Leak tracing and detection
UV Fluorescent Colored Tracers
UV Fluorescent Clear Tracers
Food Tracers for Water
Tracers for Oils and Fuels
Non-fluorescent color tracers
Equipment for Tracing and Diagnostics
UV Lamp Kits
Dosing Equipment
Complete Air Conditioning Tracing Kits
Complete Oil and Fuel Tracing Kits
Complete Water Tracing Kits
Smoke Generators
Inflatable Pipe Plugs
Tracing in Natural Environments
Fluorimeters and Data Loggers
Fluorescent Tracers for Maritime Safety
Powder Tracers
Concentrated Liquid Tracers
Tracing in Industrial Environments
Oil and Fuel Tracers
Colorants and Markers
Fluorescent UV Markers
Powder Contrast for Industrial Filtration
Tracers for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Systems
Contamination Simulation
Tracers for Dry Contamination Simulations
Tracers for Wet Contamination Simulations
Contamination Simulation Kit
Sewage networks, mainly separate systems, are essential for managing domestic wastewater. However, infiltrations of clear water, such as rainwater, pose a problem. To address this, local authorities conduct diagnostic studies. They have identified anomalies in private connections, causing unwanted discharges. Consequently, improvement efforts are now focused on the private sector.
Sanitary, environmental, and economic. This approach aims to limit network overload, improve water treatment, and reduce operating costs. This article explores the method of dye tracing to diagnose and resolve clear-water infiltrations in sewage networks. A simple and effective solution to optimize entire networks, with benefits for public health, the environment, and the economy.
Environmental context
Water is a vital resource deserving our full attention. As cities develop and infrastructures become more complex, differentiating between rainwater and wastewater is crucial to protect ecosystems. Wastewater, mainly from households, often contains harmful contaminants. Rainwater, from precipitation, can carry surface pollutants. If these two types of water are not properly separated, it can lead to increased pollution of aquatic environments, affecting biodiversity and water quality.
Regulatory context
Many countries have strict regulations to ensure proper management of wastewater and stormwater. These rules generally require a clear separation between rainwater drainage systems and wastewater systems. Regular inspections are essential to ensure systems function as intended. In this context, dye tracing connection tests have proven to be an effective and reliable method.
Dye tracing connection 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 rainwater pipe, it is possible to determine if it is correctly connected to the proper treatment plant or outfall.
Step 1
Before starting, it is essential to know the drainage system’s layout. This plan will help determine where to inject the dye and where to observe its appearance.
Step 2
A specific quantity of dye is injected into the pipe to be tested. In the case of powder dyes, it is preferable to dilute them in a concentrated solution before injection into the network to promote dispersion.
Step 3
After waiting a certain time, observation points (such as gullies or stormwater outlets) are checked. If the dye appears in an incorrect location, it indicates a connection problem.
Simplicity and cost-effectiveness
Dyes are easy to use and provide quick results. Moreover, they are generally cheaper than other testing methods.
Accuracy
Dyes help identify even small leaks or incorrect connections.
Safety
The dyes used are non-toxic and biodegradable, making them safe for the environment.
Flow-testing dyes are eco-friendly and easy to use, available for purchase. You can find them on our website Fluotechnik.com in liquid and powder forms packaged in 1- to 5‑liter containers or jars from 180 g to 1 kg. In addition to testing flow in pipes, these dyes are used to test the watertightness of roofs, terraces, domestic and industrial pipelines, as well as air-conditioning refrigeration circuits, etc.
Although the test is relatively simple, careful planning is required. The choice of tracers in multi-tracing operations, their dosage, and the injection method must be carefully calculated. Depending on inspection conditions, choosing a fluorescent tracer under UV light may be wise. UV light enhances its fluorescence significantly in a dark environment, making it more visible in heavily loaded water. Additionally, weather conditions, such as rain, can affect the results by diluting the dye or diverting its intended path; visit our online store Fluotechnik.com to choose your tracing dye from our wide range of available products.
In an increasingly urban world, ensuring proper water management is essential to protect the environment. Dye tracing connection tests are a valuable tool to ensure our drainage systems comply with regulations and serve their objectives efficiently. By recognizing the value of these tests and using them correctly, we take another step toward a sustainable, environmentally friendly future.