Aquam has launched Amplus, which the firm claims to be “the most advanced remote operated vehicle (ROV) for use in pressurized water, wastewater, and industrial pipe applications”.
The product debuted at the American Water Works Association ACE18 conference and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in Las Vegas on 11 June and Aquam says it “represents a massive advance in the infrastructure and analysis industry”.
The technology allows Aquam to provide its customers with remaining pipeline lifespan through high resolution imagery and pinpoint accurate real-time data, says the firm, 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 effective within the next 30 days.
“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 underwater ROV market alone is projected to increase from US$2.69 billion in 2017 to US$5.20 billion by 2022.
Amplus’ state of the art technology 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”) the ability to crawl through pipelines regardless of flow or pressure, is one of the strongest differentiators for Amplus.
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.”
