Business integration creates leakage offering

The integration of technology companies Ovarro and ControlPoint is delivering a one-stop-shop for leakage reduction, detection and prevention.

Leak detection specialist Ovarro acquired digital quality assurance supplier ControlPoint in March 2021

ControlPoint provides technical services to ensure correct installation of a range of pipe jointing methods, including electrofusion and flanged connections.

Integration of the businesses was fast-tracked to create a support function for the global water sector. Two years on, the companies’ combined capabilities have created an in-the-round offering for utilities.

This includes leak detection tools and software, along with tools for remotely monitoring new pipe installations to demonstrate compliance with standards, forensic laboratory services for failed pipes or welds, and condition assessment of the remaining network with an estimated life expectancy. Training and quality assurance is also offered.

Ben Crabtree, product line director at Ovarro, said: “Two years since the integration of ControlPoint into the Ovarro group has provided time for both businesses to understand each other’s products and how they serve the water industry, both nationally and internationally.

“As a result, we can now take clients on a journey from leak detection to wide scale reduction across the network, with a focus on prevention of future leakage. We do this by providing utilities with advanced tools, developed by Ovarro, to pinpoint leaks to be repaired.”

Ben Crabtree, product line director at Ovarro
With ControlPoint products and laboratory services, the process can continue with a forensic review of any failures and a quality control check on repairs or new pipe installations to ensure pipelines are leak-free from the point of installation

He added that having this valuable information means utilities can make informed decisions about their network, moving from a reactive to proactive asset management model.

There are approximately 343,000km of water pipe in the UK alone and, at current replacement rates, it is modelled that it will take 300 years to fully replace the ageing network

Images: Ovarro