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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Acquarius

How is the Acquarius composed?

The foam PIG on the front of the tool is typically used when cleaning pipelines. However, ours is equipped with numerous advanced ultrasonic sensors that emit and collect sound waves to detect any abnormalities in the wall or joints of the pipeline. In addition, the tool has an MFW sensor (for wire breakage in concrete), an IMU (for orientation), Hydrophone (for leak detection) and odometry wheels (for distance). All these sensors together provide detailed measurement and localization of many failure mechanisms such as wall thickness reduction (corrosion, leaching and H2S degradation), characteristics (angular displacement and deformation) and an accurate X, Y, Z measurement. Read more about our technology here 

What data is obtained after an inspection with the Acquarius and in what form?

Using the ultrasonic sensors the Acquarius is equipped with, we can identify and classify repair pieces, pipe material, curves, bends, T-pieces and joint types, as well as detect the following failure mechanisms in pressurized pipes:  

  •  Corrosion in metals;  
  • Leaching in AC;  
  • H2S degradation in sewage pipelines;  
  • Delamination of multilayer pipe walls (e.g., GRP);  
  • Thickness measurement of internal liners, such as cement liners;  
  • Joint width of couplings;  
  • Ovality;  
  • Dirt, scale or scale formation in the pipe;  
  • Gas and air bubbles.  

By combining ultrasonic measurements with other sensors, our tools can measure the following additional failure mechanisms and characteristics:  

  • Angular deformation of couplings;  
  • Longitudinal (axial) deformation of the pipe;  
  • X, Y, Z location of the pipe.  

The inspection data is delivered as standard in a user-friendly geographic dashboard developed by us. In one overview you can see the deviations and failure mechanisms detected for each pipeline (section) and you can quickly see the condition of the pipeline. Read more about the dashboard here 

How are leaks located?

The Acquarius is equipped with a Hydrophone, a specialized underwater microphone designed to detect and record sound waves in water. Hydrophones are sensitive to acoustic signals underwater, allowing them to capture sound waves due to turbulence and pressure changes, such as when liquids escape during a leak in a pipe. We can locate leaks (>13.0 dB) by comparing baseline acoustic signals with the altered signals caused by a leak. With the Hydrophone, we can also detect large obstructions. Read more about our technology here. 

How is the degree of leaching in AC Pipes determined?

Using the UT sensors the Acquarius is equipped with, the thicknesses of the layers (healthy and leached) are determined based on sound velocities. Read more about our technology here. 

What are the requirements for minimum/maximum pressure and speed?

The desired speed of the Acquarius ranges from 0.2 to a maximum of 1m/s, depending on the diameter of the pipe and the walkability of the route at ground level. The optimum speed is around 0.4 m/s. Typically, the speed is controlled by the system pump or pumping station, but an external pump or valves can also be used to control it. The pressure required by the tool to propel varies from 0.1 – 0.3 bar. The maximum pressure the Acquarius can handle is 40 bar. 

What are the differences between the Acquarius and the Aquabrella?

The Acquarius and the Aquabrella basically measure the same thing, the only difference being that the Acquarius can also measure ovality. The Acquarius technology is used in both wastewater and drinking water pipes. The advantages of the Acquarius are that it also cleans the pipe well and is also very stable and centered in the pipe, making the results of the inspection very accurate. The Aquabrella is used on larger, often more difficult to access, and clean raw and drinking water pipes. This is because the Aquabrella can handle larger diameter changes, can be inserted through a manhole and, because of its free-swimming capability, can easily pass any obstructions. In doing so, the tool barely touches the wall of the pipe during inspection, leaving any biofilm intact, and causes little turbidity due to swirling, even allowing the pipe to remain in use in some cases.   

How is hygiene ensured during a drinking water pipeline inspection with the Acquarius?

The Acquarius Carrier is always new and comes packaged on site. In addition, the assembled equipment is cleaned and sanitized before it is installed.  Also, Acquaint stores and uses tools for clean water pipes separately from those for non-clean water pipes. 

In what kind of pipes and within what diameter range can be inspected with the Acquarius?

The Acquarius is suitable for pressure pipes of all materials with an inner diameter of DN200 and larger.  

Can Acquaint’s tools also be used in free-flow sewers?

In principle, no. The ultrasonic sound waves are carried by water and therefore a completely water-filled pipe is essential for all-round measurement of pipe walls. Because of this, the Acquarius and Aquabrella are only used in pressure pipelines such as drinking water pipelines and sewage pressure pipelines. However, under certain conditions the Acquarius can be applied in free-flow systems, to explore this, please contact our Sales Engineers. 

How are wire breaks detected in prestressed concrete pipelines?

In prestressed concrete pipes, our Acquarius tool is equipped with an MFW sensor, in full the Magnetic Field Wave sensor, and it acts as a coil that electromagnetically resonates with the coil-wound wire in the prestressed concrete, which in fact also acts as a coil. If a coil winding of the spiral wire is broken, we can pick up the signal loss. Several projects with verifications have proven that we can detect single coil winding breaks. Read more about our technology here. 

How is the Acquarius launched and propelled?

The Acquarius can be launched via a 90-degree (up to DN500) or a 45-degree (all diameters) FFC T-piece or Y-piece. The Acquarius can also be launched into a pumping station via a blind flange. The Acquarius is then propelled by a water pressure of 0.1 – 0.3 bar, depending on the diameter of the pipe. Because every situation and project is different, our sales engineers and field engineers will determine the optimal launch and receiving location with the customer during the exploratory phase of a project and during a site visit. 

How and where can the Acquarius be received and extracted from the pipe?

The extraction point of the Acquarius is typically a collection well, in the case of wastewater. But this can also be a 45- or 90-degree T-piece or Y-piece in the case of pressurized extraction, such as drinking water. When a T-piece or Y-piece is involved, a spoon is inserted in order to guide the tool the right way into the T-piece or Y-piece. Because when the Acquarius arrives at the extraction point it is weighed down by the waste or drinking water, as it consists largely of foam, a lifting strap is attached to the Acquarius and it is hoisted away by means of a crane. 

What can the Acquarius handle in terms of reductions and bends?

The Acquarius can handle diameter reductions of up to 30%, however, the degree of possible reduction depends primarily on the diameter of the largest pipe sections within the route. For smaller pipes, the Acquarius can reduce less, as the foam PIG is also smaller and can be compressed less. Furthermore, the Acquarius can handle 1D bends up to 90 degrees.   

What obstacles can the Acquarius handle?

The Acquarius can pass slide valves and plug valves with a diameter reduction of up to 30%. The Acquarius can also pass through right-angle bends. The Acquarius cannot pass butterfly valves. 

How long does an inspection with the Acquarius take?

The duration of an inspection depends on the length of the section to be inspected. The inspection speed varies from 0.2 – 1m/s and is optimal at 0.4 m/s. Thus, an inspection of 10 km takes about one working day (8 hours) when a speed of 0.4m/s is assumed. Prior to inspection, at least 2 more runs of the same duration are required for cleaning and a dummy run. 

Does an Acquarius ever get stuck?

No, we go through all drawings thoroughly first and do a site visit to evaluate and eliminate all risks. In addition, we first go through the pipe with a very soft foam PIG. This is so soft that it can never get stuck. If this PIG comes out damaged, we first investigate and remove the cause before continuing with the dummy PIG and finally the Acquarius. As a result, no Acquarius has ever gotten stuck

Isn’t it cheaper to replace a pipe?

No, the cost of inspection is typically 75 to 150 times less than replacing the pipe. In our experience, after inspection, we find that large portions of the pipe do not need to be replaced and only targeted local maintenance is needed, which presents a strong positive business case in almost all cases. 

Is ultrasonic a proven technology?

Yes, ultrasound has been used for many decades in non-destructive research of pipes and other industrial instruments and devices and has frequently proven high accuracy. For example, another world-renowned application of ultrasound is the ultrasound of an unborn baby. Look here for scientific research and white papers on the use of ultrasonic technology in condition assessment of pipes. 

Can the Acquarius also be propelled with dirty water?

Yes, in sewage application it is very common to propel an Acquarius with dirty water. To avoid blocking the sensors, we ensure that there is volume of relatively clean water (e.g., river or ditch water) behind the Acquarius before switching to dirty water. So, during most of a pressure sewer inspection, the pumping station remains in operation. 

What work is required before an inspection can be performed?

To insert the Acquarius tool into a pipe, appropriate access to the pipe is required. This can be, for example, a 90-degree (up to DN500) or a 45-degree (all diameters) FFC T-piece or Y-piece. Acquaint’s project engineers will work with the customer to find the most appropriate launch and receiving location for the tool. In some cases, civil works are required to make the pipe accessible. This can range from minor preparations to the installation of a PIG launcher. Removal of the Acquarius is usually done in sewage pressure lines at a manhole into which the pressure line discharges. No to little preparatory work is usually required here. In drinking water pipelines, receiving works are required equal to launching. Extraction requires a crane in both wastewater and potable water to extract the PIGs. When full of water, they are too heavy to lift out.  

In most cases, the civil work is done by the customer or a contractor. 

How do I ensure that the ultimate data translates into actions?

During the inspection, Acquarius collects extensive data on the physical condition of the pipes, such as wall thickness, corrosion, leaching, ovality, deformation and location. The collected data is processed and presented in various formats such as a topographic dashboard, PDF reports, Excel, GIS and other formats. The data provides a detailed picture of the condition of the pipes, including possible failure mechanisms such as corrosion, leaching, or delamination.  

The dashboard can see at a glance where anomalies and risks are located. By assessing the severity and location of these anomalies, you can set priorities for maintenance or repair. For example, a spot of severe corrosion or a detection of wire breaks in prestressed concrete pipelines calls for quick action to prevent failure of the pipeline.  

Based on the analyses, targeted actions can be planned. These can range from preventive maintenance, such as applying new coatings or repairing welds, to replacing specific parts of the pipeline that have been severely degraded. 

The inspection data makes it possible to accurately determine which parts of a pipe need to be repaired or replaced. This is often far cheaper than replacing the pipes completely. The insights can be used to create an economically sound maintenance strategy. 

Aquabrella

How is the Aquabrella composed?

The Aquabrella, the name gives it away, resembles a series of umbrellas. In the pipe, it moves with the flow of the water and follows the bends and diameter of the pipe. The Aquabrella is equipped with numerous advanced ultrasonic sensors that emit and collect sound waves to detect any abnormalities in the wall or joints of the pipeline. In addition, the tool features an MFW sensor, an IMU, Hydrophone and a GPS-system for detailed measurement of many failure mechanisms (as corrosion, leaching, H2S degradation), characteristics (as angular displacement, deformation) and accurate X, Y, Z determination. Read more about our technology here.  

What data is obtained after an inspection with the Aquabrella and in what form?

Using the ultrasonic sensors the Aquabrella is equipped with, we can identify and classify repair pieces, pipe material, curves, bends, T-pieces and joint types, as well as detect the following failure mechanisms in pressurized pipes:   

  • Corrosion in metals;   
  • Leaching in AC;   
  • H2S degradation in sewage pipelines;   
  • Delamination of multilayer pipe walls (e.g., GRP);   
  • Thickness measurement of internal liners, such as cement liners;    
  • Ovality;   
  • Dirt, scale or scale formation in the pipe;   
  • Gas and air bubbles.   

By combining ultrasonic measurements with other sensors, our tools can measure the following additional failure mechanisms and characteristics:   

  • Angular deformation of couplings;   
  • Longitudinal (axial) deformation of the pipe;   
  • X, Y, Z location of the pipe.   

The inspection data is delivered as standard in a user-friendly geographic dashboard developed by us. In one overview you can see the deviations and failure mechanisms detected for each pipeline (section) and you can quickly see the condition of the pipeline. Read more about the dashboard here.   

In addition, the data is presented in an inspection report in pdf format and the data is offered in Excel and GIS, however, the data can be delivered in any other format such as shape, dfx, etc.    

How are leaks located?

The Aquabrella is equipped with a Hydrophone, a specialized underwater microphone designed to detect and record sound waves in water. Hydrophones are sensitive to acoustic signals underwater, allowing them to capture sound waves due to turbulence and pressure changes, such as when liquids escape during a leak in a pipe. We can locate leaks (>13.0 dB) by comparing baseline acoustic signals with the altered signals caused by a leak. With the Hydrophone, we can also detect large obstructions. Read more about our technology here. 

How is the degree of leaching in AC Pipes determined?

Using the UT sensors the Aquabrella is equipped with, the thicknesses of the layers (healthy and leached) are determined based on sound velocities. Read more about our technology here. 

What are the requirements for minimum/maximum pressure and speed?

The desired speed of the Aquabrella ranges from 0.2 to a maximum of 1m/s, depending on the diameter of the pipe and the walkability of the route at ground level. The optimum speed is around 0.4 m/s. Typically, the speed is controlled by the system pump or pumping station, but an external pump or valves can also be used to control it. The pressure required by the tool to propel varies from 0.1 – 0.3 bar. The maximum pressure the Aquabrella can handle is 40 bar. 

What are the differences between the Acquarius and the Aquabrella?

The Acquarius and the Aquabrella basically measure the same thing, the only difference being that the Acquarius can also measure ovality. The Acquarius technology is used in both wastewater and drinking water pipes. The advantages of the Acquarius are that it also cleans the pipe well and is also very stable and centered in the pipe, making the results of the inspection very accurate. The Aquabrella is used on larger, often more difficult to access, and clean raw and drinking water pipes. This is because the Aquabrella can handle larger diameter changes, can be inserted through a manhole and, because of its free-swimming capability, can easily pass any obstructions. In doing so, the tool barely touches the wall of the pipe during inspection, leaving any biofilm intact, and causes little turbidity due to swirling, even allowing the pipe to remain in use in some cases.   

How is hygiene ensured during a drinking water pipeline inspection with the Aquabrella?

The Aquabrella is used only in the drinking water industry. In addition, the assembled equipment is cleaned and sanitized before it is installed.Also, Acquaint stores and uses tools for clean water pipes separately from those for non-clean water pipes 

In what kind of pipes and within what diameter range can be inspected with the Aquabrella?

The Aquabrella is suitable for pressure pipes of all materials with an inner diameter of DN500 and larger.   

Can Acquaint’s tools also be used in free-flow sewers?

In principle, no. The ultrasonic sound waves are carried by water and therefore a completely water-filled pipe is essential for all-round measurement of pipe walls. Because of this, the Acquarius and Aquabrella are only used in pressure pipelines such as drinking water pipelines and sewage pressure pipelines. However, under certain conditions the Acquarius can be applied in free-flow systems, to explore this, please contact our Sales Engineers. 

 

How are wire breaks detected in prestressed concrete pipelines?

Our Aquabrella tool is equipped with an MFW sensor, in full the Magnetic Field Wave sensor, and it acts as a coil that electromagnetically resonates with the coil-wound wire in the prestressed concrete, which in fact also acts as a coil. If a coil winding of the spiral wire is broken, we can pick up the signal loss. Several projects with verifications have proven that we can detect single coil winding breaks. Read more about our technology here. 

How is the Aquabrella launched and propelled?

The Aquabrella can be launched through a manhole of at least 500 mm or through a 90 or a 45-degree T or Y-piece. Alternatively, the Aquabrella can be launched through a blind flange into a pump housing. Then the Aquabrella is propelled along by the water flow, requiring a minimum flow velocity (flow) of 0.1 m/s plus 10%. 

How and where can the Aquabrella be received and extracted from the pipe?

The extraction point of is typically a 45- or 90-degree T-piece or Y-piece in the case of extraction under pressure, as is normally the case with drinking water. When a T-piece or Y-piece is involved, a spoon is inserted in order to guide the tool the right way into the T-piece or Y-piece. When the Aquabrella arrives at the extraction point, a lifting strap is attached to the tool and it is hoisted away by means of a crane. 

What can the Aquabrella handle in terms of reductions and bends?

The Aquabrella can handle diameter reductions up to 40% and in some cases even more, however, the degree of possible reduction depends mainly on the diameter of the largest pipe sections within the route. Furthermore, the Aquabrella can handle bends up to 90 degrees.  

What obstacles can the Aquabrella handle?

The Aquabrella can pass slide valves and plug valves with a diameter reduction of up to 30%. The Aquabrella can also pass through right-angle bends. A development project to navigate the Aquabrella past butterfly valves as well has begun in 2025; currently it cannot.   

How long does an inspection with the Aquabrella take?

The duration of an inspection depends on the length of the trajectory to be inspected. The inspection speed varies from 0.2 – 1m/s. For example, an inspection of 10 km takes about one working day (8 hours) when a speed of 0.4m/s is assumed. 

Does an Aquabrella ever get stuck?

We first go through all drawings thoroughly and do a site visit to evaluate and eliminate all risks. The Aquabrella is an agile tool that can handle various obstacles. Also, the tool is tracked live and we know the exact location at all times and can make immediate adjustments if needed. 

Isn’t it cheaper to replace a pipe?

No, the cost of inspection is typically 75 to 150 times less than replacing the pipe. In our experience, after inspection, we find that large portions of the pipe do not need to be replaced and only targeted local maintenance is needed, which presents a strong positive business case in almost all cases. 

Is ultrasonic a proven technology?

Yes, ultrasound has been used for many decades in non-destructive research of pipes and other industrial instruments and devices and has frequently proven high accuracy. For example, another world-renowned application of ultrasound is the ultrasound of an unborn baby. Look here for scientific research and white papers on the use of ultrasonic technology in condition assessment of pipes. 

What work is required before an inspection with the Aquabrella can be performed?

To insert the Aquabrella tool into a pipe, proper access to the pipe is required. For example, this can be inserted through a manhole of at least 500 mm or through a 90 or a 45 degree T or Y piece. Alternatively, the Aquabrella can be launched into a pump housing via a blind flange. Acquaint’s project engineers work with the customer to find the most suitable launch and receiving location for the tool. In some cases, civil works are required to make the pipe accessible. This can range from minor preparations to the installation of a launcher. For drinking water pipelines, the removal of the Aquabrella is usually done in a well into which the discharge pipe flows. No to little preparatory work is usually required here. In drinking water pipelines, receiving works are required equal to launching. Extraction requires a crane to extract the tool.   

The civil work is usually done by the customer or a contractor. 

How do I ensure that the ultimate data translates into actions?

During the inspection, Aquabrella collects extensive data on the physical condition of the pipes, such as wall thickness, corrosion, leaching, ovality, deformation and location. The collected data is processed and presented in various formats such as a topographic dashboard, PDF reports, Excel, GIS and other formats. The data provides a detailed picture of the condition of the pipes, including possible failure mechanisms such as corrosion, leaching, or delamination.  

The dashboard can see at a glance where anomalies and risks are located. By assessing the severity and location of these anomalies, you can set priorities for maintenance or repair. For example, a spot of severe corrosion or a detection of wire breaks in prestressed concrete pipelines calls for quick action to prevent failure of the pipeline.  

Based on the analyses, targeted actions can be planned. These can range from preventive maintenance, such as applying new coatings or repairing welds, to replacing specific parts of the pipeline that have been severely degraded. 

The inspection data makes it possible to accurately determine which parts of a pipe need to be repaired or replaced. This is often far cheaper than replacing the pipes completely. The insights can be used to create an economically sound maintenance strategy. 

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