"The preparation for this assignment was intensive and challenged our team to new dimensions as we tackled the inspection of a critical 1,245-meter pipeline," explains Berry Krijbolder, Head of New Business Development Water Integrity Solutions. After all, the pipeline is not just any old pipeline: it is an important part of the local sewage system of the city of around 170,000 inhabitants and consists of a mixture of asbestos cement (AC), glass fiber-reinforced epoxy resin and cast iron pieces.
We were ready to go at 10 o'clock in the morning. "It was clear to us that we could only complete the run with teamwork and expertise," says Berry. And it was a tough one: the data volume of a single test amounted to a considerable 16.9 GB - essential for our next steps in the evaluation and report. It was also particularly exciting because part of this pressure pipe will be replaced later this year. "Parts of the AC pipes will be thoroughly scanned using computer tomography (CT) with the support of TU Delft so that we can examine selected sections in detail," explains Berry. This allows us to assess the leaching of cement at these points. With this CT data, we are able to further refine our tools and algorithms to better diagnose and solve complex problems.
Purpose of the study:
This study follows on from the test of Rioned at the Institute for Underground Infrastructure Gelsenkirchen, where we successfully tested steel and plastic pipes. The Dutch water boards and municipalities that are members of the Rioned organization also wanted to see the results of the inspection possibilities for AC pipes (asbestos cement pipes). AC is a sensitive product that the ICT did not want in its test hall. The municipality of Arnhem, one of the many municipalities that use AC pipes, provided an operational AC pipe. The results of this study will therefore be distributed to all members of Rioned at the end of this year. You will then be able to see the results of the various participants here.
Current status of the evaluation:
We are currently starting to analyze both data sets. There is primarily a focus area of 200 meters of pipeline to be replaced. Parts of this will be examined using the CT scanner at TU Delft. With the feedback from the data, we can improve our UT tool and our algorithm.
"The intensive preparations and the state-of-the-art technology of our Pilot Tool 500UT V1.0 enabled us to successfully carry out the inspection of this complex pipeline. This was teamwork at the highest level," says Berry, summarizing the success. This operation once again demonstrates the importance of collaboration and the sharing of knowledge and skills. By combining our technical expertise with the support of our partners, we can develop and implement innovative solutions that ensure the integrity of water systems.