Live Water Pipe Inspection

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Live Hydrant Entry Surveys (standard installed fire hydrants)

Our site implementation teams are qualified to utilise our unique designed camera systems, these are fully chlorinated and operated under live mains pressure into potable water mains.
The system includes a small camera, attached to a nylon control cable which can be inserted into a fire hydrant to inspect potable water mains and determine the internal condition.
This system provides a live image for teams working above ground, and covers a distance of up to 10 metres in either direction, allowing them to determine whether the main is suitable for lining and investigate sediment levels without the need for excavation.

Implementation of the system has many benefits to the environment, asset owners and customers:

  • Elimination of excavation
  • Environmental impact through non-excavation
  • Less water loss through quicker identification and repair
  • 60% cost savings over conventional processes
  • Improved timescales of operation all deliverables
  • Identification of water discolouration causes and locations
  • An integral part of operational due diligence systems
  • Audits the need for asset pipeline replacement
  • Enables future budgets and time lines for water mains renewal programmes

Live Through Bore Hydrant Entry Surveys

Our site implementation teams are qualified to utilise our unique designed camera systems, these are fully chlorinated and operated under live mains pressure into potable water mains.
The system includes a small camera attached to a nylon control cable and seal arrangement, which can be inserted into a through bore fire hydrant to inspect potable water mains and determine the internal condition.
This system provides a live image for teams working above ground, and covers a distance of up to 100 metres in either direction, allowing them to survey the pipeline without the need for excavation, or interruption to customers supply.

The revolution in recent hydrant styles has enabled API to continue to lead the industry in live potable water pipe inspection.


The through bore fire hydrant enables the utility to utilise this asset for all types of insertion technology.
We in turn have developed our systems to be suitable for the new style hydrants by:

  • Increasing the size of the camera head
  • Adding greater illumination
  • Increasing the sensors radial view
  • Utilising a more rigid tether to improve inspection distance

This system provides a live image for teams working above ground, and covers a distance 0f up to 100 metres in either direction, allowing them to determine whether the main is suitable for lining, without the need for excavation.

Case studies to date are:

  • Investigating pipe wall condition
  • Specialist leak detection
  • Material validation
  • Pre and post cleaning validation
  • Internal validation of pipeline installation/lining projects
  • Sediment issues
  • Seeking ferrules
  • Live valve assessments
  • Location of foreign objects
  • Location of blockages or closed valves
  • Pipeline configuration surveys, prior to lining projects
  • Reasons for water discolouration / water quality issues
  • Life expectancy of the pipe
  • Condition assessment
  • Mains renewal prioritisation
  • Asset management budget Validation

Other Benefits

  • GPS tracking and plotting
  • Direct Import of data to GIS
  • Attachment of video to GIS
  • Validation of Asset management plans
  • Audit trail of Asset management budgets
  • Location of unknown mains locations
  • Commissioning of new pipelines with hydrophone testing and CCTV to validate QC

Trunk Mains Inspection (live CCTV)

Large Diameter Pipes 12 Inch and above

PIPA PullycamTM
The PullycamTM is a highly advanced condition assessment technology for the inspection of large diameter in-service transmission mains. The platform technology can be deployed up to 1000 metres with positive flow via a DN80 valve entry fitting, and works under a wide variety of flow conditions. The PullycamTM incorporates state of the art video technology combined with an ultra-high response hydrophone sensor for precise inspections. The technology is combined into a single and compact sensor head, allowing leak and video inspections to be run simultaneously which drastically increases overall inspection efficiency.

The PullycamTM is the latest product in long distance pipe inspection technology. Unlike conventional ROV crawler systems, the Pullycam can navigate around numerous bends and over obstacles due to the unique design and in pipe cabling technique for pipe inspection.
Used in conjunction with the PipelineTM in pipe cabling system, the Pullycam can be used to survey pipelines distances up to 1000 metres, and is retracted through the pipeline during a recorded survey.


The Pullycam is a critical tool to help ensure the operability and efficiency of water transmission mains. Information gained from transmission main assessments can be interpreted and mapped by API experts to a utility GIS system.

The new approach to pipe inspection will revolutionise the industry, reduce the risk factor during inspections. Unlike other floating CCTV systems that disturb pipe sediment during a survey. The Pullycam surveys against the water flow direction and in turn offers a true condition assessment, with a clear and stable image as it remains tethered throughout the inspection.

Pullycam Advantages

  • Pipeline remains in normal service during inspection
  • Single pass video/leak assessment decreases total inspection time
  • Built in disinfectant system ensures safe cable deployment into potable water mains
  • CCTV inclusive sensor validates leak (not possible without camera)
  • Tethered system minimises risk of lost sensors
  • The unique pulley system removes the risk of water discolouration complaints as it is tethered at both ends
  • Survey undertaken against flow direction for a stable recorded inspection survey
  • Superior operator tool

Asset Condition Assessment Surveys

API can offer an all-round solution in asset assessment delivery by offering a wide range of pipe inspection services.
We have inspected thousands of pipelines not only in the UK but also overseas, In many cases the utility has had issues with networks for periods of up to 10 years, API has removed the guess work and within a single day traced the source and resolved the issue.

Complete condition surveys for asset management on all types and sizes of pipe work. This allows validation of material type, linings, visible sediment and identification of assets.
The system enables inspection surveys up to a maximum distance of 100 metres in each direction.
The systems are designed to be inserted into fully pressurised mains via many entry points, including through bore fire hydrants, valves and quadrena fittings.

Assessment

  • NDT Asset Condition (external wall thickness assessments)
  • Life Expectancy Assessment
  • Asset Lifecycle
  • Coupon Analysis
  • Asset Risk
  • Stress Corrosion
  • Long Seam Cracking

Cleaning pre and post Inspection surveys

Camera Inspection – CCTV Surveys pre and post cleaning
To complement our wide range of services, we provide an under pressure camera inspection service (CCTV Surveys). We are the preferred inspection company to SUEZ Advanced Solutions UK ltd (ice cleaning technology). Using the latest generation equipment we ensure clients are provided with the most advanced technology available for inspection during the pipe cleaning process.


Pipe lines are inspected prior to and after the cleaning process has been undertaken. This adds value to the entire process, with the water utility/asset owner having piece of mind that the pipe clean has been successful.

Fully Recorded Condition Reports
Through CCTV surveys, clients receive condition reports showing clear and accurate imagery of pipework condition and configuration.  Based on the findings of a survey, the most appropriate course of action can be deployed. Whether it is cleaning, lining or replacement.