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1.
Does the utility operator need to anything in preparation
for the inspection? |
| As
opposed to dry or diver inspection there is no preparation
required by the utility operator for a TankRover™
inspection. Unlike diver inspection you do not need
to isolate the tank, which means no valve turning,
pumping or loss of pressure. There is also no need
for follow up bacteria testing or disinfection. |
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2.
Is there any possibility of water contamination by
the ROV? |
| The
TankRover™ unit is constructed of inert high
density plastics. Even the critical thruster bearing
seals have be filled with a food grade glycerin. The
unit is disinfected before every inspection in accordance
with AWWA C652 using a 200 ppm+ chlorine solution
on all components that enter the water. Unlike with
divers there is no concern over medical records or
discharged breathing air into the water.
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| 3.
How much detail can be viewed through the video camera? |
| The
TankRover™ is equipped with a 12:1 macro zoom
video camera which allows the inspector to zoom in
and clearly view surface features as small as 1/32".
The power wire cleaning tool cleans off all surface
debris, corrosion products and failed coating permitting
the inspector to see pits, cracks and weld corrosion. |
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| 4.
Can still photographs be provided of the internal inspection?
|
| Extech
is able to digitally capture any individual frame of
the color video and print those frames in high quality
full color. These stills are equal to a 35 mm camera
photos and are provided in the written report.
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| 5.
Has the ROV inspection been directly compared with dry
and diver inspections? |
| Extech
has had the opportunity to directly compare the results
of a diving inspection with a TankRover™ inspection.
The level of detail and surface coverage of the TankRover™
was equal to the diver method, but the TankRover™
caused much less turbidity than the diver. This allowed
for clearer pictures and better close-ups. It should
be noted that the TankRover™ inspector had a
better understanding of coating failure mechanisms,
because we are inspectors first! We have over 25 years
of corrosion, tank and inspection experience.
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| 6.
Can the ROV view larger sections of the internal surfaces? |
| When
tanks are dark due to surface staining they absorb light.
When tanks are dark they are difficult for both divers
and ROV's to get wide shots. The TankRover™ carriers
three high intensity halogen lamps as opposed to one
or two normally carried by dives. This extra light allows
for better wide views even in the darkest tanks. The
Extech TankRover™ is equipped with a 1 lux camera
that can operate in natural light.
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| 7.
What credentials should I demand for tank inspection
personnel? |
The
real value of a comprehensive tank inspection is the
projections and recommendations made by your tank
inspector. You should demand that the on site inspector
have NACE Coating Certifications and API-653 Atmospheric
Tank Inspection Certifications. Without these certifications
all you get is confusing pictures.
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