Panel tanks play a vital role in storing drinking water, wastewater, and various liquids, highlighting the importance of thorough inspections to maintain their integrity and efficiency. Recognizing the criticality of these inspections, the use of underwater drone footage has emerged as a dependable and cost-efficient alternative to traditional methods.
Following recommendations from the American Water Works Association (AWWA), employing underwater drones for panel tank inspections helps mitigate risks associated with confined spaces while improving the speed and accuracy of inspections.
Consequently, underwater drone inspections have become an indispensable tool for ensuring the safety and reliability of FRP panel tanks, benefiting both maintenance personnel and individuals dependent on them for clean water.
Why Adherence to AWWA Guidelines is Paramount?
The American Water Works Association (AWWA) provides comprehensive guidelines for designing, operating, and maintaining water systems. Adhering to AWWA standards is crucial for ensuring the safety, reliability, and sustainability of our water systems. By embracing these best practices, water system operators can protect public health and deliver high-quality water to consumers.
AWWA standards address various facets of water system operations, including water treatment, distribution, and storage. These guidelines cover a wide array of topics such as water quality monitoring, disinfection, and corrosion prevention. Compliance with these recommendations empowers water system operators to implement best practices and meet regulatory requirements.
Moreover, AWWA standards foster consistency across the water industry, particularly for public water systems serving large populations. By following AWWA guidelines, these systems can establish a framework for managing and enhancing water quality that garners recognition and trust from regulators, customers, and other stakeholders.
Developing AWWA Standards: Underwater Drone Inspections for Panel Tanks
Several AWWA standards and publications addressing underground water tank inspections and maintenance could offer insights applicable to drone underwater inspections of panel tanks. These resources comprise:
AWWA D100-11: Welded Steel Water Storage Tanks
This standard sets forth the minimum requirements for the design, construction, examination, and upkeep of welded steel water storage tanks. It delineates standards for inspections, repairs, and maintenance, particularly customized for underwater drone assessments.
AWWA M42: Steel Water-Storage Tanks AWWA M42
This guidebook offers extensive details concerning the design, building, examination, and upkeep of steel water storage tanks. It covers tank inspection and maintenance practices, encompassing schedules, methods, and repair procedures.
AWWA D121-12 Standard: Bolted Fiberglass Water Tanks
Bolted fiberglass-reinforced plastic water storage tanks must adhere to the guidelines set forth in this standard concerning design, construction, inspection, and maintenance. While the standard covers tank inspection, repair, and maintenance, it doesn’t incorporate guidelines for underwater drone inspections.
AWWA M58: Internal Water Tank Inspection
This guidebook delves into internal inspections of steel and concrete water tanks, encompassing inspection methodologies, equipment, and safety measures, which may have relevance to underwater drone inspections.
Enhanced Panel Tank Inspections: Leveraging Underwater Drones for AWWA-Aligned Assessments
Conducting underwater drone inspections of panel tanks in accordance with American Water Works Association (AWWA) standards offers several advantages for improving the safety and efficiency of water system operations. These benefits include:
- Enhanced Safety
Underwater drone inspections eliminate the need for divers to enter the tank, reducing the risks associated with confined spaces and underwater work. This helps operators avoid costly and time-consuming safety protocols.
- Thorough and Accurate Assessments
Compared to traditional methods, underwater drone inspections provide more detailed evaluations of the tank. Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and advanced sensors can capture precise images and measurements, allowing for the detection of potential issues and areas requiring attention.
- Cost and Time Savings
By improving the speed and efficiency of inspections, underwater drone inspections can result in cost savings for water system operators. Reduced downtime and fewer requirements for additional equipment and personnel contribute to managing maintenance and repair expenses.
- Compliance with Regulatory Standards
Regular inspections of water storage tanks are mandated by AWWA regulations to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Underwater drone inspections provide operators with accurate and comprehensive data on the tank’s condition, facilitating decision-making in line with regulatory requirements.
Tanks Liners by American Tanks: Setting the Standard for Panel Tank Inspections!
If you’re looking for a water tank service provider that prioritizes safety, efficiency, and technological innovation, look no further than our expert tank inspection team. We are committed to staying at the forefront of technological advancements to provide top-notch service to our clients. Contact us today to learn more about our panel tank inspection services and schedule an appointment with one of our skilled technicians. Let us help you maintain a secure, reliable, and efficient water storage system for your community.
Call Tanks Liners by American Tanks at +1 800 656 0167
Or email at info@americantankliners.com
