Water Authority Large Diameter Autonomous Pipeline Inspection

Scope

TDG Environmental was engaged to undertake an extensive condition assessment of a Water Authority client’s large diameter critical wastewater network in Canberra.

The project involved inspecting approximately 42 kilometres of pipeline, including assets around 2,200mm in diameter, using The RACER™ autonomous float inspection system.

The RACER™ captured high quality 360-degree and 2D CCTV imagery, supported by integrated sonar data to profile conditions below the waterline. Its integrated metre counter provided accurate average location referencing, while WinCan compatibility allowed the footage to be controlled, reviewed, coded and incorporated into the final client deliverable.

The project included deployment through a manhole approximately 104 metres deep and inspection of remote assets that had previously been inaccessible to other inspection technologies.

Services Provided

• Autonomous float CCTV inspection
• 360-degree and 2D pipeline imaging
• Sonar inspection, condition assessment and reporting

Challenges

The project presented several significant technical and operational challenges:

• Extremely deep and difficult access points, including a manhole approximately 104 metres deep.
• Continuous wastewater flows within large diameter operational assets.
• Long inspection distances and sections that could not be accessed using conventional CCTV equipment.
• Limited historical condition information, with some assets not inspected since their original construction.
• The need to inspect the network without implementing complex and costly flow control measures.
• A substantial 42-kilometre inspection program to be delivered within a six-week timeframe.

The outcome

TDG Environmental successfully completed approximately 42 kilometres of inspection within six weeks without requiring flow control.

 

The RACER™ enabled TDG Environmental and the Water Authority to inspect assets that had not been seen since construction and could not be reached using other available technologies. Its 360-degree imagery, superior lighting and sonar capability provided a clear view of both the visible pipe condition and debris levels below the waterline.

 

The integrated metre counter supported accurate defect positioning and reporting, while the WinCan-compatible deliverable made the footage easier to review, interpret and code.

 

The project was successfully delivered through strong collaboration between the Water Authority and TDG Environmental. It demonstrated The RACER’s™ ability to safely and efficiently inspect deep, remote and continuously flowing large-diameter wastewater assets while producing high-quality information for future maintenance and asset-management decisions.