API Completes its first pilot project in Norway using PIPA Technology working with partners VA Produkter
PIPA Director Fabio Orlandi visited Norway back in November 2024, to present its technology in under pressure water pipe inspection which received a very warm welcome. After visiting several water principalities, API secured a pilot project through VA Produkter working with Oslo Water.
API successfully completed trials on several potable water pipelines located around the Oslo area, over 2 days to test different pipe sizes and materials.
The Hydrocam & Flowrider™ Lite systems were used to inspect internal pipe condition and configuration under pressure, with one pipeline dated more than 100 years old.
The Hydrocam™ system is an industry approved push rod camera that includes an ultra-responsive hydrophone for leak detection along 
with a cable trace feature.
The Flowrider™ system uses PIPA designed Hydrochutes for long range pipe inspections of up to 1000 metres using the water flow, the Hydrochutes include a remote collapse system for safe retrieval.
The PIPA systems includes a chlorination housing and is approved for safe use in potable water networks. The camera sensors include ultra-bright COB lights, HD camera sensor with an ultra-responsive hydrophone.
All locations inspected have recorded invaluable pipe condition data which will be analyzed by API and reports provided back to Oslo Water, all part of every under pressure pipe inspection survey.
Applications to the potable water sector
• Pressurised water pipe condition assessment tools
• Systems can be pushed or floated down pipelines
• Pipe material and lining validations
• Location of pipe defects, blockages and buried valves
• Investigate the source of dirty water prior to customer complaints (DWI)
• Asset management budget validation device
• Identify illegal connections (NRW)
• Accurate leak location in all pipe materials
• Mains tracing
Camera entry points
The PIPA systems are designed for safe use on many style fire hydrants, many other valves and pressure fittings installed directly on top of a water mains. The pipe set up in Norway proved to be ideal with some simple modifications from standard PIPA UK specifications.
PIPA Representative Fabio Orlandi: We are getting lots of interest from international clients on the Hydrocam™ & Flowrider™ systems, and are very pleased to see API operating our systems over in Norway!
More projects are now being planned with PIPA Technology in Norway including the longer range 1km Flowrider™ system.
Well done API and VA Produkter team.
We now have other projects to complete in 2025 over in Belgium, Finland & Spain!
The Hydrocam™ & Flowrider™ systems are what the water industry has been waiting for, a complete universal water main inspection system package that is simple to use and covers a wide range of pipe sizes and can also navigate through butterfly valves. Both systems are van based system or portable when using the Flowrider Lite™, quick to set up and are great systems for all water company leakage teams and contractors to add to their tool box!
PIPA has developed the widest range of pressurised pipe inspection products commercially available in the world, and has worked with the majority of the UK water utility companies and a wide range of clients overseas.
For more information on the Hydrocam™, Flowrider™ or any PIPA system please contact: sa***@*****uk.com