Acquaint BV and 4Pipe-Hidropig proudly announce their new partnership. Together, they combine their strengths to bring Acquaint’s proven inspection technology to Brazil. For 4Pipe-Hidropig, the market leader in South America in the field of pigging and PIG production, and for the Brazilian market, this advanced technology is a valuable addition. With this partnership, both companies aim to provide innovative and sustainable solutions for the Brazilian water and sewage sector. The collaboration has already started with a joint project that was conducted last month.
Globally, there is growing awareness that underground water pipelines are aging, and there is often insufficient reliable information available about their condition. This awareness is leading to an increasing demand for innovative and reliable methods to gain insights into the state of these pipelines. This need is also growing in Brazil. The Brazilian market offers huge opportunities but also presents unique challenges. Customer needs vary greatly: pipelines are made of different materials, often with multiple internal diameters, and subject to varying temperatures and pressures. Additionally, logistical issues are particularly complex. The country is vast, with customers located in many different regions, and landscapes vary greatly, resulting in significant differences in the depth and location of the pipelines. This requires an approach that is not only flexible but also well adapted to local conditions and needs. The collaboration between the two companies addresses this by combining the local expertise of 4Pipe-Hidropig with Acquaint’s advanced technology.
“Within the Brazilian market, the need to gain insight into the condition of their pipelines is growing more than ever,” says Mateus Nobeschi, Commercial Manager of 4Pipe-Hidropig. “Through our partnership, we can work purposefully and offer valuable solutions that truly help customers move forward.” Acquaint also sees great potential in the Brazilian market. “The needs in Brazil are similar to those in Europe due to the aging underground infrastructure, but the scale and context make it unique,” says Erik Driessen, CEO of Acquaint. “Together with 4Pipe, we can effectively enter this market.” The partnership opens the door for Acquaint to provide services to Brazilian pipeline operators. “We were looking for a partner who understands the market, is technically strong, and values innovation. 4Pipe stood out on all fronts,” says Driessen. “Their years of experience in pipeline cleaning and inspection, combined with their customer focus, make them the ideal partner.”
The partnership immediately takes shape with an impressive project: the inspection of a 13-mile-long, 30-inch steel water pipeline for Anglo American, an international mining company. This pipeline transports water from Rio de Peixe to the mining site near Belo Horizonte. In preparation, 4Pipe conducts a major cleaning operation, removing sediment and corrosion from the pipeline. This not only makes the pipeline suitable for inspection but also restores its full transport capacity for Anglo American.
The inspection itself is carried out using the newest generation of the Acquarius* tool from Acquaint. The 4Pipe team supports this process by launching, receiving, and tracking the tool, while simultaneously learning how to independently perform inspections with this technology in the future.
The partnership between 4Pipe and Acquaint is more than a one-off collaboration; it lays the foundation for a long-term strategic alliance focused on innovation and growth. Both companies share ambitious plans to strengthen their impact in Brazil and the surrounding regions.
The first objective is to expand inspection services by conducting multiple inspections annually in Brazil. Additionally, with 4Pipe-Hidropig’s extensive experience, the goal is to begin local production of the PIGs essential for the Aquarius inspection technology. Ultimately, 4Pipe-Hidropig aims to independently perform various annual inspections for its clients using Acquaint’s advanced technology.
“We believe this partnership not only strengthens the position of both companies but also makes a valuable contribution to improving Brazil’s underground infrastructure,” said Driessen. Nobeschi added, “Together with Acquaint, we can better support our clients and contribute to a sustainable future for the water and sewage sector in Brazil.”
Founded in 1986, 4Pipe-Hidropig is a leading player in South America in the field of pigging and PIG production. The company offers innovative solutions for pipeline cleaning and industrial pipeline services. With a team of over 70 employees, 4Pipe serves clients across various sectors.
Learn more about 4Pipe-Hidropig here.
Acquaint has developed several innovative inspection techniques and data solutions that enable pipeline owners and managers to predict pipeline failures to prevent pipeline damage and water wastage. Acquaint has been in existence since 2014 and has been operating from the capital of water technology, Leeuwarden, since 2018. Their mission: to ensure reliable water supplies worldwide.
Read more about Acquaint’s innovative technology here
The Acquarius is an advanced tool consisting of a foam PIG (Pipeline Inspection Gauge) at the front, commonly used for cleaning pipelines. Acquaint’s tool, however, is equipped with a large number of advanced ultrasonic sensors that emit and receive sound waves to detect any anomalies (such as corrosion, leaching, H2S damage, and leaks) in the wall or connections of the pipeline. Additionally, the Acquarius has various other sensors that detect the exact location of the pipeline.
Read more about the Acquarius here.
For more information, please contact Erik Driessen of Acquaint at erik@acquaint.eu
