Solving water loss with cutting-edge technology and innovative training techniques

When utilities want to reduce water loss, selecting the correct technologies and materials is an important factor. However, this is only half of the story – for an effective, safe and long-lasting solution, modern piping systems have to be installed and maintained correctly. This is underlined by the fact that one in 300 welds fail because of faulty installations. For this reason, episode four of the “Solving water loss for life” webcast series presented by GF Piping Systems focused on the company’s training center in Schaffhausen, Switzerland.

Moderator Andrew Walker was first welcomed by Mona Vogt, Global Product Manager at GF Piping Systems, who presented NeoFlow, a new pressure regulating valve (PRV) developed in cooperation with the British company Oxford Flow. Due to its polymer body and coaxial flow design, NeoFlow is lighter, less complex and more precise than traditional PRVs made from metal. However, it can only reach its full potential if it is handled correctly. That is why GF Piping Systems has created an installation where customers can learn how to install NeoFlow and conduct light maintenance work. To better understand the individual components, the company shows a transparent demo version in Schaffhausen that displays the inner workings and lets customers disassemble NeoFlow. Vogt emphasized that this training can be conducted in Schaffhausen but also on site and tailored to the customer’s needs.

The introduction to GF Piping Systems’ training programs continued with a look at a butt welding machine that teaches customers how to connect pipes with a large diameter. Florian Albrecht, Global Product Manager at GF Piping Systems, explained that it is the company’s goal to turn installers into experts by officially GF certifying them in 30 training facilities around the world, capable of serving 20.000 plus people each year. For those who do not have access to these facilities, GF Piping Systems also offers an innovative Virtual Reality (VR) training approach. As Niko Verhaegen, Global VR and Business Development Manager at GF Piping Systems, explained, it is as simple as plugging in the headset and downloading the necessary data from the company’s VR portal. The expert also emphasized that VR does not only transfer knowledge but also an immersive experience which leads to a faster and higher retention rate than conventional training.

Lastly, episode four of “Solving water loss for life” also introduced digital technologies that assist customers in ensuring the best possible installation. Sanjay Patel, Global Business Development Manager at GF Piping Systems, demonstrated ultrasonic non-destructive testing which uses a sensor that is moved across the surface of welds. An algorithm based on thousands of tests then evaluates the quality of these welds and can alert the operator in the event of any issues. In addition, Patel introduced Track & Trace, a smartphone application that offers construction managers paperless documentation and administration functionality. The app allows operators to manage assets digitally which makes the installation process more efficient as well as more transparent.

Sign up today to learn more about how GF Piping Systems is solving water loss for life, and to view the fourth episode in the webcast series: https://www.gfps.com/solvingwaterlossseries