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San Diego County Water Authority's Modernization of Pipeline Inspections
City infrastructure plays a vital role in sustaining communities, and regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to ensure their reliability and functionality. Understanding the critical importance of maintaining infrastructure integrity and optimizing asset management, the San Diego County Water Authority has undertaken a strategic initiative to modernize its pipeline inspection operations.
Through the procurement of the Pipe Trekker A-150 crawler, SDCWA has advanced its pipeline inspection capabilities, achieving notable advancements efficiency, precision, and cost-effectiveness.
This case study delves into SDCWA's firsthand experience with the A-150 crawler, providing insight into its significant influence on pipeline inspection methodologies and outcomes.
Pipeline Inspection Challenges and Operational Constraints
Navigating an extensive network of pipelines presents multifaceted challenges, especially concerning the inspection of smaller diameter pipes. While larger transmission lines typically undergo routine visual inspections, the accessibility of smaller pipes poses a difficult problem. These smaller pipes, critical for water distribution and infrastructure connectivity, often make conventional inspection methods difficult or even impossible due to their confined dimensions and intricate layouts.
Traditional approaches, reliant on rudimentary homemade devices and inspection tools, such as “little carts and GoPro cameras with fishing rods”, have proven inadequate in addressing the nuanced complexities of smaller pipelines. These makeshift solutions, borne out of necessity, lack the sophistication and precision required to yield comprehensive data about pipeline conditions. Consequently, pipeline operators face significant operational restrictions, grappling with limited visibility and incomplete assessments of potential vulnerabilities.
SDCWA found itself confronted with the pressing need to enhance its pipeline inspection capabilities, particularly for these smaller diameter pipes. The inadequacy of traditional methods underscored the urgency of adopting advanced technologies capable of overcoming the inherent challenges posed by these critical components of the water distribution infrastructure.
The search for a viable solution led to the research and eventual acquisition of the Pipe Trekker A-150 crawler, marking a significant shift in pipeline inspection methodologies.
Advancing Infrastructure Integrity: SDCWA's strategic implementation of pipeline inspection solutions
Recognizing the need for a robust and versatile solution, the SDCWA evaluated various crawler options before selecting the Pipe Trekker A-150.
Martin Coghill, a representative of the SDCWA, highlighted, "We were looking for something compact enough to go in a 6 inch pipe but then have the ability to handle slightly larger, up to 12 or even 24 inch diameter, and the A-150 has that ability."
Equipped with a high-resolution camera and a pivotal mechanism, the A-150 ensured precision and detail in its inspection capabilities. This pivotal feature set it apart from alternative solutions, enabling the SDCWA to conduct thorough assessments of pipeline conditions with unprecedented accuracy and efficiency.
The selection of the Pipe Trekker A-150 represented a strategic investment for the San Diego County Water Authority. By embracing state-of-the-art technology, the SDCWA positioned itself at the forefront of pipeline inspection innovation, overcoming longstanding challenges and optimizing its asset management practices for years to come.
Operational Benefits and Discoveries: The Impact of the Pipe Trekker A-150
The deployment of the Pipe Trekker A-150 proved to be a game-changer for the San Diego County Water Authority during the inspection of a 12-inch water main, featuring a 10-degree slope, a length of 400 feet, and three 45-degree bends.
Prior to insertion, a thorough disinfection process using a bleach solution ensured the cleanliness of both the crawler and its tether. The high-resolution camera was able to accurately capture the conditions of joints along the pipeline and was able to pivot to ensure that features were recorded in fine detail.
The SDCWA team were impressed with the overall performance, highlighting the remarkable traction power of the unit. The A-150 flawlessly completed the inspection in less than 90 minutes, including returning to its insertion point.
Martin Coghill noted, "We were surprised by the capability to negotiate bends in the pipe. We didn't think we would make the 400 foot inspection we did."
Its impressive traction power enabled seamless maneuverability through bends and turns in the pipeline, capturing crucial data on joint conditions and structural integrity. The inspection was completed in record time and provided invaluable insights, uncovering areas for potential repairs and maintenance that were previously inaccessible.
This expedited turnaround optimized operational efficiency and minimized downtime, ensuring continuous service delivery to consumers. The insights derived from the inspection informed proactive maintenance strategies, enabling the SDCWA to address potential issues promptly and mitigate the risk of infrastructure failures.
Coghill adds, “It will become a tool that we know we will discover uses for that we didn't plan for, originally. That's what happened with the Deep Trekker REVOLUTION ROV that we have. It became quite a utility tool, even for pipeline inspections. We've used it for inverted siphons and pipelines where we could not drain the water, and that onboard battery power inside the confined space was a plus.”
Improving Efficiency: The A-150's Impact on Cost and Time Savings
Quantifying precise cost savings figures may pose challenges, but the San Diego County Water Authority anticipates substantial returns on its investment in the A-150 crawler.
Martin Coghill expressed, "We anticipate a return on investment in fewer than 10 deployments."
The decision to bring pipeline inspection capabilities in-house marks a strategic shift for the SDCWA, aimed at reducing reliance on external contractors and enhancing operational autonomy. By leveraging the capabilities of the A-150 crawler, the SDCWA anticipates significant cost savings over time. The elimination of costly outsourcing not only promises efficiency improvements but also holds the potential for substantial financial gains
The A-150 allows for proactive asset management, enabling the SDCWA to conduct timely inspections and address potential issues before they escalate. This proactive approach not only enhances infrastructure resilience but also mitigates the risk of costly repairs and downtime.
The in-house capabilities also affords the SDCWA greater flexibility and control over its inspection schedule, enabling timely interventions and optimizing resource allocation. By streamlining inspection processes and minimizing reliance on external contractors, the SDCWA stands to achieve long-term cost savings and operational efficiencies, enhancing infrastructure resilience, improving service delivery, and driving sustainable long-term value for its stakeholders.
Customer Commitment and Future Advancements
Throughout the implementation process, Pipe Trekker has consistently demonstrated commitment to customer satisfaction, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance of the A-150 crawler through prompt resolution of any operational issues and proactive support.
Martin Coghill highlighted, "The customer service is very good. Any issues we had were swiftly dealt with."
Looking forward, the SDCWA envisions potential enhancements, including the integration of additional navigational features. These advancements aim to further streamline pipeline inspections, maximizing efficiency and solidifying Pipe Trekker's position as a reliable partner in the SDCWA's pursuit of pipeline inspection excellence.
SDCWA and Pipe Trekker: A Pipeline Inspection Success Story
In conclusion, the San Diego County Water Authority's adoption of the Pipe Trekker A-150 crawler marks a significant milestone in pipeline inspection innovation. By embracing advanced technologies and fostering strategic partnerships, the SDCWA is at the forefront in pipeline management.
Amidst the global challenges posed by aging infrastructure and increased regulatory scrutiny, investments in state-of-the-art inspection technologies, exemplified by the Pipe Trekker A-150, play a pivotal role in safeguarding critical assets and ensuring enduring operational resilience.
Through continued innovation, strategic investment, and a shared vision for the future, the San Diego County Water Authority and Pipe Trekker are paving the way for a safer, more reliable, and sustainable pipeline network that meets the needs of today and tomorrow.
Why Choose Pipe Trekker?
Pipe Trekker manufactures the industry’s first truly portable, battery-operated, submersible crawler systems, backed by over a decade of design principles and innovations from building underwater robots under the Deep Trekker brand.
Pipe Trekker crawlers are easy to deploy and pilot, requiring no extensive training for first time operators. Equipped with a lift arm for viewing the tops of pipes and high-resolution cameras, operators can live stream inspections in real time and record data for further analysis. With long battery life, Pipe Trekker crawlers are an ideal portable solution for inspections in confined spaces and hazardous environments.
Different pipe sizes and widths call for various models and packages to suit your requirements. Refer to the chart below for a comparison of Pipe Trekker's available models and packages.
We offer a diverse range of solutions to address various challenges you may encounter, including modular add-ons such as sonar, laser scanners, reporting software integration, an elevated camera head, and much more. To learn more about our pipe crawlers, you can also check out our Pipe Crawler Buying Guide.
Whatever your project is, we have a customizable solution for you. Want more information on how Pipe Trekker crawlers can make pipe inspections easier, safer, and more affordable for you and your team? Our team of industry experts are available to answer any questions you may have about our pipe crawlers - contact us today!