Completing reservoir inspections is best done with a subsea ROV (remotely operated vehicle) or underwater drone. Cities, local councils, and asset managers are using these underwater cameras to document the condition of the tank and for any security issues - without shutting off services.
How Australia can use subsea ROVs
Clean drinking water is something we take for granted here in Australia, behind the scenes what we don’t realise is that a lot of resources are put in to ensure this continues, especially as our population increases.
Reservoirs, water towers, and pipelines alike all play a major part in the water coming out of your tap. These systems all are required to be inspected regularly to ensure that when your turn on your tap clean water comes out.
Traditionally, divers are used to complete underwater asset inspections – but with diver safety a large priority, inspecting these tanks regularly is costly and cumbersome. Many water management/providers are looking to ROVs to conduct these risky inspections.
Benefits of using subsea ROVs
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Using a subsea ROV removes the risks associated with confined space entry, which requires permits, planning and paperwork.
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Reservoirs do not require discharging or refilling to perform ROV inspections.
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Following an ROV inspection, if remedial works are needed, the footage can be kept and drawn upon, which can help to inform better planning in the future. This can save time and costs in the long-term.
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Subsea ROV footage offers the kind of detailed, close-up views necessary to inspect a reservoir’s internal condition.
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ROVs have enhanced features and attachments that can gather samples from the inside of a reservoir and measure wall thickness.
Image: Deep Trekker