Asset Scanning Project

Background

Current maintenance of Australia’s ageing pipe infrastructure is often reactive and is only carried out when bursts or other events are reported. Instead of being guided by the condition of pipes, replacement programs are prioritised according to surrogates such as the age of pipes and historic burst rates.

Consequently, extended sections of pipe with reasonably good condition may be replaced while sections that are in a highly deteriorated condition may be missed. These latter sections will inevitably burst and contribute towards the wasteful loss of Australia’s precious potable water resource. A pre-emptive and non-destructive asset assessment tool is required by the industry so that deteriorating pipes can be identified and replaced before they burst, and to ensure strong pipes are not replaced unnecessarily.

This project will focus on the introduction of a scanning technology to assess the condition of a broader range of critical assets. The assets will be assessed in situ so as to minimise customer impact.

Description of trial

The product to be trialled is ‘Insight Clear Imaging of Detection Services’ using Computed Tomography Technology. The advantage of using this technology is its ability to scan the required object within the field without removing the asset, thus reducing service interruptions. The focus of the trial will be very broad and will include assets such as pipelines, valves, tanks, and pumps.

Findings

Work will not proceed with this trial because of the costs involved.