Case Study | Water
Concrete Condition Assessment Survey Of Three Digester Tanks
The Background
A water company approached HausBots LTD with a requirement to undertake a comprehensive structural assessment of three external concrete digester tanks. The client had observed external defects and needed to determine the root cause and scope of necessary remedial repairs.
The initial proposal involved intrusive investigation, including drilling core holes to retrieve samples for lab testing. Due to the tanks being in a potentially explosive (Ex-rated) zone and severe concerns about the tanks’ structural condition, the client decided not to undertake any intrusive testing.
The subsequent scope required a non-intrusive survey to precisely locate internal defects and corrosion risk without compromising the asset’s structural or atmospheric integrity. Half-cell Potential and GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) were selected as the primary NDT methods to determine both the potential for corrosion and the precise depth and location of the reinforcing steel.
“HausBots solution allowed the digesters to stay operational, saving us time, money and reducing disruption ”
Callum, Project Engineer at Northumbrian Water
The Solution
The solution proposed leveraged the HausBots HB1 Wall Climbing Robot to conduct a comprehensive structural survey (Half-cell Potential and GPR) with 100% asset coverage. The project achieved the client’s aims by solving the two primary constraints:
Elimination of Shutdown: The robot could be deployed externally, allowing the digester tanks to remain operational, eliminating major revenue loss and complex shutdown costs.
Compliance & Access: The external deployment navigated the Ex-rated zone limits and bypassed the complex infrastructure (pipework and supporting structures) which would have made traditional scaffolding challenging and, in some areas, physically impractical.
The HausBots team worked collaboratively with the on-site engineering team to successfully achieve the aims of the project within all safety and operational parameters.
Enhanced Safety
Minimize risk with robots that handle hazardous inspections, keeping personnel safe and operations uninterrupted.
Operational Efficiency
Achieve faster inspections with zero downtime, maintaining productivity while ensuring comprehensive asset evaluations.
Comprehensive Coverage
Our technology ensures complete structural analysis, providing detailed insights without disrupting your processes.
Cost-Effective Solutions
Reduce inspection costs with our innovative approach, offering a reliable alternative to traditional methods.
Benefits Delivered
Health and Safety : The ability to operate the robot externally eliminated the need for intrusive testing (core sampling) and kept human personnel away from the potentially explosive (Ex-rated) atmosphere, drastically improving site safety compliance.
Asset Inspection Coverage : Access & Scope: The robot provided the only practical method to conduct a 100% structural assessment of the external surfaces, bypassing the complex pipework where scaffolding was impossible.
Speed : Operational Continuity: The survey was conducted while all three digester tanks remained fully operational, achieving zero shutdown costs and avoiding significant disruption to the effluent treatment process.