Aquam Corporation, a provider of risk mitigation technologies for water and energy transmission and distribution assets, has announced the launch of Amplus, an advanced remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for use in pressurized water, wastewater, and industrial pipe applications. Amplus will make its international debut at the American Water Works Association ACE18 conference and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in Las Vegas.
Amplus’ ROV technology allows Aquam to provide their customers with remaining pipeline lifespan through high resolution imagery and pinpoint accurate real-time data, enabling customers to develop informed maintenance and replacement strategies that optimize limited financial budgets. Amplus is set to be deployed by Aquam service providers with commercial, residential, utility, and municipal customers in the US and UK.
“Data-driven information is the future of infrastructure management and the key to preventing mainline bursts. With a minimal incision, we’re able to obtain real-time data on leaks, flow, blockage, corrosion, and pipe thickness – critical information to developing and executing a cost-effective rehabilitation plan,” said Cameron Manners, Aquam’s Chief Technology Officer. “Adding this cutting-edge technology to our pipe diagnostics offerings ensures our customers have the necessary data to extend budget dollars and spend smarter.”
As technology improves and reduces in size, the opportunities for adopting remotely operated vehicles and robotics are rising; ROVs have become increasingly common in industries ranging from ocean and space exploration, to surgery, telecommunications, resource extraction and infrastructure maintenance.
The ROV utilizes both forward and reversing high definition cameras, ultrasonic scanners and acoustic hydrophone sensors for collecting and transmitting comprehensive and high-resolution analysis of pipelines in real-time. Deployed through access points as small as 100mm (4″), Amplus has the ability to crawl through pipelines regardless of flow or pressure.
Key features of Amplus include:
- Lifespan analysis
- Assessment capability of 2,000m (6,560′) in one deployment
- Comprehensive condition assessment data
- Forward and reversing high definition camera systems
- 1,000 (3,280′) cable tether
- Ultrasonic scanning head
- Hydrophone
- 512hz sonde
- Two-motor axle mechanisms
- Two-motor drive mechanisms
- Stainless steel launch tube mechanism
- Fully programmable using patented Amplus software
“The versatility of Amplus will change the way that the industry approaches infrastructure management,” said Dan Squiller, CEO, Aquam. “Our products bring sustainable solutions to infrastructure challenges, and with Amplus we’re not only able to empower our customers to take control of their future, but we’ve also provided them with the tools to develop an expedient solution saving them substantial emergency funds in the process. The addition of Amplus into Aquam’s portfolio represents an industry breakthrough as we bring the most innovative and advanced solutions to our customers.”
