Panel tanks hold everything from clean drinking water to industrial liquids, so keeping them in top shape is crucial. Traditional inspections can be risky and time-consuming, but there’s a better way!
Underwater drone technology is changing the game for panel tank inspections. Drones can capture high-quality footage from inside the tank, following the recommendations set by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) for safe and thorough inspections. This keeps inspectors out of harm’s way in confined spaces, while getting the job done faster and more accurately.
Underwater drones are a win-win! They ensure the safety of inspectors and the continued reliability of the tanks, providing clean water for everyone who depends on it.
Why Must You Adhere to AWWA Guidelines?
Clean water is essential for our health, and the American Water Works Association (AWWA) is like the rulebook for keeping it that way.
AWWA sets the gold standard for designing, running, and maintaining water systems. By following their guidelines, water system operators can:
- Keep everyone safe: AWWA standards ensure our water is reliable and won’t make us sick.
- Deliver high-quality water: Following these best practices means clean, clear water for everyone.
- Protect the environment: AWWA standards promote sustainable water use, which is good for our planet.
These guidelines cover everything from water treatment to storage, making sure our water is clean every step of the way. They also help ensure consistency across different water systems, especially for large cities with millions of people relying on clean water. By following AWWA standards, water systems can build trust with everyone who depends on them for safe drinking water.
AWWA Guidelines for Underwater Drone Inspections of Panel Tanks
Even though AWWA standards were created for traditional underground tank inspections, many of the guidelines can still be applied to drone inspections of panel tanks. These include the following:
AWWA D100-11: Welded Steel Water Storage Tanks
This new standard sets the bar for building, inspecting, and maintaining welded steel water tanks. It even includes specific guidelines for using underwater drones during inspections, making the process faster, safer, and more efficient.
AWWA M42: Steel Water-Storage Tanks AWWA M42
This guidebook provides comprehensive information on the design, construction, inspection, and maintenance of steel water storage tanks. It encompasses tank inspection and maintenance procedures, including schedules, techniques, and repair protocols.
AWWA D121-12: Bolted Aboveground Thermosetting Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic Panel-Type Tanks for Water Storage
This standard sets the rules for building, inspecting, and maintaining bolted fiberglass water tanks. It covers how to design, construct, inspect, and fix these tanks, but it doesn’t address using underwater drones for inspections yet.
AWWA M58: Internal Water Tank Inspection
This guidebook dives deep into inspecting steel and concrete water tanks from the inside. It covers things like what methods to use, the equipment you’ll need, and how to stay safe while doing it. Even though it wasn’t written specifically for drones, some of this information could still be helpful for underwater drone inspections.
Benefits of Meeting Underwater Drone Inspections for Panel Tanks per AWWA Guidelines
Imagine getting a crystal-clear look inside your water tank without anyone going in! That’s the power of drone inspections, and following AWWA standards ensures they’re done safely and effectively. These benefits encompass the following:
- 1. Increased Security
Ditch the scuba gear! Underwater drone inspections eliminate the need for divers to enter the tank, which can be dangerous. This keeps inspectors safe and saves time and money on all those complicated safety procedures.
- 2. Accurate and thorough inspections
Traditional inspections can only see so much, but drone inspections get a complete picture! With high-resolution cameras and fancy sensors, drones can capture every nook and cranny of the tank. This gives inspectors a much more detailed look at what’s going on inside, so they can spot any problems that might need fixing.
- 3. Reduced costs and time spent
Drone inspections save time and money compared to traditional methods! Since divers aren’t needed and inspections are faster, you’ll have less downtime for your water tank. Plus, you won’t need as much extra equipment or people, which keeps costs down the line.
- 4. Observance of regulatory standards
Keeping your water tank shipshape is crucial, and AWWA regulations say you need to inspect it regularly. Underwater drone inspections can help you meet those rules! Drones provide detailed data on the tank’s condition, so you can make informed decisions about repairs and maintenance, ensuring everything stays up to code.
Panel Tanks by American Tanks – the Most Trusted Panel Tank Inspection Company!
Ready to experience the future of water tank inspections? Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled technicians. Let’s work together to ensure your community has a safe, reliable, and efficient water storage system!
Call Panel Tanks by American Tanks at +1 800 656 0167
Or email at info@americanpaneltanks.com
