The Advantages of Underwater ROV Drone Inspections for Water Storage Tanks

Water Storage Tanks

Typically, contractors deactivate water tanks for inspections, cleaning, and sanitization purposes. Furthermore, a considerable volume of water drained from these tanks is released into the ground due to its inability to be recycled within the system. Fortunately, we now possess compact portable ROV systems that can mitigate downtime while also providing necessary accessories to uphold tank cleanliness and integrity.

Types of Water Storage Tanks

Here are the 8 most common water tanks on the market today.

  • Fiberglass
  • Pillow Tanks
  • Concrete
  • Stainless Steel
  • Bolted Steel
  • Galvanized Steel
  • Polyethylene

Traditional Water Tank Inspections

As time passes, unattended water tanks become susceptible to corrosion or degradation of the materials typically employed in their construction. For example, concrete tanks are prone to cracking, while steel tanks are vulnerable to rust formation.

ROV Visual Inspection

Today’s market offers a plethora of submersible ROVs (Remote Operated Vehicles), many of which feature high-lumen lighting, advanced stabilization, and camera systems. These functionalities assist in maintaining position and capturing high-definition video footage and images for visual inspection purposes. Underwater ROV systems enable inspectors to delve into greater depths and for prolonged periods. Additional ROV accessories allow inspectors to mark specific positions and areas of interest for further examination.

Due to their portability and compact size, these Remote Operated Vehicles can be rapidly deployed for underwater tasks without the need to schedule or coordinate with divers.

ROVs are proven to be the most efficient tool for inspecting and documenting the overall condition of the interior tank coating, as well as all critical components of potable storage tanks, including walls, floors, roofs, inlets, outlets, and vents. They are invaluable for identifying leaks, corrosive damage, and sediment accumulation within the storage tank, while also providing a visual evaluation of its internal state.

Why Perform a Water Tank Inspection with an ROV?

permits, planning, and paperwork. ROV inspections negate the necessity to empty or refill water tanks. Utilizing an ROV streamlines the time-consuming recommissioning process.

ROVs show promise in augmenting traditional water tank inspection methods. Our team has identified the following advantages of using ROVs over traditional methods:

  1. Utilizing an ROV eradicates the risks associated with entering confined spaces, thus obviating the need for permits, planning, and paperwork.
  2. ROV inspections eliminate the requirement to drain or refill water tanks.
  3. If repair work is required post-ROV inspection, the footage can be archived for future planning purposes, potentially saving time and costs over time.
  4. ROV footage provides detailed, close-up views essential for comprehensive tank inspections.
  5. ROVs are equipped with enhanced tools and attachments enabling them to take samples from inside tanks and measure wall thickness.

We can easily bring the ROV up to the top of the tower with us. All inspections can be conducted either from the launch site atop the tower or remotely from our inspection vehicle, depending on your preference. The digital video recorder will capture the entire dive, recording depth, water temperature, and heading, which we will provide to you as part of our final report or include as documentation.

Our inspection video and accompanying reports assist you in evaluating the overall condition of both the interior and exterior of your tank, aiding in the identification and budgeting for any necessary repairs. Any corrosion, coating failure, or other abnormalities will be thoroughly documented and noted on the survey video and reports.

We offer tried and tested services in Crockett, Grapeland, Kennard, Latexo, Lovelady, Ratcliff, HOUSTON, TEXAS. 

We also offer tried and tested services in Longbeach, and cities, towns, suburbs, localities, and places close to Long Beach such as Lakewood, Rossmoor, Lincoln Village, Seal Beach, Hawaiian Gardens, Los Alamitos, Cypress, Bellflower, Carson, La Palma, Paramount, Cerritos, East Compton, West Carson, Compton, Norwalk, Stanton, Westminster, Lomita, Downey, Lynwood, Rolling Hills Estates, Cudahy, CALIFORNIA.

Our friendly and experienced customer service team is here to help you!

Call Panel Tanks by American Tanks at +1 800 656 0167

Or email at info@americanpaneltanks.com 

1305 W 11th St #4087 Houston, TX 77008 USA

3711 Long Beach blvd Suite 4057 4th Floor # 1079 Long Beach, CA 90807 USA

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