Data loggers in use - SebaKMT® leak detection

How digital monitors make water losses visible

When water flows at night and no one uses it

In drinking water networks, nighttime is a silent ally. When consumption drops, it's time to search for leaks. This is because constant flow during the night can be a clear sign that the system is losing water somewhere in the network. And this is precisely where the work of the data loggers. These inconspicuous but highly precise devices help to detect hidden leakslong before they become visible.

What do data loggers do?

Depending on the model, data loggers measure flow, pressure, or noise in the pipe network. They are installed at strategically important locations, such as transfer points or network junctions. There, they regularly collect measurement data and store or transmit it for evaluation. An example: A logger performs a zone scan and shows a constant flow of 0.8 l/s over several nights, even though no water is being drawn. This is a typical indication of a leak.

From suspicion to certainty: The leak detection begins

As soon as a suspicious flow is detected, the network is systematically analyzed. Water engineers gradually shut off sections of the network to narrow down the affected area. The smaller the zone, the more targeted the further leak detection .

Here, noise loggers such as the SmartEAR® . These devices "listen" for suspicious noises or whistling sounds in the pipe system, which can indicate pressure losses due to leaks. Several of these loggers can be combined to create a location focus .

Correlation for precise positioning

Once the suspected area has been narrowed down, the next step is to locate the exact leak detection by correlation. This involves using two sensors, known as correlators, are attached to different points on the pipe. Both register the noise emanating from the leak. The time difference in the sound between the sensors and the known speed of sound in the pipe material , the device calculates the exact location of the leak. Example: Under ideal conditions, the Correlux C-3 correlator delivers pinpoint results, often accurate to within a few meters, even with difficult pipe materials.

Why teamwork matters

Successful leak detection is no longer a single discipline. Data loggers, noise loggers, correlators, and modern cloud platforms work hand in hand:

Data loggers provide the clues.
Noise loggers help with localization.
Correlators locate the leak.
The platform documents, archives, and links all information.

This creates an intelligent early warning system for water distribution – proactive rather than reactive.

How to get the most out of your logger network

Take advantage of nighttime rest: The most meaningful flow data is generated between 2:00 and 4:00 a.m.
Define small zones: The finer the network structure, the easier it is to locate leakage losses.
Evaluate data regularly: Constant monitoring helps to detect even gradual damage.
Combining systems: Data loggers and correlators together provide the most reliable picture.

Data loggers & POSEYEDON® Cloud as the memory of the pipe network

At a time when water is becoming a strategic resource, precise handling of losses is essential. Modern data loggers make leaks visible that would otherwise have gone unnoticed for years. Together with correlation and acoustic sensor technology, silent pipes become a system that provides early warning, targeted control, and protects resources.

Would you like to learn more about smart leak detection or set up a monitoring system?
We would be happy to advise you—based on data, practical experience, and future-oriented thinking.