Rental equipment for pipe cleaning and hydrant testing

Astacus technology

Astacus technology is an innovative solution designed for the safe and efficient cleaning of municipal water networks. The Astacus robot performs the cleaning in the field, allowing sediment and debris to be removed from water pipes while the water network is in full operation, without the need to shut down the water network or interrupt the water supply. In addition to the cleaning itself, the technology provides:

• Measure key variables in the water network: pressure, flow and temperature.

• Hydrant testing: the machine performs automatic testing of fire hydrants for the fire brigade, including issuing a report with data on the measured values, a map and all necessary data. This completely eliminates the need for additional clerical work in the creation of reports.

• Data processing: the measured data is automatically sent to the server, where it is evaluated and reported via preset protocols.

• Water saving: the machine uses only 30-40 % water compared to traditional cleaning methods.

• Pipe protection: prevents hydraulic shocks and maintains internal water pressure in the pipe, reducing the risk of contamination from the surrounding environment.

Astacus is designed primarily for water network operators, who can not only maintain their pipes efficiently, but also ensure high quality drinking water with minimal costs and risks.

Technology specifications

The Astacus flushing robot is a machine with built-in control cap, electric motor, 12V battery, measuring sensors (inductive flow meter, pressure gauge, thermometer, GPS chip), control electronics, communication module and control panel with display. It is possible to equip the machine with an external continuous turbidimeter, which can be rented together with the machine upon agreement. However, a turbidimeter is not necessary for the proper functioning of the machine. The machine is designed for technical staff who operate the water supply network in the field. Its operation is easy and our service includes, of course, training for the operator. The aim of this machine is to ensure safe and machine-accurate handling during the discharge of water from the hydrant, all measured data stored and processed.

Application range: PN10, flow rate up to 40 l/s

Protective features: the robot allows precise flow control depending on pressure and sophisticated protection against hydraulic shock. It can open, regulate and close the cap very gently with high precision. The control algorithm also includes a condition to prevent the pressure in the pipe from falling below a set minimum limit. Thus, the machine gradually opens the shutter and increases the flow rate to reach the desired value according to the setpoint, but constantly measures the water pressure in the pipe and does not allow the shutter to open so that the pressure falls below the set limit. The default setting is 0.6 bar, but the user can change this value as required. This will ensure that the water pipe does not lose pressure completely during flushing.

Declaration of conformity (CE): as part of the development of the machine, a risk analysis of the machine with regard to safety must have been carried out as one of the conditions for its certification. The resulting controls and mechanical components of the machine are designed in such a way that the operator cannot accidentally damage his health, the machine, or the water pipe.

Method of use

The machine can be transported in a car, length 90 cm, height 70 cm, width 47 cm. For easier handling it is equipped with handles and a hanger for the crane. When the crane is mounted in a car, the machine can be operated comfortably by one person. The machine can also be used in such a way that it remains inside the vehicle at all times and does not pull out.

Once it is brought to the place where the water is to be discharged from the pipe or to the hydrant to be tested, it is connected to the hydrant attachment with the included fire hose B75. A B75 hose can also be used to drain the water in the length required. Once the machine is switched on, a programme is selected according to the required task to be performed by the machine at the site. The options to choose from are:

• Automatic hydrant test.

• Automatic or semi-automatic pipeline flushing - a) flushing program according to the pipeline topology; b) program according to the specified flow rate and volume; c) program according to GPS coordinates - fully automatically retrieves the instruction from memory.

• Manual control with simultaneous measurement of hydraulic quantities.

Once the program is started, the machine takes control of the regulation of the water that is discharged from the hydrant and performs the operation. During this process, the display shows all relevant data. When it is finished, it slowly closes the flow in a regulated manner and informs the operator that the hydrant can be closed and the machine disconnected from the hydrant.

Fire hydrant testing

Hydrants are tested in accordance with ČSN 73 0873 Fire safety of buildings - Fire water supply. In the program menu it is possible to select flow rates from 4 to 25 or 40 l/s. The measurement procedure, data evaluation and the construction of the meter itself are in accordance with the metrological regulation MP 010. After completing the hydrant test, the machine automatically sends the measured data to the server, which processes the hydrant test report and sends it immediately by email to the specified address. The reports can be generated directly on the client's letterhead and contain all the information that can be processed by the machine (evaluation of the measurement, map of the hydrant location, graphs of all measured values, dates, names, company data, etc.). The email message also includes the calibration report of the meter from the metrology station in PDF format. In developing this feature, the focus was on keeping the administrative work of the technician in the office after a hydrant test to a necessary minimum. There is no limit to the number of hydrant tests you can perform during the loaner period, nor is there a separate charge.