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Get acquainted with the Acquarius

The smart tool for inline pipeline inspections

With its sensors, the Acquarius assesses the condition of transport, pressure and sewer pipes in a single run. Ideally suited for both wastewater and drinking water.

Large range in diameters

The Acquarius finds its way effortlessly through drinking water mains and force mains: ≥DN200.

Complete condition assessment

In one run, the Acquarius provides a full condition assessment covering miles of pipeline: without downtime.

Advanced Dashboard

The Acquarius inspection data is available in an interactive dashboard that we've developed for more effective management and maintenance of your pipeline assets.

Instant map of maintenance

Frank Verkuijlen - Senior Advisor Asset Management Water Board Limburg

Thanks to the data we have obtained, we can now reliably determine where maintenance is needed and where the pipelines are still good. As a result, we can postpone the replacement task in certain places by as much as thirty years! That is very valuable information to have, because it allows us to work more efficiently, but especially because we are spared a lot of unnecessary expenses.

How the Acquarius works

A complete condition assessment in one run, without downtime.

In what pipelines is the Acquarius applicable?

The Acquarius performs internal condition assessment in any pressurized water or wastewater pipeline with a diameter starting at DN200. This can be, for example, a drinking water transport pipeline or a pressure sewer. The intelligent tool is applicable in (high-risk) pipelines of any material such as concrete, asbestos cement, cast iron, steel and HPDE/PVC/GRP.

How does the Acquarius work?

With its sensors, the main being ultrasonic, the Acquarius assesses the condition of transport, pressure and sewer pipelines over many miles in a single run. The Acquarius then transmits this measurement data to our cloud platform. After data analysis, we offer you insight into the current condition. Also for pipes that have not (yet) been inspected.

Inspection tool for pipeline inspection services

What does the Acquarius measure?

Depending on the material, the Acquarius provides a complete condition assessment, measuring:

Degradation of healthy wall thickness:
• Corrosion in metals;
• Leaching in AC;
• H2S deterioration.

Condition of a joint:
• Angular displacement;
• Joint width.

In addition, it measures:
• Ovality;
• Axial deformation;
• Leaks;
• Wire breaks in prestressed concrete pipelines;
• Location (XYZ mapping);
• Contamination at the bottom of the pipe;
• Gas.

How does the Acquarius work operationally?

The Acquarius is introduced into the pipe through a Y-piece or a T-piece using pressurized water. Once in the pipe, it travels at a speed of about 0.4 meters per second to the extraction point. There, the Acquarius can be received through a Y- or a T-piece. This can also be done in a wet well.

Prior to the inspection run, we always start with a cleaning run followed by a dummy run. These runs ensure a clean pipeline on the one hand and on the other hand this is part of the risk management of the project.

The Acquarius can handle diameter reductions of up to 40% and can also pass bends of up to 90 degrees. However, the pipeline must be easily accessible for the Acquarius, so it cannot pass butterfly valves.

What does the Acquarius consist of?

The foam PIG on the front of the tool is typically used in pipeline cleaning. However, ours is equipped with a large variety of advanced ultrasonic sensors that emit and capture sound waves to detect any anomalies in the wall or joints of the pipeline. In addition, the tool has several other sensors for accurate XYZ mapping.

How do you obtain the results?

Through an interactive and dynamic dashboard, we present all data and information about the inspected pipeline. The exact length, width and depth location (XYZ) of the inspected pipeline are displayed. Using filters and a large number of criteria, you can examine per pipe section or joint what the measured condition is and whether any anomalies have been detected. This allows you to monitor, at a detailed level, the condition of your pipeline and how the condition relates to the environment and the XYZ location.

Features

Pigging

The Acquarius works on the pigging principle, making this a non-destructive inspection method.

Automated

The Acquarius measurement data can be uploaded to our cloud environment automatically thanks to the Acquaint upload tool.

Take on the big jobs

The Acquarius is suitable for the inspection of pipework of diameters ≥ DN200 over great length.

Maximum insight into pipeline condition

Our advanced dashboard provides you with all the insights and overviews you need.

High measurement density

Measurement accuracy within 1 mm: leaching, deterioration due to H2S, corrosion, location, angular displacement of joints, gap width, wall thickness degradation, ovality and diameter, axial tension and leaks.

Do it yourself

We can train your own staff to work with the Acquarius independently. You can also opt to make use of our Acquarius teams.

The results

Reduce risks, minimise downtime and cut down on costs significantly

24/7 access to all the insights into your water network’s current condition.

Predict damage and malfunctions including for pipelines that have not (yet) been inspected.

Cut down on costs significantly by setting intelligent management priorities and prevent damage, leaks and malfunctions.

Acquarius (UT / Magnetic field) Acoustic Balls Electromagnetic Wave Propagation ART (Accoustic Resonance Technology)
Asbestos
Plastics
Cement-lined cast iron
Cast iron
Steel
PC(P)P
Predictive modelling
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Without the Acquarius, we would probably have dug up many more pipelines to inspect. Now we know that won’t be necessary.
Fred Bergman Maintenance employee Civil Engineering and Architecture at Water Board Aa en Maas
Fred Bergman

Waterschap Aa en Maas

Want to learn about our inspection results in greater detail? Contact Erik Driessen for an example report.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Acquarius go through bends?

The Acquarius is even capable of traversing through sharp-angled bends.

Can the Acquarius inspect pipelines while the pipeline is in operation?

Yes the Acquarius can inspect a pipeline while it is in operation

Can the Acquarius measure multiple materials simultaneously?

Before the inspection, the Acquarius is equipped with the appropriate sensors to measure the known materials from the to-be-inspected pipe.

Can the Acquarius pass through a pipe consisting of multiple diameters?

The Acquarius can handle a 25% change in diameter as standard, this can be increased to a maximum of 50% if necessary.

How do you launch the Acquarius?

The Acquarius is launched with a pig trap and water pressure in the pipe.

How is the Acquarius removed from the pipeline?

The Acquarius can be lifted out of the receiving pit or possibly through T-piece/manhole opening.

more questions

Discover our other inspection techniques

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