HWM PermaNet+ User manual

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User Guide: PermaNet+ with Hydrophone.
Installation and Setup.
Warning: This manual contains important safety and operating information.
Please read, understand, and follow the instructions in the manual.
MAN-148-0007-A January 2022.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1Introduction, Background and Support of Product........................................................4
1.1 Safety Considerations................................................................................................4
1.2 Background ................................................................................................................4
1.3 About PermaNET+ .....................................................................................................4
1.4 Documentation and Support of Product .................................................................5
1.5 Operating Temperature ............................................................................................5
1.6 Unpacking...................................................................................................................6
2Overview and preparation for use...................................................................................7
2.1 PermaNet+ Logger –Device Overview.....................................................................7
2.2 Measurement data types ..........................................................................................7
2.3 Battery / lifetime ........................................................................................................7
2.4 Cellular communications and SIM-card ...................................................................8
2.5 Communications with a Laptop computer ..............................................................8
2.6 Logger operation - Repetitive functions...................................................................8
2.7 System Overview........................................................................................................9
2.8 DataGate...................................................................................................................10
2.8.1 DataGate –Terminology and Summary .........................................................10
2.9 Logger Measurement Data –Destination and Use...............................................10
2.10 Ways to set the Logger Configuration....................................................................11
2.11 IDT –Test of logger within an installation..............................................................11
2.12 Overview of the deployment process ....................................................................11
2.13 Logger activation process (for First-time use) .......................................................13
3Communicating with the Logger....................................................................................13
3.1 Installing IDT (PC version)........................................................................................13
3.2 Communicating with the PermaNet+ logger .........................................................14
3.2.1 Connecting the comms cable ..........................................................................14
3.2.2 Loading Logger settings into IDT.....................................................................15
3.2.3 Displaying logger device information / logging status ..................................16
4Configuring the PermaNet+ logger................................................................................17
4.1 Setup of regular repetitive PermaNet+ program ..................................................17
4.2 Additional data from a 1-time program - Aqualogs..............................................20
4.3 Additional data from a 1-time program –Sound Recordings ..............................21
5Installation .......................................................................................................................22

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5.1 Install logger .............................................................................................................22
5.2 Connection of Hydrophone to a fitting ..................................................................23
5.3 Activate logger and confirm settings......................................................................26
5.4 Installing the antenna and testing cellular communications ...............................26
6Antenna Options and Installation Guidelines...............................................................27
6.1 Antenna Options......................................................................................................27
6.1.1 Monopole ..........................................................................................................27
6.1.2 T-Bar ..................................................................................................................28
6.1.3 Button................................................................................................................29
6.1.4 Cone Antenna ...................................................................................................31
6.1.5 Magnetic Dipole Antenna ................................................................................32
6.2 Installation Guidelines.............................................................................................32
6.3 Installation Process Decision Tree..........................................................................33
7Viewing your data............................................................................................................35
8Interpretation of Leak Data ............................................................................................36
8.1 Level and Spread results .........................................................................................36
8.2 Aqualog / Histogram results - Examples................................................................38
9Troubleshooting ..............................................................................................................40
10 Maintenance, Service and Repair...............................................................................41
10.1 Replaceable parts ....................................................................................................41
10.2 Return of product for Service or Repair.................................................................41

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1INTRODUCTION,BACKGROUND AND SUPPORT OF PRODUCT
Thank you for choosing a HWM device. We trust it will provide you with many years of
service.
1.1 SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
Before continuing, carefully read and follow the information in the “Safety Warnings
and Approvals Information” document supplied with the product.
This provides general safety information.
1.2 BACKGROUND
Pipeline leaks are a constant burden to water industries, which can affect the efficiency
of the individual company’s performance. Leakage loss reduces the amount of water
actually being delivered, thus affecting the financial side of the business. The longer the
leak is left, the larger the economic, and potentially environmental, consequences. It is
therefore more beneficial and safer to detect a leak early and make repairs to the pipes
before significant damage to the business is caused.
At HWM, we pride ourselves in designing the best leak detection equipment at an
affordable price for the benefit of water companies.
1.3 ABOUT PERMANET+
PermaNET+ is a powerful leak detection system that allows the user to deploy a fleet of
data loggers around a water network that are permanently installed to listen for leaking
pipes. The data logger units are called PermaNet+ devices.
The logger’s highly sensitive Hydrophone is a sensor switches on at night, at a time
specified by the user, and takes samples of the noise it hears on the pipes. This is
presented as 2 figures, Level and Spread. The level figure represents the sound level
that occurs most often during the sample period and the spread is how much the
sound varies during this time. A large, consistent Level and small Spread is typical of a
leak whereas a small level and large spread is typical of a background noise.
If the logger believes that there may be a leak, then it takes another set of samples after
a definable period and compares this to the first. If leaking water noises are suspected,
the logger can be set to automatically make a short recording (Typically 10 seconds).
IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING:
This equipment uses a high strength magnet and should
not be carried by or be placed in the proximity of anyone with a
heart pacemaker.

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This allows the user to play back the recording to decide for themselves if the recording
sounds like a water leak.
The PermaNET+ system will also perform noise analysis and present the data as
Histograms that help to visualise the noise into patterns that can be identified as leaks.
The logger sends this data once a day to a central server.
1.4 DOCUMENTATION AND SUPPORT OF PRODUCT
This user-guide covers the following model families:
Model Number(s) Description
PN/*/*/* PermaNet+ (Leak detection logger device) +
HYDROPLUSKIT/* Hydrophone kit.
The user-guide should be read in conjunction with:
MAN-148-0002 Safety Warnings and Approvals Information.
MAN-130-0017 User Guide: IDT (PC version) –Logger User Interface
Retain all documents supplied with the equipment for future reference.
This user-guide provides details of the product operation and instructions on how to
install the product.
You should also read the relevant parts of the IDT (PC version) user-guide for guidance
on how to confirm settings or modify the set-up your equipment.
To view your data a viewing tool is required; refer to any user-guide or training
materials relevant to the tool you will be using (see also sections 7 and 8).
Note: The system periodically has new features and changes released, thus you may
observe slight changes from the diagrams and features shown in this manual.
HWM provides support of the logger devices by means of our customer support
webpages:
https://www.hwmglobal.com/help-and-downloads/
Should you have any questions that are not covered by this manual or the system’s
online help, please contact the HWM Technical Support team on [phone],
or email [e-mail]
1.5 OPERATING TEMPERATURE
Refer to the PermaNet+ Datasheet or your sales representative for guidance on the
storage and operating temperature range of the device. Ensure the unit is within the
operating temperature range prior to installation.

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1.6 UNPACKING
As you unpack your new PermaNet+ logger and Hydrophone, please confirm that you
have the following parts:
•PermaNet+ data logger.
•Cable (with in-line amplifier box) for connecting the Hydrophone to the
PermaNet+ logger.
•Hydrophone unit.
•Any couplers / adaptors ordered for adapting the Hydrophone to the water
network connection point.
•Antenna (for direct attachment or cabled attachment).
•(Optional) Antenna extension cable.
•(Optional) Antenna mounting bracket / hook.
•(Optional) Magnet tool.
•Safety Warnings and Approvals Information leaflet.
If there are any omissions, please contact our sales team to rectify or supply the missing
parts.
Please dispose of your waste packaging responsibly
PermaNet+ logger
Hydrophone coupler
/ adapter (example)
Hydrophone
Cable with in-line
amplifier box
Bleed valve
(part of Hydrophone)
To Antenna
To Hydrophone

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2OVERVIEW AND PREPARATION FOR USE
2.1 PERMANET+LOGGER –DEVICE OVERVIEW
Note: The PermaNet+ loggers have standard settings for operation programmed into
them prior to shipping from the factory, with some variations according to
customer requirements.
The PermaNet+ product family includes models with an interface for the HWM
Hydrophone unit. They are (when the antenna and sensor are attached) of a waterproof
construction, being designed to be permanently installed around a water network,
listening for leaking pipes. The devices accomplish this by means of a specialised
microphone (the Hydrophone) that can detect the sounds that occur within a
pressurised network; In particular, they are listening for sounds emitted from a pipe
leak. A micro-controller, built into the unit, measures the noise level once per day and
performs a statistical analysis to generate data for a “noise histogram”. A leak-state
judgement is made, along with two additional results called “level” and “spread”. The
results are saved in memory, for upload at a later time.
2.2 MEASUREMENT DATA TYPES
The saved data could be in the form of:
•A “noise histogram”.
This provides a detailed indication of how consistent the noise
measurement is and can be used for more advanced analysis.
Histograms can also help to visualise the noise into patterns that can be
identified as leaks.
•A Level / Spread indication.
These two figures are a numeric summary of the noise histogram.
The “Level” figure represents the sound level that occurs most often during
the sample period.
The “Spread” figure is how much the sound level varies during this time.
(A large consistent Level and small Spread is typical of a leak, whereas
a small Level and large Spread is typical of background noise within a pipe).
•A “leak / no leak” status.
This gives a simple indication of whether results indicate a probable leak.
•Sound recording files.
2.3 BATTERY /LIFETIME
The logger is powered by non-rechargeable Lithium batteries. The logger is designed to
minimise the battery use and thus increase the life expectancy of the unit (e.g., the
loggers become active when needed; most of the time they are in standby). The battery
life is also affected by user-programable settings.

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2.4 CELLULAR COMMUNICATIONS AND SIM-CARD
The PermaNet+ logger includes an interface to the cellular communications network,
which provides access to the internet. The data stored within the loggers can be sent
automatically over internet using the mobile communications network. The normal
destination of the data is the HWM DataGate server.
Communication is 2-way between the logger and server, by means of a proprietary
protocol using UDP packets sent to the internet using the cellular communications
network.
A SIM card is normally fitted within the logger.
2.5 COMMUNICATIONS WITH A LAPTOP COMPUTER
The logger includes a serial communications interface. This enables the user to
communicate with the logger during installation and make on-site tests.
Communication requires the attachment of a HWM communications cable and also the
HWM “IDT (PC version)” software.
2.6 LOGGER OPERATION -REPETITIVE FUNCTIONS
The PermaNet+ is shipped from the factory in a minimally active state, to extend battery
life whilst in storage (e.g., no measurements are made or logged). This mode is
designed for periods of storage or shipping of the device, with the logger referred to as
being in “shipping mode”, or “sleeping”. Once activated (see section 2.13), the logger no
longer sleeps, but begins its repetitive daily tasks. Whenever possible it saves power by
putting circuits it does not currently need into a “standby” condition.
The logger will become highly active at the time it is required to make any sound
measurements, complete its leak evaluation, and store the results as a set of data
within its memory. The logger will then go into standby until the next programmed
event.
When it is time to upload the data over the mobile network, the logger switches on its
cellular radio circuits and sends its data. Once completed, it puts them back into
standby mode.
The logger occasionally checks the communications link to see if a user wishes to
communicate with it; If so, it opens the link. This link remains open for communication
for approximately 2 minutes, waiting for instructions. If there is no interaction from the
user during this time, the logger puts the communications link back into standby. If the
user begins using the link, the logger completes any tasks the user gives to it and then
keeps the link open for 10 minutes after it was last used.
The logger’s primary task is a leak-sensing program, which runs once daily. The Leak-
state evaluation program takes place between 2-4am (although it can be changed).
Typically, it is made during a time of low water use to reduce the possibility of consumer

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water use being incorrectly judged as a leak. During this time, if the logger determines a
change of leak-state, it carries out a secondary confirmation evaluation.
If the logger determines that a new leak is likely to be present near-by, it can (if so set)
automatically make a sound recording when the new leak is detected. The sound
recording is by default 10 seconds in duration.
Note: Making and transmitting sound recordings can use a lot of data and also drain
the battery significantly if too many are made. In order to preserve battery life
and reduce data costs, the recording system is restricted to 7 recordings a
month. If you have a specific requirement for more than this limit, then please
contact HWM customer service for assistance.
2.7 SYSTEM OVERVIEW
The loggers form only a part of a functioning PermaNET system. A typical system will
comprise of:
•A set of PermaNet+ (with Hydrophone) loggers.
These are set to evaluate the sounds within a pipe overnight, when water use is
minimal, to determine if a leak could be present nearby.
•A Laptop PC (with Microsoft Windows).
The laptop PC can (with HWM software installed and a suitable comms cable)
provide a Graphical User Interface for the user, giving access to set up and test
the logger.
•HWM “IDT (PC version)” application software (installed on the PC).
A software tool (Installation and Diagnostic Test) used to check or modify logger
setup and to put the logger into various modes in order to test it within an
installation.
•A server, set up to receive logger messages and data. The server acts as data
warehouse, safety storing the logger data and also providing it to the authorised
viewing platform. This is typically the HWM Datagate server.
•A User-account and password for the HWM DataGate system (for administration
purposes).
•A User-account and password for the chosen data viewing website (for viewing
your data / leak determination results).
Note: The term “DataGate” will be used throughout this manual.
An alternative name may be used by the server in your location.

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2.8 DATAGATE
2.8.1 DataGate –Terminology and Summary
This section introduces the terminology that is used by DataGate and the IDT…
The destination of PermaNet+ logger data is usually the DataGate system, provided by
HWM. DataGate and PermaNETWeb web-pages are the main administration and
viewing portals for logger and site data.
An overview of the scheme is summarised here…
PermaNet+ logger devices produce several forms of measurement data, each of which
can be considered as a data channel. The data represents a measurement made by a
logger deployed on the pipe network. Access to the pipe network is often available
through various chambers that house valves or hydrants, connected to the water pipes.
A chamber can be used as an installation site for a logger. A site may be one of many in
an area of inter-connected pipework (which may be known by various names (e.g., zone,
district, suburb, area); some areas of the water network may include a water meter to
monitor water use, which DataGate can refer to as a District Metered Area (DMA). Sites
in a certain area may therefore be collected together in a group, often referred to as a
DMA. DMAs, in turn may be collected together in a group, referred to as an account (or
Zone). Each of these separate entities may be represented on a database, such as one
used by the DataGate system, which links some of them to a User of the system.
Or, put in reverse order…
•DataGate contains a database.
•A User of Datagate can be linked with an account.
•An account can be a group of multiple DMAs.
•Each DMA can contain multiple sites.
•Each site can have one logger device installed at any given time (or none).
•Each logger device can produce multiple channels of measurement data.
•The data of a channel may consist of multiple samples that are obtained at
different times. It is linked to the site on which the logger is deployed.
2.9 LOGGER MEASUREMENT DATA –DESTINATION AND USE
The PermaNet+ loggers and the DataGate system together form a powerful leak
detection system. The data produced by each logger is uploaded to DataGate. DataGate
links the measurement data of each logger to the correct site.
DataGate web pages are mainly used for administration and setup. PermaNETWeb web
pages are mainly used for displaying sites, along with the measurement data provided
by the logger. The primary use within PermaNETWeb is to present loggers on a map
display, highlighting loggers that show possible pipe leaks.
When available, sound recording files can be used to confirm whether the sound within
a pipe does resemble the sound produced by a leak. Additionally, if several sites in the