Innovations in Pipe Maintenance

Written on the 25 July 2023 by Joseph Rose

Enhancing Infrastructure with CCTV Inspections, Drain Cleaning and Trenchless Repairs
 

Underground pipe systems are the lifelines of our modern infrastructure, ensuring the smooth flow of stormwater, sewage and other utilities. However, over time these pipes can deteriorate, leading to costly damages and network disruptions. In this article, we will explore how cutting-edge services provided by Subsurface Pipe Solutions (SPS) such as CCTV pipe condition inspections, drain cleaning and trenchless pipe repairs are revolutionising the way we maintain and repair these crucial networks. We will delve into the benefits they offer to customers and major projects, discuss the possibilities for future advancements and demonstrate how these services add value to projects.

CCTV pipe condition inspections utilise advanced camera technology to assess the state of underground pipes comprehensively. By inserting a high-resolution robotic camera into the pipe, our WSAA trained professionals can identify potential issues and pinpoint areas of concern before they escalate into critical problems. This proactive approach offers several key benefits to customers.

Firstly, early detection allows for prompt action, preventing extensive damage and reducing future repair costs. By catching structural or serviceability defects at their early stages, customers can avoid costly pipe failures that can result in property damage and interruptions in service. Secondly, accurate assessments enable informed decision-making when planning maintenance and repair programs. By having a clear understanding of the condition of their pipes, customers can prioritise and allocate resources more effectively. They can address critical issues promptly whilst scheduling preventative maintenance for less urgent matters, system performance and goes hand in hand with pipe condition assessments. Accumulated debris, mineral deposits and tree root intrusions can impede the flow of water, leading to blockages and backups. Industrial drain cleaning services employ various attachments and pressures to effectively remove these obstructions. The advantage of this service is evident. Improved drainage and reduced blockages enhance system efficiency and prevent potential damage caused by overflows. By showcasing instances where drain cleaning has resolved persistent issues, customers can appreciate the long-term benefits of investing in professional ongoing maintenance. For example, a commercial property experiencing recurring drain blockages may find that professional drain cleaning not only resolves the immediate problem but also prevents future disruptions, saving them from costly emergency repairs and potential loss of business.

The last service in the maintenance cycle is pipe rehabilitation. Traditional pipe repair methods often involve extensive excavation, causing significant disruption and inconveniences. However, the advent of trenchless pipe repair technology, specifically QuickLock, has revolutionised the industry and is a repair method of choice for SPS. QuickLock enables repairs to be conducted with minimal excavation, reducing the impact on properties and surrounding infrastructure. This method utilises specialised equipment to install a sealed stainless steel sleeve within the existing damaged pipe, offering a seamless and durable solution. The benefits to customers are substantial. Asset owners can have their pipe integrity restored without enduring the hassle of extensive excavation. Moreover, the long-term cost savings resulting from reliable, long-lasting repairs are significant. QuickLocks are slowly becoming the repair method of choice for both council and major projects across Australia due to the speed in which they can be installed and the minimal disruption the installation has on the surrounding area. Another benefit is that they can be installed in live sewer and stormwater pipes avoiding the need to plug or divert flow. 

As technology advances, so does the potential for further innovations in pipe inspections and maintenance. In the realm of CCTV inspections, advancements in camera resolution and data analysis techniques hold promise for even more accurate and comprehensive assessments. Higher-resolution cameras can provide clearer visuals of pipe conditions, allowing professionals to identify potential problems with greater precision. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning could enhance the efficiency of detecting and predicting pipe failures, VAPAR is one such example. By analysing vast amounts of inspection data, AI algorithms can identify patterns and anomalies that human operators may potentially miss. This can help prioritise maintenance activities and predict potential issues before they become critical. These advancements would further enhance the benefits of CCTV inspections by providing customers with more reliable and actionable insights. Large-scale reporting becomes possible with the click of a button, making valuable data available to stakeholders in real time.

The University of Japan is researching ways to inspect pipes without the traditional tethered robotic crawler. Current robotic CCTV inspection systems lack autonomy and their operation must be manually controlled via tethered cables. Consequently, they can only travel to a certain distance in a pipe, cannot access small-diameter pipes and their deployment incurs high costs for skilled CCTV operators. Current research is looking for ways to introduce a miniaturised mobile robot for pipe inspections. Prototypes present an autonomous control strategy for this robot that is effective, stable and requires low-computational resources. The robots in development can access pipes as small as 75mm in diameter. Due to their small size, low carrying capacity and limited battery supply, these robots can only carry simple sensors, a small processor and miniature wheel-legs for movement. Yet, the control method is able to compensate for these limitations. The goal is fully autonomous robot mobility in a pipe network, without any visual aid or power-hungry image processing. The control algorithm allows the robot to correctly recognise each local network configuration and to make appropriate decisions accordingly. The control strategy was tested using the physical micro robot in a laboratory pipe network. In both simulation and experiment, the robot autonomously and exhaustively explored an unknown pipe network without missing any pipe section while avoiding obstacles. This is a significant advancement towards fully autonomous inspection robot systems for sewer pipe networks and is the direction the industry is heading.

In regards to drain cleaning, automated cleaning robots show promise to revolutionise the industry and there is a lot of research in this field especially in Europe. Automated cleaning robots equipped with advanced sensors and manoeuvrability are being developed to navigate complex pipe networks and provide efficient and consistent cleaning services. These innovations would not only improve the effectiveness of drain cleaning but also reduce the reliance on harsh chemicals and manual labour, making the process safer and more sustainable. 

Furthermore, the ongoing refinement of trenchless repair techniques may enable their application in larger pipe diameters and more complex pipe configurations. Currently, trenchless repairs are commonly used for relatively straightforward layouts. However, advancements in equipment and techniques can expand the capabilities of trenchless repairs to larger and more challenging projects. By widening the scope of trenchless repairs, customers can benefit from reduced costs, minimised disruptions and increased flexibility in addressing their pipe infrastructure repairs.

CCTV inspections, drain cleaning and trenchless pipe repairs combined offer a significant value-add to constructions and infrastructure projects. By conducting thorough inspections, project planners and decision-makers can obtain accurate assessments of existing pipe conditions. This enables them to anticipate potential issues and factor in necessary repairs or replacements, preventing costly delays and disruptions in the future. By having a clear understanding of the condition of the existing pipe network, project planners can allocate appropriate resources and develop realistic timelines. This proactive approach ensures that potential pipe-related issues are addressed during the project's planning and construction phases, minimising the risk of unexpected setbacks during operation.

Furthermore, the ability to conduct repairs utilising trenchless technology minimises the downtime associated with traditional repair methods. Projects can proceed smoothly without extensive disruptions caused by excavations and lengthy outdated repair processes. By employing trenchless pipe repair techniques, project timelines can be adhered to more closely, leading to increased efficiency and client satisfaction. Moreover, by integrating these services into infrastructure projects, overall quality and longevity can be enhanced, reducing the likelihood of future maintenance issues and the associated costs.

In conclusion, the integration of CCTV pipe condition inspections, drain cleaning and trenchless pipe repairs has significantly transformed the pipe inspection and maintenance landscape and will continue to do so as technology improves. The benefits they offer to customers and projects are manifold, ranging from early detection and cost savings to improved system performance and reduced disruptions. With the constant advancements in technology, the future of these services looks promising, with potential breakthroughs on the horizon. As we move forward, it is clear that these innovative services will continue to play a crucial role in maintaining efficient and reliable underground pipe systems, ensuring the integrity of our infrastructure for years to come. By leveraging these services, customers can proactively address pipe-related challenges, mitigate risks, and enhance the overall quality and longevity of their pipe networks.

*As published in The Dangers Below Volume 1 Issue 3