Acoustic Inspection in Australia & New Zealand – Rapid Solution to Overflow Issues

The Sewer Line Rapid Assessment Tool, or SL-RAT, is allowing utilities in Australia and New Zealand to save time and money, while enhancing their sewer maintenance operations. By using acoustic inspection technology to quickly screen sewer pipes for blockages prior to deploying resources, segments with identified need can be prioritized. Since acoustic inspection costs significantly less to operate than traditional visual inspection, it can be a cost-effective way to establish a condition-based maintenance program.

When Sydney Water launched an acoustic inspection pilot program, they discovered that “60% of pipes in the Sydney Water cyclic cleaning program did not require further cleaning.” This means that with the integration of acoustic technology, Sydney Water can prioritize resources, time and water on areas with identified need, resulting in better service and increased environmental protection.

Taupo, New Zealand integrated the SL-RAT after experiencing an increase in number of sewer overflow incidents. “By using [the SL-RAT], there is a significant cost and time saving over traditional methods and the asset data gained by using SL-RAT is a valuable tool for reducing sewer overflows.” says Taupo District Council 3 Waters Network Engineer, Graeme Jackson. “The SL-RAT has proven to be a robust, quick and easy to use product. We have been able to address the immediate issues with our sewer network and significantly reduced the number of sewer overflows, with the added bonus of collecting excellent asset data.”

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