Water tanks play a vital role in many sectors, including drinking water distribution, industry, wastewater treatment, and technical infrastructure. To ensure they function properly, regular inspections are essential. Corrosion, cracks, deposits, or leaks can compromise the performance of these systems and result in significant costs if not detected in time.
However, inspecting the interior of a tank often poses technical and safety challenges. At Multinnov, we developvisual inspection solutions specifically designed for use in confined spaces and hard-to-reach environments. Thanks to our robotic technologies and inspection drones, it is now possible to obtain accurate diagnostics while minimizing risks to operators.
The Challenges of Inspecting Water Tanks
Inspecting a water tank involves more than just a visual check. These structures often present significant challenges due to their design, accessibility, or the conditions under which work must be performed.
Traditionally, operations sometimes require:
- a temporary shutdown of the facility;
- partial or complete draining of the tank;
- the deployment of specialized confined-space teams;
- the implementation of stringent security procedures.
These operations require time, personnel, and specialized equipment. They can also lead to operational disruptions with significant economic consequences.
Added to this are the risks associated with human intervention in confined spaces. Poor visibility, difficult access, humidity, or hazardous atmospheres require enhanced safety measures.
For operators, the challenge is therefore twofold: ensuring reliable inspections while reducing operational constraints and associated risks.
The technological solutions offered by Multinnov
To address these challenges, we are developinginnovative solutions designed for the inspection of complex infrastructure.
Stereo3: the indoor drone for confined spaces
The Stereo3 is our indoor drone designed to operate in enclosed environments where traditional inspection methods quickly reach their limits.
Thanks to its aerial mobility, it can access areas that are difficult to observe from the ground and perform detailed visual inspections using its onboard systems. This approach minimizes personnel exposure to hazardous situations while speeding up the collection of information.
In the context of a water tank, the Stereo3 can be used to examine:
- the inner walls;
- ceilings and overhead structures;
- areas that are difficult to access;
- components that require regular visual inspection.
This technology offers great flexibility in the field and allows for the precise documentation of the condition of structures using high-quality images.
Roview3: an inspection robot for hard-to-reach environments
In addition to the drone, we also offer the Roview3, an inspection robot designed forCCTV (closed-circuit television) inspection missions.
Equipped with an inspection camera, it enables detailed inspections of various types of structures and networks. Its use facilitates the inspection of structures without requiring direct human intervention in hazardous areas.
In particular, the Roview3 helps to:
- detect cracks and damage;
- identify deposits or accumulations;
- identify structural anomalies;
- improve the traceability of inspections conducted.
Combining the Stereo3 and the Roview3 thus makes it possible to tailor the inspection strategy to the site configuration and the objectives of the assessment.
Benefits and prospects for operators
The integration of drones and inspection robots is gradually transforming maintenance practices inthe water managementindustry and infrastructure.
Enhanced safety
One of the main advantages of these solutions is that they reduce the need for human intervention in confined spaces. Operators can collect the necessary data while minimizing their exposure to risks associated with difficult access or potentially hazardous environments.
Faster inspections
The use of a drone or a specialized robot can often significantly reduce the time spent preparing for and conducting inspections.
This increase inefficiency facilitates better planning of maintenance operations and minimizes disruptions to facility operations.
Improved diagnostic quality
Thanks to the images and videos collected duringvisual inspection missions, operators have access to accurate information about the actual condition of the infrastructure.
This knowledge makes it easier to:
- prioritizing tasks;
- anticipating damage;
- preventive maintenance;
- monitoring changes in structures over time.
The availability of detailed data also improves the reliability of technical decisions.
A reduction in operating costs
Optimizing operations, reducing downtime, and detecting anomalies early on help generate significant cost savings.
This approach makes it possible to balance cost-effectiveness, operational performance, and the maintenance of a high level of security.
In response to the growing challenges of maintaining and monitoring water infrastructure, inspection methods are evolving rapidly. Thanks to our solutions such as the Stereo3 and Roview3, we help operators conduct safer, faster, and more accurate inspections.
By combining drones, inspection robots, inspection cameras, and expertise in confined spaces, we help improve the reliability of diagnostics, optimize the maintenance of structures, and enhance the long-term performance of water infrastructure.
