TROTEC LD20HC – Leak Correlator with Acoustic Leak Location (5 cm resolution at 100 m)
Available to order: typical lead time 5–10 working days. We confirm the exact date after your order or enquiry.
The TROTEC LD20HC is a combined instrument for leak location by correlation and for acoustic leak and line location in pipelines and drinking water networks. It calculates the exact leak position from the transit-time difference of the leak noise picked up at up to three contact points, with a measuring resolution of 5 cm over a 100 m measuring section. 64-bit three-point correlation, frequency analysis (FFT), 256 freely selectable filters and 120 dB amplification run on a 6-core processor in a robust, IP65-protected aluminium housing; up to 20 pipe sections with different materials and diameters can be correlated in one measurement run. Two radio transmitters with highly sensitive sound sensors are included.
How it works
Water escaping under pressure at a leak creates a noise that travels through the pipe in both directions and is transmitted to hydrants, fittings or valves. Highly sensitive sound sensors are mounted at these accessible contact points; the signal is amplified and transmitted by the LD radio transmitters (433/434 MHz, 500 mW) to the correlator. Taking into account pipe material, pipe diameter and the length of the measuring section, the LD20HC calculates the leak position from the transit-time difference. Because the pipe type affects sound propagation, material and diameter can be specified for every pipe section.
The instrument offers automatic and manual correlation as well as acoustic leak location (F&L and Smart). Functions include automatic filter adjustment, automatic gain, a preference memory for manual filter settings and sound-level overload protection. It is controlled either via the 5.7-inch backlit touch colour display or via buttons and a rotary control. Structure-borne and ground microphones can be connected for listening, for example to verify a correlated leak with a ground microphone. With the Smart function (patent pending), potential leak points are shown as a bar indicator: the leak is at the steepest level.
Key benefits
- Two methods in one instrument — correlation measurement and acoustic leak location in one combined device.
- Precise result — measuring resolution of 5 cm over a 100 m measuring section with 64-bit three-point correlation.
- Up to 20 pipe sections in one run — material and diameter of each section can be specified, saving time on mixed pipe networks.
- Works where other methods struggle — correlation often still locates leaks when weather, laying depth or high background noise hamper other electro-acoustic methods.
- Signal processing — FFT frequency analysis, 256 high-pass and low-pass filters, 120 dB amplification with a low noise factor.
- Smart function (patent pending) — potential leak points shown as a bar indicator for faster acoustic pinpointing.
- Dual control — operate via touch display or via buttons and rotary control.
- Robust for field use — powder-coated aluminium housing with IP65, more than 10 h of continuous operation on the 8,500 mAh NiMH battery.
Typical applications
- Leak location by correlation in drinking water networks and pipelines, with sensors placed on hydrants, fittings or valves.
- Standard equipment for water utilities and metrological service providers.
- Acoustic leak location and line location with connected structure-borne or ground microphones, including verification of a correlated leak position.
Operating conditions and installation
- Operating temperature: -10 °C to 55 °C (operating manual: -20 °C to +60 °C).
- Storage temperature: -25 °C to 65 °C.
- Protection class: IP65 (dust-tight, protected against water jets from any angle).
- Power supply: integrated NiMH battery, 8,500 mAh; more than 10 h continuous operation; charging via the included charger.
- Radio transmission: 433/434 MHz, transmission power 500 mW.
- According to the manual, do not use in potentially explosive areas or on live parts; only trained or instructed personnel may operate the instrument.
Scope of delivery
- 1 x correlator LD20HC with two antennas and carrying strap
- 1 x LD K sound-insulated headphones
- 1 x charging power supply
- 1 x LD-TA transmitter 1 incl. sound sensor, colour red
- 1 x LD-TB transmitter 2 incl. sound sensor, colour yellow
- 1 x transport case for instrument, LD-TA, LD-TB and accessories
The operating manual additionally lists a reset dongle and the manual itself in the scope of delivery.
Accessories
- Optional: LD-TC transmitter 3 incl. sound sensor, colour blue
- Optional: LD20 MA magnetic-base antenna for the correlator, with gain
- Optional: LD20 MA+ magnetic-base antenna for the correlator, with gain (4 dB)
- Optional: LD20 Hydro hydrophone without pressure gauge
- Optional: LD20 Hydro UF adapter for the hydrophone on a DIN hydrant claw with 1-inch female thread, for mounting with a valve key
- Optional: LD6000 VK connection cable for ground microphones
- Optional: LD6000 BMW wind-protected ground microphone (with dead man's button)
- Optional: LD6000 BM universal microphone with magnetic adapter
- Optional: LD6000 DA tripod adapter
- Optional: LD6000 VL probe rod extension with tip
Technical data
- Article number: 3110008205 · EAN: 4052138016350
- Length without packaging: 380 mm
- Width without packaging: 155 mm
- Height without packaging: 67 mm
- Weight without packaging: 2.9 kg (operating manual: receiver approx. 2,300 g, transmitter approx. 2,900 g)
- Weight including packaging: 4.2 kg
- Display: 5.7" touch colour LCD, backlit
- Data memory: up to 100 measurements per operating mode
- Transmission frequency: 433/434 MHz
- Transmission power: 500 mW
- Number of batteries per device: 1
- Operation, max. temperature: 55 °C
- Operation, min. temperature: -10 °C
- Storage, max. temperature: 65 °C
- Storage, min. temperature: -25 °C
- Output impedance (sound): < 10 Ω
- Input impedance (sound): 1 MΩ
- Measuring resolution, geophone: 0 – 99 digits (equivalent to dB)
- Measuring resolution, correlation: 5 cm over a 100 m measuring section
- Amplification: 120 dB (low noise factor)
- Frequency range (sound): 0 – 4,000 Hz acoustic leak location
- Measuring range, sound: 0 Hz – 5,000 Hz (correlation)
- Filters: 256 high-pass and low-pass filters
- Operating modes: correlation leak location (automatic, manual); acoustic leak location (F&L, Smart)
- Measuring and device functions: automatic filter adjustment, automatic gain, preference memory for manual filter settings, sound-level overload protection
- Device control: rotary control, buttons, touch function
- Interfaces: 2 x SMA antenna socket; 3-pin headphone connection (IP65); 4-pin charging socket (IP65); bayonet sensor connection (IP65); USB cable connection (IP65)
- Operating time: > 10 h continuous operation
- Power supply: NiMH battery, 8,500 mAh
- Battery monitoring: via microcontroller
- IP protection class: IP65 (complete protection against contact; protection against water jets from any angle; dust-tight)
- Equipment: 64-bit three-point correlation; frequency analysis (FFT); correlation of up to 20 pipe sections in one measurement run; Smart function (patent pending); 6-core processor; connection for structure-borne and ground microphones; amplification of more than 60,000 times by sound sensors and radio transmitters
- Design: powder-coated aluminium housing
Frequently asked questions
How many measuring points can the LD20HC use?
Sound is picked up at up to three contact points. Two transmitters with sound sensors (LD-TA and LD-TB) are included; a third transmitter LD-TC is available as an option for three-point correlation.
Can the LD20HC handle pipe networks with different materials?
Yes. Material and diameter can be specified for each pipe section, and up to 20 pipe sections can be examined in one measurement run.
Can I also listen for leaks directly?
Yes. Structure-borne and ground microphones can be connected for acoustic leak and line location, for example the optional LD6000 BMW ground microphone via the LD6000 VK cable. The Smart function shows potential leak points as a bar indicator.
How long does the battery last?
The integrated NiMH battery (8,500 mAh) provides more than 10 h of continuous operation; a charging power supply is included.
Original TROTEC equipment — supplied with full manufacturer documentation by BMB Rheinland, your authorised distribution partner.
Planning a project or a larger requirement? Request a quote.
Downloads
Manufacturer information (GPSR)
Manufacturer: Trotec GmbH, Grebbener Strasse 7, 52525 Heinsberg, Germany, info@trotec.de, de.trotec.com
Product identification: model and article number as stated on this page and on the type plate.
Safety information and warnings: see the operating manual of the manufacturer supplied with the product.
Product compliance and certifications depend on the specific product and manufacturer.
CE marking: Products carry CE marking where required by applicable EU legislation. The relevant conformity information is provided in the manufacturer's documentation where legally required.
Product-specific standards: Applicable standards, certifications, and classifications, such as HEPA filter classes under EN 1822 or hygiene requirements under VDI 6022, are indicated in the product specifications or manufacturer documentation where verified.
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