Hynds Pipes Limited is the largest water infrastructure supplier in New Zealand and 100% family owned. They supply civil contracting companies and councils with a comprehensive range of pipes, valves, fittings, and drainage solutions from manhole covers and grills, to package treatment solutions for stormwater and wastewater.

In response to market demand, Hynds Smarterwater®, an innovation and specialty instrumentation part of Hynds, recently began developing live data monitoring capability to monitor water behaviour through the stormwater and wastewater drainage network. In the short term this will help detect issues before they become more serious. Longer term, the data will allow active management of infrastructure to help avoid damaging runoff and/or reduce flooding and contribute to the creation of digital twins.

Globex developed the mechanical design for a water level sensor that can be mounted to the underside of a manhole cover, for use in both stormwater and wastewater. This is a challenging environment with high humidity, occasional submersion, explosion hazards, and high impact load requirements. It also needed to communicate constantly with no maintenance or battery replacement for years at a time. The mechanical design needed to maximise performance of both radar detection and electromagnetic communications.

Capabilities Used

• 3D modelling / CAD design

• IP67 design and testing

• Design for explosive environments

• Design for injection moulding

• Offshore supplier management

• Limited production run including assembly (~300)

Units have now been installed around New Zealand and are performing well. Data indicates a number have been in flood events repeatedly without any resulting issues and the real time data streams are proving reliable. Hynds is happy with the product and are looking to roll it out more widely.