INTRODUCTION
The pioneers of long distance internal pipe inspection
We are a client led, multi-disciplined group w ho strive to provide the definitive range of
essential support services to the water and related industries.
We provide national and international clients w ith a turnkey service for all aspects of
underw ater inspection, maintenance, rehabilitation and construction.
The group services include Internal Pipe Inspection / testing, Non Destructive Testing,
Diving, Confined Space Access and Remotely Operated Vehicles.
This level of diversity combining many disciplines has bred a culture of innovation w hich is
reflected in our ability to solve client's problems through existing or bespoke solutions.
We routinely w ork as principal contractors and project manage complex multi-disciplined projects from conception through to completion.
Internal Pipe Inspection / testing • Non Destructive Testing • Diving Confined Space Access • Remotely Operated Vehicles.
PROVIDING TOTAL CLIENT SUPPORT WORLDWIDE
Internal Pipe Inspection and Testing
Pipe Inspection Vehicles (PIV) enable detailed visual information, combined w ith accurate sonar imaging to be view ed live and simultaneously stored to hard-drive for maximum
image quality and ease of view ing.
Utilising unique pipe profiling sonar and specialised softw are, we are able to measure
remotely and quantify the visual information obtained by CCTV (see ‘Sonar scanning and profiling’).
Anomalies such as damage, deformation and joint displacement can be measured accurately. Silt and debris levels can be measured and the accumulative volume
assessed.
Sonar is unaffected by water clarity and produces valuable results under conditions that
would render CCTV ineffective.
Many assets have never been inspected, due to long distances between access points,
unacceptable disruption to services associated w ith de-watering and the inherent dangers
of ‘manned entry’.
Our Long distance PIV’s eliminate these problems and can be deployed into
live systems. Where necessary, we design and build bespoke launch systems.
We inspect and test partially surcharged to pressurised pipes, tunnels, aqueducts, culverts, penstocks and adits, and long sea outfalls in both f low ing and static water.
Our long distance internal Pipe Inspection Vehicles (PIV) traverse distances in excess of
24 kilometres from a single entry point and currently operate from w ithin 200mm to
6000mm+ diameter pipes (subject to site conditions).
We combine a broad range of inspection and Non-Destructive Testing techniques (see
‘Non-Destructive Testing’) to provide clients w ith vital asset condition information, from previously inaccessible areas.
Inspect Test
Condition and dimension surveys Lining thickness
Silt and debris levels Wall thickness
Deformation Concrete integrity
Joint displacement Structural condition of pipe
Benefits to clients include:
Unlimited sample readings
No requirement to excavate trial pits
Safe, remote inspection and testing of assets
Minimal or no disruption to pumping schedules
Bespoke solutions to inspection and testing problems
PROVIDING TOTAL CLIENT SUPPORT WORLDWIDE
Diving Services
We are committed to providing clients w ith a turnkey service for all aspects of underwater inspection, construction, maintenance and rehabilitat ion.
Our innovative approach to problem solving has led us to undertake and complete
successfully some of the most diff icult and technically demanding operations w ithin the
industry, w hilst prioritising safety at all times.
Working closely w ith clients and the HSE, w e have prepared safe systems of w ork for
projects as complex as live sewer shaft rehabilitation and extreme confined space diving. tasks including Thermic lance cutting and precision concreting are routinely carried out in
zero underwater visibility.
Inspection services include video surveys utilising low light, high definition colour cameras, supported by ultra bright LED lighting. Hand-held profiling sonar can be used to
accurately measures objects underw ater that would be diff icult or impossible to measure by other means. For further details see ‘Multi-Media Reporting’.
Diver Non-Destructive Testing technique include electronic and ultrasonic tooling to assess concrete integrity, void detection, metal and lining thickness w ith accurate and
repeatable results. For further details see ‘Non-Destructive Testing’
We offer a broad spectrum of conventional repair and rehabilitation services.
Our depth of experience, coupled w ith an innovative ethos has enabled complex and
challenging problems to be overcome successfully.
Our design engineers and fabricators enable us to provide a genuine Turnkey solution for
many projects.
Benefits to clients include:
Unblemished safety record
Turnkey service for all aspects of underwater & marine works
One of few companies deploying E.U. approved equipment
Qualified and highly experienced personnel
Repair and rehabilitation Design, build and install
Lock gate seals and stop plank grooves Intake grills and screens
Shafts & Boreholes Sluice gates
Riverbanks and towpaths Mass and precision concreting/grouting
Dock & reservoir walls Erosion control
Valve and pipe work replacement Fixed underwater CCTV systems
Pipeline clearance and cleaning Pipe and cable laying
PROVIDING TOTAL CLIENT SUPPORT WORLDWIDE
Remotely Operated Vehicle Services
A typical application being Scottish Pow er at Cruachan Pow er Station. A detailed video inspection of a penstock w as required. This particular penstock had never been surveyed.
The penstock w as 6m. In diameter and 400m. in length, running at an angle of 55° through
the mountain. A further complication being the presence of a bifurcation point, w here the
pipe divided into tw o tunnels, each 3m. diameter long and 200m. In length.
We developed a vehicle capable of carrying out the survey. The main vehicle surveyed the
f irst 400m. At the bifurcation point a separate CCTV system detached from the main vehicle and continued to inspect the 3m. diameter tunnels.
We operate a f leet of specialised Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV).
Our ROV’s f ill the gap betw een the capabilit ies of our specialised internal Pipe Inspection Vehicles (PIV) and the requirement to inspect highly specif ic areas such as water tow ers
and industrial cooling pipes etc.
A comprehensive inspection capability utilising CCTV is further enhanced by our ability to
measure underwater features remotely. (see ‘Sonar profiling & scanning’). This enables
detailed reports to be generated without the need to deploy a dive team.
Many of the ROV’s can be f itted w ith the same inspection and testing equipment as our
Pipe Inspection Vehicles (see ‘Non-Destructive Testing’).
Benefits to clients include:
Can be deployed where there is no man access
Can be deployed safely in hazardous environments.
‘Off the shelf’ systems, for rapid deployment
Nominal surface support required
Common applications with ‘Off the shelf’ solutions
Lock systems
Underground reservoirs
Shafts, wells and boreholes
Water storage tanks
Filter beds
Adits and Tunnels
Culverts and Sluices
Where a standard vehicle is not suited, w e design, build and deploy bespoke vehicles to meet almost any inspection and testing criteria.
PROVIDING TOTAL CLIENT SUPPORT WORLDWIDE
Report content
Full survey footage and report on DVD-ROM
Interactive web-based report
Sonar/video clips and stills of key areas
Graphical, three-dimensional representations
Drawings of key areas
Multi-Media Reporting
Survey footage including: CCTV footage, dimensions, sonar profiles, report text, etc. is combined w ith Non-Destructive Testing data and viewed live on the surface w hilst
being simultaneously recorded to hard drive in the surface control unit.
Reports are generated and formatted into interactive web based f iles for ease of view ing.
Hyperlinks enable easy access to footage, data and draw ings of key areas. This allow s for quick and easy access to data, even in large reports.
Morrison Utilities Brede Well 03 Key locations
Where required, Computer Aided Design is used to produce graphic representations and engineering draw ings. Reports are delivered on either CD-ROM or DVD-ROM dependent
on size. A hardcopy is also supplied.
PROVIDING TOTAL CLIENT SUPPORT WORLDWIDE
Sonar profiling and scanning
Mounted on PIV’s, ROV’s or handheld, our unique profile sonar enables remote measuring in low or zero visibility situations. Accurate to w ithin 10 millimetres
(dependent on scale), the sonar system gets results in the most difficult underwater conditions.
Any number of measurements can be taken during the survey. Measurements can also be taken any t ime after the survey utilizing specialised computers.
An indication of the Density of the material is show n by the colour scale and intensity of
the scan.
Sonar profile
CCTV
Measurement string
Measurement value
Distance traversed
in metre’s
Bearing pitch
roll
Survey notes
Screen grab from typical internal pipe inspection. Pipe diameter of 1.8 meters. Measurement showing silt level at base of pipe. The sonar is unaffected by the low visibility.
Low density areas in the crown of this brick culvert show mortar loss.
Here the sonar is used to measure a lock gate stop plank groove.
Density scale
PROVIDING TOTAL CLIENT SUPPORT WORLDWIDE
Non-Destructive Testing
Ultrasonic’s enable the testing of pipe w all thickness and lining de-lamination.
Ground Probing Radar (GPR) is used to detect and assess reinforcing w ithin concrete, voids, cracks and f issures in concrete and sub-strata.
Magnetic flux leakage (MFL) techniques are utilised to assess the condition and predict the longevity of steel & cast iron structures and pipelines etc.
As part of our ongoing development program, w e are currently w orking w ith a partnering company to adapt the MFL system for internal pipe testing on both cast and steel pipes.
The MFL system w ill operate remotely from our Pipe Inspection Vehicles (PIV) enabling
access & testing to be carried out on otherw ise inaccessible locations.
The Group provides a comprehensive range of Non-Destructive Testing services
When combined w ith our long distance internal pipe inspection capability, w e can extend the reach of asset investigation beyond conventional boundaries.
Whether deployed by Internal Pipe Inspection Vehicle, Diver or Remotely Operated Vehicle
our Non-destructive testing systems obtain critical information to enable clients to assess the structural integrity of assets.
Our partnering companies are amongst some of the leading experts in the NDT field. We
ensure that clients benefit from highly accurate data across all Non-Destructive Testing
disciplines.
Standard services include:
Metal particle inspection (M.P.I.)
Ultrasonic metal/plastic thickness testing
Concrete integrity testing
Ground probing radar (GPR)
Cathodic protection testing
Magnetic flux leakage
Lining thickness
Typical applications
Underwater and water filled structures
Tunnels, aqueducts and adits
Pipelines
Storage tanks and reservoirs
Bridges
PROVIDING TOTAL CLIENT SUPPORT WORLDWIDE
Confined Space Services
Services include:
CCTV/Visual/Video inspection
Non-destructive testing (N.D.T.)
Reinforcing and repair work
Grout pumping and concreting
Ultra high pressure ‘cold’ cutting
Welding
Valve/Pipe installation/maintenance
The Water Services Group are committed to designing, building and operating equipment and utilising technology that can eliminate the need for manned access.
On many projects manned access remains the only practical option.
To this end, w e maintains teams of skilled and experienced confined space operatives w ho are supported by state of the art equipment.
We w ork in the capacity of sub-contractor or principal contractor to provide a safe and effective service on extreme locations including:
Landfill methane sumps - chemical storage tanks - live sewer systems - tunnels - shafts - subterranean chambers - adits - pipes - water storage tanks.
As project requirements dictate, w e utilise escape sets, full BA sets and surface supplied breathing air systems for extended duration contaminated environment w orks.
We operate air and hydraulic pow er tools; intrinsically safe camera’s, lights, tooling and
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) equipment and w ork w ith partnering companies to provide
the definitive range of specialised inspection and testing services.
Excursions include:
Difficult and remote access
Extended duration operations
Contaminated/Harsh environment work
All projects are carried out in strict accordance w ith the Confined Space ACOP and w e consult w ith both the Health & Safety Executive and independent safety consultants on the
more complex projects that w e undertake.
PROVIDING TOTAL CLIENT SUPPORT WORLDWIDE
SEA OUTFALL SERVICES
inspection ● testing ● cleaning ● rehabilitation ● tracking We provide a turnkey solution for all aspects of outfall inspection, testing and rehabilitation. Outfall surveys can present more challenges than other pipe surveys in terms of accessibility, dependency on weather and the identif ication of deterioration patterns. Exposure to the splash zone combined w ith an aggressive internal and external environment can serve to create widely varied corrosion and damage patterns. External surveys provide valuable information on general condition, but little of the information required to determine outfall performance and longevity.
Certain critical aspects of outfall performance and longevity can often only be determined accurately from w ithin the pipe.
We understand the diff iculties associated w ith obtaining the data required to effectively assess the condition and potential life-span of an outfall. To this end, we combine unique inspection systems w ith cutting edge technology to obtain data from locations previously considered inaccessible.
Internal inspection & testing
An internal inspection is of vital importance in determining silt/debris levels, damage and deformation, all of which have a direct impact on outfall performance.
Internal Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) including Ultrasonics and Magnetic Flux Leakage techniques (MFL), provide critical condition and longevity data. Outfall tracking
Outfall tracking, plotting the ‘x y z’ axis of the pipe, enables a comparative study to be made against the ‘as-built’ draw ings, in order to determine whether pipe migration has occurred.
Internal inspection & testing services
Sonar profiling - silt/debris/damage levels
Ultrasonic wall thickness testing
Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL)
3D Gyroscopic outfall mapping
External inspection & testing services
Side - scan and bottom profiling sonar
Pipe location and tracking
Ultrasonic wall thickness testing
CCTV/Video - still photographic
Cathodic protection system testing
Outfall rehabilitation We provide a comprehensive range of rehabilitation services which include: placement of Fabric Formwork shuttering for pumped concrete containment on pipe stabilisation, pipe support and scour protection operations. Fabrication and installation of pipe saddles for localised repair and sectional replacement.
Diffuser clean, repair and replacement. Under-scouring is the major cause of joint displacement and subsequent failure. The problem is easily overcome by the timely placement of concrete stabilisation mattress.
Outfall cleaning We combine traditional High Pressure water jetting techniques with our unique winched scraper system to clean pipes varying between 400 - 1800mm diameter for lengths in excess of 700m. The w inching system is ‘low-impact’ and presents none of the damage hazards associated with traditional winching such as abrasion damage and joint displacement. The system is easily deployed by divers.
External inspection & testing
A detailed external inspection by divers will determine general condition including: extent of outfall burial/exposure, stabilisation & pipe saddle structural condition, condition and function of diffusers and localised wall thickness testing. The survey can be tied in to the internal survey w ith any internal anomalies being checked externally by diver. A detailed CCTV survey provides a permanent record. Vessel charter Vessels from 6m - 60m - Barges - Tugs - Amphibious vehicles
All-terrain HP jetting rig deployed at beach
access hatch to support pipe-cleaning operation on remote access location
Hi-vac lorry jetting unit and portable dive
trailer on work barge during 700m outfall cleaning operation
Placement of concrete stabilisation mattress
to support section of pipe spanning sea bed
PROVIDING TOTAL CLIENT SUPPORT WORLDWIDE
PIPE REPAIR AND STABILISATION SYSTEM
pipe inspection ● testing ● cleaning ● rehabilitation ● tracking
We provide a turnkey solution for all aspects of pipe inspection, testing and rehabilitation. The Problem Follow ing an internal pipe inspection of a 2.5m diameter power station cooling pipe in India, serious pipe displacement and defective joints were found to be causing major operational diff iculties for GMR Energy, the power station owner. The common problem was that leaking joints in the pipe were washing out the surrounding bedding material resulting in pipe sections dropping into the newly formed voids, with subsequent joint displacement and the ingress of tons of the surrounding sand. Wave action against adjacent joints was starting to loosen previously stable joints.
After extensive research into proprietary pipe repair systems by both GMR Energy and WSG, it became clear that nothing on the market would come close to providing the necessary permanent and effective solution to their problem. The Solution As part of our ‘Total Client Support’ policy we designed, built and installed our unique pipe repair and stabilisation system on the f ive worst leaking and most heavily displaced joints. The system was modular to facilitate access via small diameter hatches and shafts, and was easily installed by our dive teams working in zero underwater visibility conditions. De-watering the pipe was not an option.
During the initial PIV survey and subsequently during the installation phase, voids of varying sizes were detected behind various pipe sections. The voids occurred as a result of joint displacement and localised damage to wall sections. A number of voids were f illed by ‘hand-placed’ concrete bags positioned prior to the repair system Installation, and/or a combination of pumped ‘micro-concrete’ via injection tubes strategically built into the repair system sections. Most of the repair joints required a combination of both techniques.
System applications
Displaced & damaged pipe joints
Localised wall damage
Pipes varying in diameter between 1m & 6m
Internal pipe stabilisation
Leaking joint repairs
PROVIDING TOTAL CLIENT SUPPORT WORLDWIDE
Keystone By design the system provides a circumferential keystone that matches the exact profile of partially open or fully displaced joints and provides a high level of structural stability, even when the pipes are spanning voids in the bedding material, thus preventing further destabilisation.
The system is equally effective in concrete, steel, iron and brick built pipes, tunnels, culverts, outfalls and aqueducts, etc. irrespective of the transported f luid and f luid temperature.
Subject to requirements the system can be manufactured in stainless steel and custom built to suit any application.
Benefits
Cost effective permanent repair solution
Effective in dry, partially surcharged & surcharged pipes
Custom built to application
Unaffected by chemicals, temperature, salinity
‘no dig’ solution, resistant to internal/external pressure
Patent Application No: 0913010.5
TOTAL PIPE SOLUTION
survey ● report ● clean ● rehabilitate ● reline We provide a turnkey solution for all aspects of pipe inspection, testing and rehabilitation. We understand the delicate nature of old tunnels, culverts and aqueducts. We have inspected in excess of 400km of clients assets, many of which are in excess of 50 years old, with some in excess of 100 years old. Many traditional inspection and cleaning techniques can lead to catastrophic failure. We have devised and implemented many innovative and unique solutions to overcome this problem.
Initial Survey The initial survey is of paramount importance in determining the condition of an asset. Our minimum recommended combination of CCTV and Sonar enables important visual data to be gained (were visibility permits) and accurate measurements taken to assess critical issues such as deformation, cracks, voids, missing pointing, and silt/debris levels.
Sonar image (right) clearly shows missing pointing and deformation in brick culvert - BW Marsworth
Reporting & Recommendations Upon completion of the survey (subject to requirements) reports are generated and formatted into interactive browser based f iles for ease of viewing, allow ing for quick and easy access to data, graphic representations, ‘video
stills’ of key areas, and survey footage. At the same time, w e w ill provide a recommendation for any remedial w orks that appear necessary along w ith an indication of likely cost. Interactive browser based report
Thames Water Turnford Adit
Pipe Cleaning We provide a variety of innovative low impact cleaning techniques including rotary brush and low pressure water cleaning, non-water root cutting, all of which are carefully monitored throughout the operation.
Irish Glass Bottle Co. Dublin Removing industrial sand from 4’ diameter x 300m
long brick built culvert
Minimal environmental impact
No requirement for de-watering
No requirement for reservoir shut down
No requirement for costly piling.
Pipe Rehabilitation Pipe rehabilitation services include, pressure grouting, re-pointing, external concrete mattresses for protection and stabilisation, localised repair and sectional replacement. Many services can be carried as part of a diving operation or a remote underwater operation w ith no requirement to de-water
or suspend services. Timber form for Fabric Formwork Mattress being utilised for culvert repair and protection
Pipe Relining We provide a variety of innovative live pipe relining techniques which include relining with High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipe, for a permanent, cost effective solution.
Benefits Include: On a recent project for BW Morrison the above services were combined to inspect and measure the draw-off culvert at Marsworth Reservoir, a Site of Special Scientif ic Interest (SSSI). The proposed re-lining strategy
was accepted and successfully implemented. The project strategy eliminated reservoir shut down, de-watering or sheet piling thus ensuring there was no impact to the sensitive environment.
BW Morrison - Marsworth Reservoir
HDPE Pipe sections fusion welded on site
Pipe floated to location prior to winching
through existing culvert from paddle shaft
PROVIDING TOTAL CLIENT SUPPORT WORLDWIDE
VESSEL CLEANING & MAINTENANCE
We are a total service provider for all aspects of vessel inspection, testing, cleaning and maintenance.
We have been actively involved in vessel cleaning, waterborne repairs and maintenance since the
early 1980’s.
We are committed to providing clients with a turnkey serv ice for all aspects of vessel inspection, testing, cleaning and maintenance, along with the inspection and maintenance of dock gates,
mooring systems and other harbour related structures.
We provide an efficient and cost effective ‘in-water’ hull cleaning service to improve hydro-dynamic efficiency and to facilitate comprehensive inspection and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) for
condition assessment and longevity prediction.
Propeller cleaning and polishing With fuel-efficiency being of paramount importance we are increasingly asked to clean and polish
propellers.
Close monitoring of vessel performance shows that a power saving of 10-20% can be achieved as a direct result of effective propeller cleaning and polishing alone. In most cases underwater cleaning
and polishing produces superior finishes to the finish obtained during dry-dock cleaning.
Vessel repairs
Commercial considerations necessitate certain vessel repairs being carried out without the need to
dry-dock, being aware of the need for speed and effectiveness, we have combined traditional and
innovative techniques to provide efficient and cost-effective repair solutions.
Harbour repair & maintenance
We routinely carry out a full range of underwater engineering services including: dock gate repairs,
harbour walls, bridges, pontoons, mooring systems, sluices and specialised underwater concreting
for structural repairs, construction, pipe-support and anti-scour mattress installation.
Vessel Repairs
Wet Welding
Thermic lance cutting
Aperture blanking
Propeller repair/replacement
Bilge keel cropping
Anode replacement
Non-Destructive Testing
PROVIDING TOTAL CLIENT SUPPORT WORLDWIDE
INTERNAL PIPE INSPECTION & TESTING, NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING (NDT) DIVING & CONFINED SPACE SERVICES, REMOTELY OPRERATED VEHICLES
VESSEL INSPECTION & TESTING
External inspection We are a total serv ice prov ider for all aspects of vessel inspection, testing, cleaning and
maintenance.
We have been actively involved in vessel maintenance since the early 1980’s, when in addition to providing our full range of diving inspection and maintenance services, we were responsible for and
actively involved in, the maintenance of the Hydrospace Int. dive support vessels based in the middle east.
Since then we have been committed to providing clients with a turnkey serv ice for all aspects of
vessel inspection, testing, cleaning and maintenance, along with the inspection and maintenance of dock gates, mooring systems and other harbour related structures.
We are keenly aware that commercial matters dictate vessel docking is kept to a minimum.
To this end, we strive to provide a fast response and an efficient service.
Rapid Inspections are an essential part of the service and where appropriate we utilise Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) to carry out an initial inspection of the Hull, Sea Chests and
Propellers etc.
Where further information is required we utilise teams of highly qualified, experienced divers to provide the additional technical information unobtainable from an ROV survey.
We operate a range of unique internal Pipe Inspection Vehicles (PIV) capable of inspecting both dry
and water filled pipes with diameters as small as 50mm.
Whatever your requirements for inspection may be, we guarantee to provide a solution.
If we do not have a suitable vehicle in our existing fleet of specialised PIV’s we will design, build and operate a bespoke system to match your requirement.
Internal inspection We inspect storage tanks, and confined spaces both remotely and by util ising our teams of fully
trained and equipped confined space personnel. We also operate extended duration surface supplied breathing apparatus sets, for difficult access and extended duration projects.
External vessel inspection
Diving inspection
Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) inspection
Remote inlet/outlet inspection
Internal vessel inspection
Internal pipe inspection
Confined space inspection
Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) inspection
Diving inspection
External/internal testing We provide a comprehensive range of non-destructive testing (NDT) services, including our unique Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) condition assessment system. We work closely w ith some of the leading experts in the NDT field to ensure that the level of technology that we offer to our clients is truly state-of-the-art.
Ultrasonic’s is ideally suited to carrying out localised wall thickness testing and can provide good comparative results between areas considered as high risk of wear and damage and the areas considered as low risk. MFL techniques are utilised to map and size all signif icant corrosion patterns on the external face of a structure and subject to corrosion drivers, corrosion protection and the extent of the surface area percentage inspected, we are able to predict structural longevity and overall structural condition. MPI we utilise a combination of techniques for detecting cracks, laps, seams, voids, pits, subsurface holes and other discontinuities.
We routinely deploy these techniques eff iciently and effectively on a wide variety of vessels, often under extreme conditions above and below water; in diff icult access confined spaces, suspended from ropes and within f luid storage tanks, to provide clients with critical asset condition information irrespective of location.
PROVIDING TOTAL CLIENT SUPPORT WORLDWIDE
Internal and External vessel testing
Ultrasonic Testing
Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL)
Metal Particle Inspection (MPI)
Hull roughness testing
Propeller roughness readings
CCTV Inspection
INTERNAL PIPE INSPECTION & TESTING, NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING (NDT) DIVING & CONFINED SPACE SERVICES, REMOTELY OPRERATED VEHICLES (ROV)
Ultrasonic thickness testing