Sewer Network Improvement : Dye Tracing

November 2023

SANITATION NETWORKS, MAINLY SEPARATIVE, ARE ESSENTIAL FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF DOMESTIC WASTEWATER. HOWEVER, INFILTRATIONS OF CLEAR WATER, SUCH AS RAINWATER, POSE A PROBLEM. TO ADDRESS THIS, COMMUNITIES CONDUCT DIAGNOSTIC STUDIES. THEY HAVE IDENTIFIED ANOMALIES IN PRIVATE CONNECTIONS, RESULTING IN UNWANTED DISCHARGES. THUS, IMPROVEMENT EFFORTS NOW FOCUS ON THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

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THE STAKES ARE MULTIFACETED
Health, environmental, and economic. This approach aims to limit network overload, improve water treatment, and reduce operating costs. This article explores the dye tracing method to diagnose and solve clear water infiltrations in sanitation networks. A simple and effective solution to optimize all networks, with benefits for public health, the environment, and the economy.

SEWER AND STORMWATER PIPE BRANCHING TESTS WITH DYES:
A NECESSITY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND REGULATION.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT.
Water is a vital resource that deserves our full attention. As cities grow, and infrastructure becomes more complex, the distinction between stormwater and wastewater is crucial to protect our ecosystems. Wastewater, mainly from households, often contains harmful contaminants. Stormwater, on the other hand, comes from precipitation and can carry pollutants from surfaces. If these two types of water are not properly separated, it can lead to increased pollution of aquatic environments, affecting biodiversity and water quality.

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REGULATORY CONTEXT
Several countries have implemented strict regulations to ensure proper management of wastewater and stormwater. These rules generally require a clear separation between stormwater and wastewater drainage systems. Regular checks are essential to ensure that these systems function as intended. In this context, dye tracing tests prove to be an effective and reliable method.

DYE BRANCHING TESTS
These tests use dyes such as Fluorescein to trace the path of water in pipes. By injecting a dye (e.g., blue, yellow, or red) into a wastewater or stormwater pipe, it is possible to determine if it is correctly connected to the right treatment facility or outlet.

ADVANTAGEs
• SIMPLICITY AND COST-EFFECTIVENESS
Dyes are easy to use and provide quick results. Moreover, they are generally cheaper than other testing methods.
• PRECISION
Dyes can help identify even small leaks or incorrect connections..
• SAFETY
The dyes used are obviously non-toxic and biodegradable, making them safe for the environment.

TEST STEPS
• Préparation
Before starting, it is essential to know the drainage system plan. This plan will help determine where to inject the dye and where to observe its appearance.
• DYE INJECTION
A specific amount of dye is injected into the pipe to be tested. When using powdered dyes, it is always preferable to dilute them in a concentrated solution before injecting them into the network to promote dispersion.
• Observation
After waiting for some time, observation points (such as drains or stormwater outlets) are checked. If the dye appears in the wrong place, it indicates a branching problem.

WHERE TO FIND DYES FOR FLOW ASSESSMENT ?
Flow assessment dyes are environmentally friendly and easy to use, making them available for over-the-counter sale. You can find them on our website Fluotechnik.com in liquid and powder forms packaged in cans from 1 to 5 liters or pots from 180g to 1kg. In addition to flow assessment in pipes, these dyes are used to test the tightness of roofs, terraces, domestic and industrial pipes, as well as air conditioning refrigeration circuits, etc.

TECHNICAL IMPLICATIONs
Although the test is relatively simple, it requires careful planning. The choice of tracers in the case of multi-tracing operations, their dosage, and the injection method must be carefully calculated. Depending on inspection conditions, the choice of a fluorescent tracer under UV light can be judicious. UV light will significantly increase its fluorescence in a dark environment, making it more distinguishable in highly charged water. Moreover, weather conditions, such as rain, can affect results as they can dilute the dye or deviate it from its intended path; visit our online store Fluotechnik.com to choose your tracing dye from our wide range of options.

In an increasingly urbanized world, ensuring the proper management of water is essential to protect the environment. Dye branching tests are a valuable tool to ensure that our drainage systems comply with regulations and effectively serve their purposes. By recognizing the value of these tests and using them correctly, we take another step towards a sustainable and environmentally friendly future.