Panel tanks serve as storage for drinking water, wastewater, and various liquids, underscoring the importance of thorough inspections to uphold their integrity and efficiency. Given the critical nature of panel tank inspections, the utilization of underwater drone footage has emerged as a reliable and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods.
In accordance with recommendations from the American Water Works Association (AWWA), employing underwater drones for panel tank inspections can mitigate the risks associated with confined spaces while enhancing the speed and accuracy of inspections.
As such, underwater drone inspections have become an indispensable tool for ensuring the safety and reliability of FRP panel tanks, benefiting both the maintenance personnel and the individuals reliant on them for clean water.
Why Must You Adhere to AWWA Guidelines?
The American Water Works Association (AWWA) offers comprehensive recommendations for the design, operation, and maintenance of water systems. Adhering to AWWA standards is essential to ensuring the safety, reliability, and sustainability of our water systems. By adopting these best practices, operators of water systems can safeguard public health and deliver high-quality water to consumers.
AWWA standards cover various aspects of water system operations, including water treatment, distribution, and storage. These guidelines encompass a wide range of topics such as water quality monitoring, disinfection, and corrosion prevention. Compliance with these recommendations enables water system operators to implement best practices and meet regulatory standards.
Furthermore, AWWA standards promote consistency across the water industry, which is particularly important for public water systems serving large populations. By adhering to AWWA guidelines, these systems can establish a framework for managing and maintaining water quality that is recognized and respected by regulators, customers, and other stakeholders.
AWWA Guidelines for Underwater Drone Inspections of Panel Tanks
Numerous AWWA standards and publications regarding underground water tank inspections and maintenance may also be relevant to drone underwater inspections of panel tanks. These include the following:
AWWA D100-11: Welded Steel Water Storage Tanks
This standard establishes the minimum criteria for the design, construction, inspection, and maintenance of welded steel water storage tanks. It outlines inspection, repair, and maintenance standards specifically tailored for underwater drone inspections.
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
Bolted fiberglass-reinforced plastic water storage tanks are required to comply with the design, construction, inspection, and maintenance criteria outlined in this standard. Although the standard addresses tank inspection, repair, and maintenance, it does not include provisions for underwater drone inspections.
AWWA M58: Internal Water Tank Inspection
This guidebook discusses internal inspections of steel and concrete water tanks, including inspection methods, equipment, and safety protocols, which could potentially be relevant to underwater drone inspections.
Benefits of Meeting Underwater Drone Inspections for Panel Tanks per AWWA Guidelines
When conducted in compliance with the American Water Works Association (AWWA) standards, underwater drone inspections of panel tanks offer several advantages for enhancing the safety and efficiency of water system operations. These benefits encompass the following:
- 1. Increased Security
Underwater drone inspections can obviate the necessity for divers to enter the tank, a potentially hazardous endeavor. Employing underwater drones allows operators to mitigate the risks inherent in confined spaces and underwater labor, thereby eliminating the requirement for expensive and time-consuming safety protocols.
- 2. Accurate and thorough inspections
Underwater drone inspections can offer a more extensive and detailed assessment of the tank compared to traditional methods. Drones outfitted with high-resolution cameras and advanced sensors can capture precise images and measurements of the tank’s condition, facilitating the detection of potential issues and areas requiring attention.
- 3. Reduced costs and time spent
Water system operators could achieve cost savings as a result of the enhanced speed and efficiency of underwater drone inspections in contrast to traditional methods. By reducing downtime and minimizing the requirement for extra equipment and personnel, underwater drone inspections can help manage maintenance and repair expenses.
- 4. Observance of regulatory standards
To ensure adherence to regulatory standards, AWWA regulations mandate regular inspections of water storage tanks; underwater drone inspections can aid in meeting these criteria. By providing accurate and comprehensive data regarding the tank’s condition, operators can make maintenance and repair decisions in line with regulatory requirements.
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