Louisville Water Company's 'swimming robots' can inspect pipes with no service disruption

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Louisville Water Company is using swimming robots to inspect underground pipes.

The technology inspects large water mains, often while they're filled with water, according to a news release.

This week, the devices called PipeDiver Ultra® and Smart Ball, moved through three-and-a -half miles of a large water main in southern Jefferson County, checking the pipe's condition.

Here's how the process works: crews inserted the devices into the pipes and the water flow moves the devices for the length of the inspection. Engineers then used valves to control where the robot travels and to retrieve it from the pipe.

As it swam, PipeDiver Ultra captured images and sent ultrasonic signals that record the condition of the pipe and identify potential areas for repair. SmartBall relies on acoustic sensors to detect leaks and air pockets.

"This gives us both a radar type view and video view, so we can actually see the main," said David Mulloy, a project engineer with Louisville Water. "But the beauty of this is there's no interruption to our operations. This main is in service. There's water that's going to people's homes right now."

The 24-inch diameter pipe, made of ductile iron, was installed in late 2000/early 2001. It delivers water to customers in the Highview area of southern Jefferson County and in Bullitt County.

Officials say the inspections help prevent issues and avoid leaks and breaks.

Louisville Water has been using robotic technology to inspect pipes for more than 10 years. This was the first time Louisville Water has used the technology on a metallic pipe. Previous inspections were on pre-stressed concrete pipes.

Louisville Water engineers will review the data in the coming weeks and determine if repairs are needed.