with peak periods, temporary shutdowns of plants or deteriorations in water quality. OMobile® has been awarded the SUEZ Innovation Trophy for an efficient and innovative solution, that does not require costly investment.
Antoine Wertheimer
Manager of the Process Water Department at Ondeo Industrial Solutions
"OMobile® plants are remarkable tools. They are flexible, rapid and suitable for use across a range of situations. Ondeo Industrial Solutions is the only company in the market to offer such a comprehensive range of services in a mobile production unit."
Recycled materials: recycling used tyres
SITA France, a major player in the France's historic recycling sector (wood for pallets paper and cardboard), recently inaugurated a recycling centre with 35 industrial units covering 10 recycling sectors. One of the lines recycles used tyres for the production of rubber aggregate (used in the manufacture of children's adventure play areas, sports tracks, wheels and urban furniture), scrap (used in steelworks) and some textile fibre. In 2005, Norvalo, a SITA France subsidiary, in partnership with the CIRADE and the Jules Vernes University in Picardy, launched a research project on a new, innovative and sustainable niche for used tyres. The project is jointly financed by SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT and the ADEME, and covers the use of a mixture of textile fibres, rubber aggregate and cellular matrices (light concrete). Results confirm the interest in this new material (concrete/textile/rubber), which has very advantageous physical-mechanical properties, as well as acid-resistant and fire-resistant properties. An experiment led to the construction of a waste-collection centre from concrete/textile/rubber panels, which will be operated by a SITA France subsidiary.
