Inspect sprinkler tanks and water tanks by underwater drone – without draining

Inspecting water tanks and sprinkler tanks with underwater drones differs considerably from conventional methods:

• No draining: traditional inspections often require the water to be drained completely, which is time-consuming and costly. With the underwater drone the water stays in the tank, and the inspection takes hours instead of days.
  
  
• No divers needed: conventional methods often require divers to check the condition of the tank. With the underwater drone no divers are needed, and the risks to personnel are eliminated.
  
  
• Readiness is maintained: since neither the water has to be drained nor divers deployed, the tank remains ready for use during the inspection.
  
  
• Detailed footage: underwater drones capture detailed images with high-resolution cameras. On this basis, your expert assessor assesses the condition of the tank.
  
  

The limits: the underwater drone shows surfaces, and in very murky water visibility is limited. Wall thicknesses, samples or other measurements on the component are carried out by your expert assessor – specifically at the points marked in our inspection report.

Underwater drones can be used to inspect various types of water tanks and sprinkler tanks in industrial plants without draining them, including:

• Sprinkler tanks: regular inspection of these tanks is essential to ensure that the fire protection system is ready for use at all times.
  
  
• Fire water tanks: underwater drones allow a thorough check for corrosion, deposits and structural damage without draining off the water reserves.
  
  
• Process water tanks: these tanks, often used in production plants, can also be inspected while full. Whether operations continue during the inspection is agreed with you.
  
  
• Other industrial water tanks: on request, we also inspect other tanks and basins underwater.
  
  

This means that most water tanks in industrial plants can be inspected without draining them.

Inspecting water tanks and sprinkler tanks with underwater drones is safe for your personnel:

• No divers: the drone is controlled from outside the tank. The risks for divers, who would have to enter the tank with conventional methods, are eliminated.
  
  
• Normal operating condition: since the water does not have to be drained, the tank stays in its usual condition; draining and refilling are not needed.
  
  
• Technology instead of entry: underwater drones are equipped with high-resolution cameras and lighting and reveal even small damage without anyone having to enter the tank.
  
  
• Minimal disturbance: since nobody climbs into the tank, the water is barely disturbed.
  
  

This makes it possible to document the condition of water tanks and sprinkler tanks without anyone having to enter the tank and without draining it.

The duration of an inspection of water tanks and sprinkler tanks with underwater drones depends on the size of the tank, the degree of soiling and the tank structure. Since no water has to be drained and no divers deployed, the inspection usually takes hours instead of days.

The objectives for inspecting water tanks and sprinkler tanks with underwater drones are defined in advance together with the client. In a detailed preliminary discussion we determine the client's specific requirements and expectations. Our experts bring their many years of experience in the inspection of tanks and identify all relevant aspects that must be taken into account during the inspection. These are clearly communicated and recorded in a detailed inspection plan.

During the inspection we make sure that all agreed areas of the tank are recorded. At the end you receive an inspection report with photos, videos and anomalies with their location in the tank (wall, height, fitting). The assessment and recommendations for measures are made by your expert assessor or inspector on this basis.

Underwater inspections require experience: the drone, lighting, cameras and analysis have to work together as a complete solution, and for some jobs we adapt the equipment. That is why our own pilots operate the underwater drone on our jobs. We do not offer pilot training.

If defects or damage are found while inspecting water tanks and sprinkler tanks with underwater drones, we capture them precisely with high-resolution photos and videos. All relevant areas are documented exactly, so that the type and location of the damage are clearly visible to the client.

After the inspection you receive an inspection report showing all anomalies found, with image and position; your expert assessor carries out the assessment. We provide the visual information you need to make well-founded decisions on next steps, such as possible repairs or maintenance. Our focus is on presenting the condition of the tanks transparently and clearly.

Yes. With inspection by underwater drone, the water stays in the tank. The fire water supply in sprinkler tanks or the availability of process water is maintained, and draining and refilling are not needed. We schedule the timing to fit your operating processes.

In general: our drones keep shutdowns short, and some installations – such as filled water tanks – can be inspected entirely without interrupting operations.

Send us an email and we will clarify your individual requirements together. Our experts are available to understand the requirements of your tanks and propose a suitable approach. Get in touch and we will plan the inspection to suit your operating conditions.

We can recover smaller objects such as tools with the gripper arm of our underwater drone; whether this is possible in an individual case depends on weight and position.

Write to us: we clarify in advance which objects are where and whether recovery with the gripper arm is possible.

The main difference between a sprinkler tank and a fire water tank lies in their function and how they are used within fire protection systems:

1. Sprinkler tank:

   • A sprinkler tank specifically supplies sprinkler systems. These are automatic firefighting systems that release water through sprinkler heads in the event of a fire to extinguish or control the flames.
   • The tank holds a defined quantity of water to ensure that the sprinkler system works immediately and continuously when a fire is detected. The capacity of the tank depends on the requirements of the sprinkler system.
   • Pressure is often provided by pumps or by gravity, depending on how the system is designed.
     
     

2. Fire water tank:

   • A fire water tank, by contrast, provides a general water supply for manual firefighting or for other fire protection systems. In an emergency, water can be drawn from it for use via hydrants, hoses or other firefighting equipment.
   • This tank is often part of a larger system that provides fire water for fire brigades or other firefighting measures.
   • Fire water tanks are frequently used at large plants or industrial complexes to hold sufficient quantities of water for firefighting, independently of the local water supply.
     
     

In summary: the sprinkler tank supplies automatic sprinkler systems, while the fire water tank is used more generally for various manual and automatic firefighting systems.

Kopterflug inspects water and sprinkler tanks with the Chasing M2 Pro Max underwater drone, without the water having to be drained. You receive an inspection report with photos, videos and anomalies with their location in the tank (wall, height, fitting); your expert assessor or inspector carries out the assessment.