Inspection of water tanks by underwater drone

The inspection of extinguishing water tanks and process water tanks in industrial plants by underwater drone enables the tanks to be inspected quickly and safely without draining the water.
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Efficient and safe inspection of water tanks by submersible robot without draining water

Christian Engelke

Inspections of water tanks are often time-consuming and cost-intensive, as they usually require draining the water. Underwater drones bieten eine schnelle, sichere Lösung, bei der das Löschwasser im Tank verbleibt. So bleibt die Löschbereitschaft erhalten und Ausfallzeiten werden minimiert. Zudem unterstützt diese Methode die Einhaltung von Legal Compliance and secures the Insurance coveras all legal requirements and safety standards are met.

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A selection of our customers and partners

Drone inspections for water tanks and sprinkler tanks - time-saving, precise and safe

As a plant manager, you know how crucial regular and thorough inspections of water tanks and sprinkler tanks are. Damage, deposits and contamination in these tanks can affect operational safety and efficiency and lead to costly breakdowns. Traditional inspection methods are costly and often require the water to be completely drained. This results in long downtimes and poses safety risks to personnel. (Link to FM Global Loss Prevention)

  • With the Inspections by underwater drone we offer a modern solution for inspecting water tanks in industrial plants and power stations as well as sprinkler tanks and extinguishing water tanks. Our drones capture high-resolution images and precise data to perform a detailed inspection of hard-to-reach internal areas - without having to drain the water. We work closely with inspection organisations to ensure that all inspections meet the highest quality and safety standards.

  • Thanks to our many years of experience in the field of extinguishing water and process water we can precisely inspect and document specific defects such as corrosion on steel walls, deposits, contamination and damage to coatings and fixtures. Our underwater drones make it possible to precisely detect even the smallest defects and quickly initiate maintenance measures. Instandhaltung einzuleiten.

  • Rely on Inspections with underwater drones and benefit from our extensive experience, modern technology and cooperation with leading inspection associations to optimise the safety and efficiency of your tank and silo inspections.
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Experts for industrial inspections

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Christian
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Karsten
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Phil
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Juliana
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Stephan

Our experts offer customised inspection solutions for water tanks and sprinkler tanks - with underwater drones for precise and safe results without draining the water.

Why regular inspections of water tanks and sprinkler tanks are crucial for legal compliance

The Inspection of sprinkler tanks und Löschwassertanks hat eine entscheidende Bedeutung für die Legal Compliance (legal compliance), especially in safety-critical areas such as fire protection and industrial plants. There are several reasons why regular inspections are essential to fulfil legal requirements:

  1. Compliance with regulations and standards:
    In many countries, regular inspections of fire protection systems are required by law. This applies to standards such as VdS CEA 4001 or FM Global Standards, which set requirements for the functionality of sprinkler systems and their water tanks. Failure to carry out inspections can be considered a breach of these regulations and lead to fines or even operating bans.

  2. Minimise liability risk:
    Companies have a legal obligation to ensure the safety of their employees and facilities. Defects in fire protection systems can lead to liability claims in the event of damage. Regular inspections ensure that the systems are in perfect condition, which minimises the risk of accidents and legal consequences.

  3. Insurance cover:
    Many insurance companies, such as FM Global, require regular inspections to ensure that fire protection systems are properly maintained. If these inspections are not carried out, this can lead to restrictions or loss of insurance cover in the event of a claim.

  4. Preventive measures and safety standards:
    Regular inspections ensure that preventative measures can be taken before an incident occurs. This not only supports operational safety, but also shows the authorities and insurers that the company proactively fulfils the legal requirements.

In short, regular inspections are essential to comply with legal requirements, ensure operational safety and minimise liability risks. They ensure that a company is legally protected in the event of an incident and complies with the required standards.

What are the advantages of inspecting water tanks and sprinkler tanks with underwater drones?

The inspection of water tanks and sprinkler tanks with underwater drones offers decisive advantages:

  • No divers required: The inspection is completely remote-controlled so that divers do not have to enter potentially dangerous environments, which significantly increases safety.

  • Maintaining operational readiness: As the water in the tank does not need to be drained, extinguishing or operational readiness is guaranteed at all times.

  • Time and cost efficiency: Dispensing with complex draining and refilling procedures saves time and reduces costs by minimising operational interruptions.

  • Precise inspection and informative reports: High-resolution cameras and advanced sensors detect even the smallest defects such as corrosion or deposits. The results are documented in comprehensive reports that serve as a basis for targeted maintenance or repair measures.

Underwater drones provide you with a safe, efficient and cost-saving solution for inspecting your tanks.

How does the inspection of water tanks with underwater drones differ from conventional inspection methods?

The inspection of water tanks and sprinkler tanks with underwater drones differs significantly from conventional methods:

  • No draining of the water: Traditional inspections often require the water to be completely drained, which is time-consuming and cost-intensive. With underwater drones, the water remains in the tank and the inspection is carried out quickly and efficiently.

  • No divers required: Conventional methods often require divers to check the condition of the tank. Underwater drones eliminate the need for divers, avoiding risks to personnel.

  • Minimise operational interruptions: Da weder das Wasser abgelassen noch Taucher eingesetzt werden müssen, reduziert die Drone inspection die Ausfallzeiten auf ein Minimum und erhält die Betriebsbereitschaft.

  • Greater precision and safety: Underwater drones use high-resolution cameras and modern sensors to capture precise data and images that enable a detailed and reliable assessment of the tank condition.

Thanks to these advantages, underwater drones offer an innovative, safe and cost-saving alternative to traditional inspection methods.

Which water tanks can be inspected with underwater drones?

Underwater drones can be used to efficiently inspect various types of water tanks and sprinkler tanks in industrial plants, including

  • Sprinkler tanks: Regular inspection of these tanks is crucial to ensure that the fire protection system is operational at all times.

  • Extinguishing water tanks: Underwater drones enable a thorough inspection for corrosion, deposits and structural damage without draining the water reserves.

  • Process water tanks: These tanks, which are often used in production facilities, can also be inspected to ensure their integrity and maintain production operations without interruption.

  • Other industrial water tanks: All tanks that are difficult to access or require underwater inspection can be monitored using this technology.

The flexibility and efficiency of the underwater drones make them ideal for inspecting a wide range of water tank types in industrial environments.

How safe is an underwater drone inspection?

Inspecting water tanks and sprinkler tanks with underwater drones is extremely safe and offers numerous advantages:

  • No use of divers: The inspection is carried out completely remotely, eliminating the risks for personnel who would have to immerse themselves in hazardous environments using conventional methods.

  • Minimal hazard: As the water does not need to be drained, the tanks remain in their normal operating condition, ensuring structural integrity and stability during the inspection.

  • Modern technology: Underwater drones are equipped with high-resolution cameras and advanced sensors that detect even the smallest damage without anyone having to enter the tank.

  • Reduced risk of contamination: By dispensing with manual intervention, the risk of contamination in the water is minimised.

This method provides a safe, reliable and efficient way to assess the condition of water tanks and sprinkler tanks without jeopardising human safety or operational readiness.

How long does it take to inspect water tanks and sprinkler tanks using an underwater drone?

The duration of an inspection of water tanks and sprinkler tanks with underwater drones depends on various factors, such as the size of the tank, the degree of contamination and the complexity of the tank structure. However, the inspection can usually be completed within a few hours. As no water needs to be drained and no divers need to be deployed, the method is significantly faster and more efficient than traditional inspection methods and minimises operational interruptions considerably.

How are the targets for the inspection of water tanks set and adhered to?

Die Ziele für die Inspektion von Wassertanks und Sprinklertanks mit Unterwasserdrohnen werden im Vorfeld gemeinsam mit dem Kunden festgelegt. In einem ausführlichen Vorgespräch ermitteln wir die spezifischen Anforderungen und Erwartungen des Kunden. Unsere Experten bringen ihre langjährige Erfahrung in der Inspektion von Tanks ein und identifizieren alle relevanten Aspekte, die bei der Inspektion berücksichtigt werden müssen. Diese werden klar kommuniziert und in einem detaillierten Inspektionsplan festgehalten.

During the inspection, we continuously monitor the defined targets and ensure that all critical areas of the tank are thoroughly checked. At the end, our customers receive a comprehensive report that transparently presents the results of the inspection and offers clear recommendations for any measures to be taken.

Are underwater drones easy to operate and do you need special training?

Underwater drones require a high level of expertise. The operation of these drones goes far beyond control; it must be understood as an overall solution consisting of various components. These include high-resolution cameras, lighting systems, sensors and software for data analysis. For certain missions, we also customise the drones and their equipment manually to meet the specific requirements.

Specialised training and extensive expertise are therefore required to operate the drones safely and effectively. Our teams are fully trained and have the necessary experience to optimise the use of all system components and deliver precise inspection results.

What happens if defects or damage are discovered during the inspection of water tanks?

If defects or damage are detected during the inspection of water tanks and sprinkler tanks with underwater drones, we record these precisely with high-resolution photos and videos. All relevant areas are documented precisely so that the type and location of the damage are clearly visible to the customer.

After the inspection, we provide you with a comprehensive report detailing all defects found. We provide the necessary visual information so that you, the customer, can make informed decisions about the next steps, such as possible repairs or maintenance. Our focus is on presenting the condition of the tanks in a transparent and understandable way.

Can the drone inspection of water tanks be carried out during operation?

Yes, the inspection of water tanks and sprinkler tanks with underwater drones can usually also be carried out during operation. As the water remains in the tank with this method and no draining is required, the tanks remain operational. This ensures continuous extinguishing readiness for sprinkler tanks or the availability of process water without major interruptions to operations. This approach minimises downtimes and allows flexible planning of inspections without disrupting normal operations.

How can I book an underwater drone inspection for my water tanks and sprinkler tanks?

Simply contact us and we will discuss your individual requirements together. Our experts are on hand to understand the requirements of your tanks and offer you the best possible inspection solution. Contact us and we will plan a customised inspection that is precisely tailored to your needs and operational circumstances.

Can underwater drones also be used to retrieve objects such as tools or foreign objects under water?

Yes, with underwater drones it is possible to retrieve objects such as tools or foreign objects under water. Our drones can be equipped with special gripper arms or other attachments that make it possible to safely retrieve smaller objects from the water. This technology is ideal for recovering objects in water tanks, pools or other underwater areas without the need for divers.

Contact us and we will discuss the details and requirements of your salvage project in order to offer you the best solution.

What is the difference between a sprinkler tank and an extinguishing water tank?

Der Hauptunterschied zwischen einem Sprinkler tank und einem Löschwassertank liegt in ihrer jeweiligen Funktion und der Art ihrer Nutzung innerhalb von Brandschutzsystemen:

  1. Sprinkler tank:

    • A sprinkler tank is used specifically to supply sprinkler systems. These systems are automated firefighting systems that release water via sprinkler nozzles in the event of a fire in order to extinguish or control the flames.
    • The tank holds a certain amount of water to ensure that the sprinkler system works immediately and continuously when a fire is detected. The capacity of the tank depends on the requirements of the sprinkler system.
    • The pressure is often provided by pumps or natural gravity, depending on the design of the system.

  2. Extinguishing water tank:

    • An extinguishing water tank, on the other hand, is used for the general supply of water for manual extinguishing measures or for other fire protection systems. The water can be withdrawn in an emergency for use via hydrants, hoses or other extinguishing equipment.
    • This tank is often part of a larger system for providing extinguishing water for fire brigades or other fire-fighting measures.
    • Extinguishing water tanks are often used in large plants or industrial complexes to provide sufficient quantities of water for firefighting, regardless of the water supply on site.

Summarised: The sprinkler tank supplies automated sprinkler systems, while the extinguishing water tank is used more generally for various manual and automatic extinguishing systems.

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Frequently asked questions

Kopterflug Kopterflug is your ideal partner for the inspection of water tanks and sprinkler tanks because we have many years of experience, state-of-the-art underwater drone technology and a trained team. We offer customised inspection solutions that are efficient, safe and precise without interrupting operations or draining the water. With our expertise and focus on the highest quality standards, we ensure clear, detailed results that give you full transparency about the condition of your tanks.

Kopterflug has extensive experience in the inspection of water tanks and underwater inspections, with a strong background in industrial inspection. Our expertise comes from inspecting complex industrial facilities, and we have successfully inspected hundreds of water tanks and sprinkler tanks. Using state-of-the-art underwater drone technology, we offer precise and safe inspection solutions based on many years of experience.
Kopterflug works closely with maintenance engineers and plant managers to plan and carry out inspections of water tanks and sprinkler tanks in an efficient and targeted manner. We offer customised inspection solutions and ensure transparent communication before, during and after the inspection. This ensures that all relevant information is clearly documented and easily accessible in order to make the best decisions for maintenance and operation.
Kopterflug is characterised by its combination of many years of experience in industrial inspection, the use of state-of-the-art underwater drone technology and a deep understanding of the needs of maintenance engineers and plant managers. We offer customised inspection solutions that can be carried out without interrupting operations and deliver precise, high-resolution results that are reliable and efficient. Our focus on quality and safety makes us a trusted partner.
You can easily book an underwater drone inspection with Kopterflug by filling out our contact form on the website. After your enquiry, we will get back to you promptly to discuss your needs and plan a customised inspection solution.
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