PIPA-API Pillar type hydrant entry CCTV, leak detection & mapping on pressurised water mains in Project completed in France
Scope of Works
PIPA was recently contacted by consultant SUEZ on behalf of a water utility client in France. The utility had identified several locations where they would like to inspect and observe pipeline condition without the need for excavations. API Specialises in chlorinated hydrant entry CCTV in the UK using PIPA Technology, entering pipes via buried fire hydrants so the project was a trial to see if the same could be achieved via pillar type fire hydrants.
Project Challenges
The pipelines varied and included an old 3” cast iron pipe with 5 bar pressure and was installed over 50 years ago with unmapped location and configuration.
Another location identified was a PVC pipe which was unmapped and the client wanted to locate property services.
European pillar type fire hydrants have not been trialed before so entry results were unknown prior to completing controlled site trials.
Project Location
The water utility client was SUEZ-Activite Eau France based in Northern France, Calais region. The fire hydrants selected were located on pavement areas with pipelines fed through deep risers with a 90-degree bend and an in-line isolation valve being a standard configuration set up.
PIPA Technology used on project
The Hydrocam™ T2 is a 100 metre pressurised CCTV and leak detection inspection product for 75mm diameter water pipes and above. The system is designed for fire hydrant entry and comes complete with on-screen meterage overlay, text generator and operates with integrated rechargeable batteries.
PIPA has developed a pipe inspection technology that includes a pressure rated camera the Hydrocam T2™ which includes an acoustic sensor and trace feature, tethered to a 100 metre semi rigid rodding to give the operator live video and recorded audio data during an inspection. The system enters a pipeline via a fire hydrant or 1” tapping, and is fully chlorinated during its Insertion; the system works on a live basis, with no Interruptions to the client’s services and with several surveys undertaken this unique product can cover a distance of up to 1km per day.
The technology is the latest live main inspection system on the market being fully battery powered and only requires a 1-person team for its implementation.
Survey results
API successfully delivered pressurised water pipe entry inspections via pillar type fire hydrants
API also identified pipe condition, an unknown pipe service and simulated leak
Tethered insertion technology system allowed for precise tracing of the pipelines
Client traced back the pipe service identified and asked the property owner to run the internal taps for API operators to see and hear the flowing water
Conclusion
It would have been very difficult and expensive for the water utility to find the remaining issues within the water mains by undertaking the traditional method of pipe isolation, and excavations. The CCTV and acoustic capability proved indispensable for locating issues and troubleshooting via using a true trenchless technology solution offered by API & PIPA.
API successfully completed the inspections in 1 working day, and offered a full solution identifying true pipe condition and configuration.
The API team also completed live Flowrider Trunk main inspection trials in the Dunkirk region during the same weeks visit to France.
API & PIPA Representatives: The project was a great success, after making some on site modifications of our camera launch system, we have now proven we can enter pipes via pillar type fire hydrants, and also a great case study for our company. The contractor had exhausted all other pipeline inspection avenues, and was more than relieved when we offered a solution without the need to dig trial holes.
API has also delivered successful projects with the majority of the UK water utility companies and is planning many more Overseas trials in 2024.
