INSPECTION TECHNOLOGIES
ACQUARIUS
A complete condition assessment in one run, with minimal downtime.
What pipe types can Acquarius inspect?
The Acquarius performs internal condition inspections in any pressurized water or wastewater pipeline with a diameter of 8- to 54-inches. The intelligent tool is applicable in (high-risk) pipelines of any material such as concrete, asbestos cement, cast iron, ductile iron, steel, bar wrap, prestressed concrete cylinder and HPDE / PVC / FRP.
How does Acquarius inspect?
With its ultrasonic sensors, the Acquarius inspects the condition of transport, in pressure pipelines over many miles in a single run. Acquarius is equipped with a large variety of advanced ultrasonic sensors that emit and capture sound waves to detect any anomalies in the wall of the pipeline. Additional sensors including an inertial measurement unit, hydrophones, and odometers capture sub meter accurate XYZ mapping, leaks, debris, joint deflection, and ovality. Acquarius transmits this measurement data to Acquaint’s cloud platform. After data analysis, Acquaint offers insight into the current pipeline’s condition.
What does Acquarius measure?
Depending on the pipe material, the Acquarius provides a complete condition inspection and assessment, measuring:
Degradation of healthy wall thickness:
- Corrosion in metals (remaining wall thickness)
- Leaching in AC (remaining structural density)
- H2S deterioration
Condition of a joint:
- Angular displacement (vertical and horizontal)
- Joint gap width
Also measures:
- Ovality
- Axial deformation
- Leaks
- Wire breaks in reinforced non cylinder concrete pipelines
- Plots XYZ locations
- Contamination or debris at the bottom of the pipe
- Gas pockets
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The data can be reviewed through a 3D HTML dashboard containing a comprehensive overview of the pipeline anomalies as shown below.
Watch how an Acquarius inspection was performed by Acquaint on a force main for Waterschapsbedrij Limburg in the Netherlands.
How is an Acquarius inspection performed?
Prior to the inspection run, pre-cleaning is performed (if necessary) on the pipeline followed by Acquarius final soft swab cleaning and a pilot pig run to ensure the tool will pass through the pipeline properly without damage to the inspection technologies on board. These runs ensure a clean pipeline and succesful capture of data prior to the inspection. Following the cleaning procedures, Acquarius is introduced into the pipe through a Y- or T-piece using pressurized water. Once in the pipe, Acquarius travels at a speed of about 0.5 meters per second to the extraction point where the Acquarius is retreived through a Y- or T-piece. This can also be performed in a wet well. Once the data logger is retrieved from the inspection tool, the data goes through a quality assurance / quality control process to ensure the right amount of data was captured during the run and that the data is of high quality for analysis. This final QA/QC process allows the guarantee of data when the project is complete ensuring additional mobilizations and tool deployments are not necessary which can be costly and time consuming to the client.
Acquarius navigates reductions of up to 35%, passing through bends of up to 90 degrees. The pipeline must be accessible without butterfly valves present.
How do I see the results?
Acquaint provides all data through an interactive and dynamic dashboard. The exact length, width and depth location (XYZ) of the inspected pipeline is displayed, where you can examine every pipe part and joint along the inspected pipeline. Using filters and specific criteria, you can view the measured inspection data and condition, and any anomalies that may have been detected. Precise data and location allows owners to prioritize and budget for repairs and rehabilitation, and help prevent further damage and loss.
The results: Proactive approach to predict and repair pipeline damage before it occurs.
Acquarius provides data driven insights to set actionable decisions with known budgets for rehabilitation, eliminating disruptive pipe breaks, and associated environmental and economic impacts.
