Leak detection system

A leak detection system is a monitoring system that checks the waterproofing of buildings and roofs for leaks .

A leak detection system is characterized by the following features:

• full monitoring of the seal
• permanent monitoring of the seal
• automatic leak detection
• automatic localization of leaks
• automatic alerting in the event of damage
• automatic detection and signaling of faults

The use of leak detection systems enables an active handling of the problems and the consequences of leaking building seals within the framework of sustainable building management, because

• proof of the tightness of the structural seal is possible at any time.
• The elimination of damage to seals becomes a simple routine problem in the context of scheduled building maintenance, since damage can be detected early and eliminated without expensive search work.
• Consequential damage to the building structure is largely avoided, as well as disruptions to operational processes
• Overall, an active contribution is made to maintaining the value of the building and to reducing the building's operating and maintenance costs.

Leak detection systems for building waterproofing and roof waterproofing are based on the so-called electroresistive measuring method. This procedure uses the electrically different behavior of sealing materials and leakage liquids for the metrological detection and location of leaks.

technical structure

Leak detection systems usually consist of the following functional units:

1. Sensor system with area sensor, measuring electrodes and counter electrodes
2. Star distributor
3. Measuring and evaluation unit
4. Handheld terminal

Installation of leak detection systems

Leak detection systems are integrated into the sealing system when the seal is made. The basis for laying is a so-called property-specific laying plan, which is drawn up taking into account the structural conditions and the planned construction process before the start of the sealing work. The object-specific routing plan contains information about the installation position of the measuring sensors as well as information about the entry points of the sensor cables into the building. In order to ensure that the sensor chains are correctly assigned on the construction site, the sensor chains have the same identification system as in the installation plan. The chains are delivered to the construction site ready for installation.

The installation of the leak detection system in the seal is carried out in the following steps:

• Marking of start and end points and, if necessary, turning points of the sensor chains on the thermal insulation according to the specifications of the installation plan
• Lay out the sensor chains on the thermal insulation according to the markings made and insert the connection cable into the building
• Fixation of the sensor chains to prevent accidental slipping
• Laying out the sensor fleece

The waterproofing is then laid. To ensure that the leak detection systems function correctly, the sensor chains are checked for function before, during and after installation using the handheld terminal. The test status of the sensors is electronically logged. Any malfunctions are displayed immediately and thus enable targeted repair of damaged chains or modules.

The hand-held terminal can also be used for so-called installation control measurements. This is particularly helpful when finished sealing surfaces are already in place before the final commissioning of the leak detection system. B. should be checked for leaks as part of the construction project before applying a greening. A prerequisite for carrying out an installation control measurement is that the counter electrodes are installed on the seal to be checked and that the sealing surface is completely wet.