Robots to inspect drinking water pipes
Covering more than two million kilometres, European water distribution networks (WDNs) need an upgrade. Given the scarcity of precious water resources, it is crucial to introduce technology that is able to locate the sources of all leaks. To address this issue, the EU-funded TRACT (In-pipe flexible robot for water pipes inspection) project developed a cutting-edge water pipe monitoring system. The system is comprised of several key components. A transport mechanism in the form of a robot contains sensors for leakage detection and pipe condition monitoring. It can navigate and inspect water pipe structures with diameters in the range of most existing water supply pipes. A pipe entry mechanism allows the inspection robot to enter water pipes without the need to shut them down. A sensor system and related sensor fusion algorithms enable the robot to detect and locate pipe damage, leaks and scaling. Software helps to map the pipeline network. The long, torpedo-like propeller-driven robot is guided through water and district heating pipe systems. It can be sent through pipes as narrow as 10 centimetres in diameter, and is equipped with 64 large ultrasound transducers that transmit and receive ultrasound signals. By collecting data, operators can calculate the thickness and level of pipe corrosion. By introducing state-of-the-art leakage detection and pipe condition monitoring technology, TRACT should reverse the massive water losses suffered by WDNs and the resulting economic consequences.
Keywords
Robots, water pipe leakage, water distribution networks, TRACT, water pipes inspection
