SUMIRE / In-Service Pipeline Inspection
Technology Overview
SUMIRE
Long-Distance Integrated Diagnostic Technology for Water Supply Networks
SUMIRE Integrated Diagnosis Technology (Patent No. 10-1753278)
1. Method Overview
An integrated solution that inserts a precision diagnostic module into underground water pipelines without interrupting water supply, captures internal images to accurately diagnose defects and scaling, maps pipeline routes to pinpoint anomalies, and detects leaks through real-time acoustic analysis.
2. Technology Overview
2.1 Main Equipment Configuration
- verifiedApplicable environment : live pipeline operation
- verifiedApplicable pipe types : no pipe material restrictions
- verifiedInspection range : Up to 2 km (wired, optical cable)
- verifiedLeak detection sensitivity : 0.35 L/min
- verifiedApplicable pipe diameter : DN 350 mm and larger
- verifiedLocation detection accuracy : Within 0.3 m radius
- verifiedApplicable pipe pressure : Up to 14 kgf/cm²
- verifiedApplicable flow velocity : at least 0.3 m/s
- verifiedMobile-based location tracking S/W included
2.3 Technical Features
- task_alt
Visual inspection: Real – time internal pipe monitoring to assess pipe condition and contamination level
- task_alt
Leak detection: Acoustic – based precision inspection with debris-traversal capability and integrated pipe condition analysis
- task_alt
Location tracking: AELF location tracking using extremely low frequencies (ELF) with GPS coordinate mapping
3. Application Cases
| Category | Performance Record | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacture and Supply of SUMIRE 500 Equipment | Daeyeon Tech Co., Ltd., NABATAT, Contracting Company: 1 | - |
| Leak Diagnosis Service | Local Waterworks Modernization Project and others: 1 | - |
| Internal Pipe Condition Diagnosis Service | Pipeline endoscopic inspection service for local waterworks red-water issue: 1 | - |
| Total | 4 | - |
4. Expected Benefits
- workspace_premium
Establishes a foundation for expanding diagnostic technology in waterworks
- hub
Builds comprehensive pipe network management
- water_drop
Reduces costs by preventing leaks and lowering leakage volume
- health_and_safety
Supports public safety and clean tap water supply
Appendix SUMIRE Method Comparison
| Category | Domestic Technology (by function) | Sahara®Ⅱ | SUMIRE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Mostly overseas | Pure Technologies (Canada) | WARECO Co., Ltd. (Korea) |
| Diagnosis Distance | Up to 0.1 km | Up to 1,600 km | Up to 2 km |
| Applicable Flow Velocity | - | At least 0.3 m/s | At least 0.3 m/s |
| Applicable Pipe Diameter | Visual: D100-D350 / leak: D80-D300 mm | Minimum D400 mm or larger | DN 350~2,000 mm |
| Waterproof Capacity | Up to 15 kgf/cm² | Up to 14 kgf/cm² | Up to 14 kgf/cm² |
| Data Signal | Analog | Digital | Digital |
| Propulsion Method | Push rod | Parachute | Parachute |
| Disinfection Method | None | Chlorine disinfection | Dual disinfection and cleaning (continuous UV, ethanol during insertion/retrieval / brush cleaning) |
| System Configuration | Portable equipment type | Vehicle-mounted type (2.5 ton) | Vehicle-mounted type (1.2 ton) |
| Cost | Varies by function/service | Service cost approx. KRW 25 million/km | Service cost approx. KRW 10 million/km |
| Notes | Mainly nighttime work, high dependence on technical personnel, pipe diameter restrictions (correlation method) | Day and night work available | Day and night work available, integrated diagnosis software available |
Technology Overview
In-Service Pipeline Internal Inspection Technology
A diagnostic technology that directly checks internal pipe scale, tuberculation, and coating delamination without water shutoff to support optimal cleaning and repair decisions.
Live Pipeline Imaging Device (Patent No. 10-0807391)
1. Method Overview
An effective method that uses live pipeline endoscopic diagnosis equipment to directly inspect pipe conditions such as internal scale, tuberculation, and coating delamination, and uses the findings to support decisions such as pig cleaning based on pipe condition.
2. Technology Overview
2.1 Main Equipment Configuration
Mobile Type
Controller
- verifiedApplicable environment : live pipeline condition
- verifiedApplicable pipe types : no restrictions for water and sewer pipes
- verifiedDiagnosis distance : fixed for medium/large diameters / mobile type one side 20-30 m
- verifiedCamera : Full HD (2 megapixels)
- verifiedLighting : high-brightness LED
- verifiedApplicable pipe diameter : D300 mm and larger
- verifiedApplicable pipe pressure : up to 10 kgf/cm²
2.2 Live Pipeline Endoscopic Diagnosis
Diagnostic equipment installed without interrupting water supply to capture and analyze images inside pipelines.
2.3 Application Range
Application of freezing method using liquid nitrogen
Live tapping
or
Air valve removal
Endoscopic equipment installation (Connection of gate valve and live-tapping housing)
Gate valve open
Insert main shaft by operating upper/lower handle
Rotate camera by operating link handle (Check valve and internal pipe condition)
Valve and pipe condition diagnosis
3. Application Cases
| Category | Performance Record | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Gate Valve Replacement | 11 cases including treated-water tank valve replacement at Eastern Office | - |
| Bypass Valve Replacement | 1 case including bypass replacement at Ttamjae Tunnel, Gwangju, Jeonnam | - |
| Air Valve Replacement | 4 cases including air valve replacement for Changwon Hyosung system | - |
| Total | 19 cases in total | - |
4. Expected Benefits
- verifiedMinimizes water shutoff to improve supply service reliability and prevent complaints
- verifiedEnables precise inspection and diagnosis of internal pipe and valve conditions
- verifiedEnables precise diagnosis through defect analysis functions
- verifiedSupports accurate selection of repair methods such as cleaning or replacement
- verifiedProvides direct diagnostic data for aging assessment through long-term condition checks
Appendix Live Pipeline Method Comparison
| Category | Fixed Type (Small Diameter) | Fixed Type (Medium Diameter) | Mobile Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applicable Tapping Diameter | 50mm | 100mm | 100mm |
| Applicable Pipe Diameter | 100mm ~ 300mm | 350mm | 100mm ~ 1200mm |
| Installation Height | 0.5 m or higher | 1.3 m or higher | 1.3 m or higher |
| Operating Pressure | Max 18kgf/cm² | Max 18kgf/cm² | Max 18kgf/cm² |
| Constructability | Normal | Normal | Simple and easy |
| Safety | High | High | High |
| Advantages / Disadvantages | For endoscopy and diagnosis of small-diameter pipe bodies | Uses existing air valve/tapping point attachment and external handle | Live pipeline diagnosis available |