Internal Leak Detection and Condition Assessment
Project in Constanța, Romania
Executive Summary
In Romania, as in many countries across Eastern Europe, water utilities are facing significant challenges due to aging infrastructure and elevated levels of Non-Revenue Water (NRW). In some regions, water losses can exceed 25–30% of the total volume supplied, representing not only a financial burden for utilities but also a pressing environmental and sustainability issue.
Against this backdrop, RAJA S.A., the water utility of Constanța, has taken a proactive step by adopting advanced inline inspection technologies to gain accurate, data-driven insights into the condition of its potable water network.
In August 2023, RAJA S.A., the water utility of Constanța, Romania, commissioned Aganova, in collaboration with local partner Bio Tech, to conduct a detailed internal inspection of an 8.8-kilometer potable water transmission main. The goal was to locate potential leaks contributing to Non-Revenue Water (NRW) losses due to aging infrastructure.
The section, consisting of a DN1000 pipeline operating at 1 bar pressure, presented access and diagnostic challenges that conventional technologies could not address. Leveraging Aganova’s Nautilus platform, the inspection offered non-intrusive, high-precision results without service interruption, enabling the utility to obtain accurate and actionable insight into its network.
Client
Partner
Sections
One section
Location
Constanța, Romania
Date
August 24, 2023
Diameter
DN1000
Speed (m/s)
Min
Max
0.26
0.41
Pressure (bar)
Min
Max
1.45
3
Distance (m)
8,798
Introduction
The inspected pipeline section is a DN1000 potable water transmission main extending nearly 9 km from a commercial area northwards to the A4 highway. This strategic asset plays a key role in ensuring Constanța’s drinking water supply. Given its age and relevance, RAJA S.A. identified the need to obtain a detailed, internal view of its condition to support maintenance planning and ensure long-term network reliability.
Challenge
The inspected pipeline runs from a commercial area towards the A4 highway and plays a critical role in Constanța’s potable water distribution. Due to its age, RAJA suspected that the pipeline was contributing to significant water losses, but traditional detection methods lacked the precision and range needed to identify hidden leaks.
The utility therefore required a non-invasive solution capable of operating in-service, covering long distances, and delivering actionable insights to support maintenance planning and NRW reduction strategies.
Solution and Implementation
To address these challenges, Aganova deployed its Nautilus neutrally buoyant inspection sphere, which navigated the entire 8.8 km section using the natural flow of water. The system was supported by 11 Synchronizers, placed approximately every 800 meters, ensuring centimeter-level accuracy in incident localization.
Navigation was tracked in real-time, and Nautilus successfully reached the extraction point after more than six hours of continuous operation.
The pipeline segment inspected had the following characteristics:
Pipeline
Characteristics
Location
Constanța, Romania
Pipeline material
Prestressed concrete & steel
Diameter
DN1000
Water speed
0.44 m/s
Pressure
1 bar
Extraction point
DN100 gate valve
Navigation Time
6h 11m
Inspected Section
Nautilus Insertion Point
Synchronizer 1, 2 and 3
Extraction
Results
Leaks
Incident Severity
F1
F2
F3
Total incidents
5
1
6
Air
Incident Severity
B1
B2
Total incidents
1
1
Anomalies
Incident Severity
A1
A2
Total incidents
1
0
Once retrieved, the sphere’s data was analyzed by Aganova’s data team in Málaga. Within a week, RAJA received a comprehensive report with detailed mapping and classification of anomalies.
- Total incidents: 15
- Confirmed leaks: 12
- Major leaks: 5 (each with estimated losses between 9–23 m³/h)
To verify the results, RAJA initiated targeted excavations at the identified priority points. Initial works confirmed the accuracy of Nautilus in pinpointing leak locations, enabling immediate corrective action.
Conclusions
This project demonstrates the technical precision and reliability of the Nautilus platform for assessing critical potable water infrastructure. Beyond the technical achievement, it underscores the strategic importance of proactive leak detection in tackling Non-Revenue Water.
By identifying hidden leaks and enabling targeted repairs, RAJA S.A. is strengthening the resilience of its network, optimizing resources, and contributing to broader sustainability goals.
Every cubic meter of water saved translates into tangible benefits for utilities, communities, and the environment. Leak detection is not just a technical solution, it is a commitment to safeguarding one of our most valuable resources: water.
This initiative also positions RAJA as a pioneer in Romania in the adoption of advanced inspection technologies, setting a benchmark for other utilities in the region.
BIO TECH and Aganova teams on site in Constanța after completing the in-line inspection project
Pinpointed excavation confirming one of the major leaks detected