Side-Scan Sonar for Submerged Leak Detection
Underwater sonar imaging for locating leaks in submerged pipes, reservoirs, tanks, and marine structures.
How Side-Scan Sonar for Submerged Leak Detection Works
Side-scan sonar is an underwater imaging technology used to locate leaks in submerged infrastructure. A sonar transducer is towed behind a boat or deployed from a structure, emitting acoustic pulses that reflect off the bottom and any objects or features. The returning echoes are processed to create a detailed image of the underwater environment. For leak detection, side-scan sonar can identify: water column disturbances from pressurized leaks, scour holes around leaking submerged pipes, structural damage to reservoir liners and dam faces, and debris or sediment patterns indicating chronic leakage. This technology is essential for inspecting BC's extensive network of reservoirs, dams, and marine infrastructure.
Applications in BC
- Reservoir liner and dam face leak detection
- Submerged pipeline leak location in lakes and rivers
- Water intake structure inspection for structural integrity
- Marina and dock infrastructure condition assessment
- Bridge pier scour assessment from leaking drainage
Advantages
- Imaging large underwater areas quickly
- Detects leaks that would be invisible from surface
- Works in murky or zero-visibility water
- Creates permanent imagery for documentation
- No diver required for inspection
Limitations
- Requires water access — boat or deployment platform
- Cannot inspect exposed or above-water structures
- Limited effectiveness in very shallow water
- Higher cost than above-water inspection methods
Equipment Used
- • Humminbird SOLIX side-scan sonar
- • Lowrance HDS Live side-scan system
- • Kongsberg GeoSwath multibeam sonar
- • Edgetech 4200 side-scan system
- • JW Fishers side-scan sonar
Professional Side-Scan Sonar for Submerged Leak Detection in BC
LeakInspections.ca — a division of Anyleak.ca and Leak.ca. Call 604-239-9934.