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Astacus Technology

Controlled flushing of water supply networks with flow, pressure, and water temperature measurement

Clean water pipes during full operation, with precisely controlled flow, minimal water use, and automatic data recording.

Astacus technology - description and rental

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Astacus in practice

The year 2026 marks the fourth season of Astacus technology being in full commercial operation.
Water supply operators experienced with Astacus provide drinking water to over 1.8 million people and manage approximately 16,200 km of water pipes.
Astacus saves 50 to 70% of the water volume used for flushing.
Case studies

Proven technology
Water savings

We offer technologies and services

We rent out Astacus technology for pipe measurement and flushing
We train waterworks specialists to create flushing plans and clean pipes
We provide turnkey pipe cleaning services for water supply networks
We conduct fire hydrant testing
We perform water temperature monitoring in networks
We develop flushing plans for water networks

Technology rental
Training
Operator support

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Astacus measuring and flushing robot

Astacus is a robot—an automated battery-powered device. It is our patented invention designed to clean water pipes through controlled flushing while simultaneously measuring pressure, flow, and water temperature at the hydrant outlet. It enables controlled flushing even without a hydraulic simulation model of the water network. The device is available for rental. Astacus saves 50 to 70% of flushing water and reduces hydraulic shocks in pipes. This is an exceptionally efficient and pipe- and resource-friendly technology.

Modern technology
Robotic cleaning
Safety

Technology description

Why Astacus – benefits of controlled flushing

Long-term reduction of customer complaints about drinking water quality (turbidity, odor, color, taste)
Prevention of turbidity events in the network
Economic return – fewer complaint calls, no repeated complaints, efficient interventions, fast fieldwork, minimal preparation
Improved microbiological and biological water indicators in the network (clean pipes)
Maintaining hydraulic capacity of pipes
Significant savings of flushing water – reduction by 50 to 70%
Better insight into the technical condition of pipes and fittings in the network

Fine sediment naturally forms and accumulates inside water pipes, and its presence in drinking water is viewed negatively. Turbidity events in water networks, which lead to customer complaints, occur when changes in hydraulic conditions cause this sediment to become disturbed. Therefore, it is beneficial and prudent to keep the inner surfaces of pipes clean through regular flushing. Learn more about the long-term effects of flushing.

Items flushed from pipes during controlled flushing

Sediment originates from pipe corrosion processes, chemical reactions in water, ingress from external sources due to past pipe failures, and more. Flushing cleans pipes from fine, loose sediment using the hydraulic force of flowing water. However, solid incrustation structures inside the pipe should remain undisturbed. Therefore, the proper hydrant flow rate must be selected. It is essential to proceed so that heavily turbid water from the flushed section does not enter the wider water network.

During flushing, sediment is intentionally hydraulically disturbed within a precisely defined pipe section and flushed out of the network by the shortest path. Commonly flushed items include stones, drilling chips, and pieces of wood. Therefore, the Astacus flushing robot is prepared not only mechanically but also through its control software to handle situations where stones several centimeters in diameter are expelled during flushing.

If controlled flushing is done correctly, the associated risks are minimized. Flushing one section takes only a few minutes. After flushing, water in the flushed section is immediately clean and safe to drink.

A flushing crew typically uses about 20-50 m³ of water per day to clean 2 to 3 km of pipe in a standard water network.

Low water consumption for pipe cleaning

Astacus saves water by using only the flow and volume necessary to clean each pipe section. The device calculates these parameters automatically and performs the flushing accordingly. This is based on our long-term empirical knowledge of sediment behavior in pipes. It determines optimal hydraulic conditions for sediment mobilization for specific pipe materials and sizes. The goal is to achieve sufficient flow velocity to effectively loosen and remove sediment without using unnecessarily high velocities that create risks. Astacus neither releases water too fast nor longer than necessary to achieve the desired result. This means water consumption is tailored to the actual properties of the pipe, not a universal rule. Controlled flushing with Astacus saves 50 to 70% of water volume compared to uncontrolled sediment flushing.

Water savings
Practical research
Risk elimination

Risks of uncontrolled sediment flushing – why simply opening the hydrant is not enough

Traditional uncontrolled sediment flushing without flow measurement or regulation causes operators to temporarily lose control of the network's hydraulic regime. Too low flow does not effectively remove sediment and only stirs it up, transferring it to other parts of the network, leading to more complaints and repeat interventions. Water consumption is high but effectiveness is low. Conversely, too high flow causes unnecessarily high velocities without benefits and can cause pressure drops, hydraulic shocks, or sediment disturbance elsewhere in the network. High flow velocities may damage protective pipe lining and expose pipe surfaces, resulting in turbid water with excessive iron content for weeks after flushing. Thus, uncontrolled flushing without regulation tends to worsen rather than improve conditions. Opening hydrants fully is not an appropriate pipe cleaning method. Flow must be measured and controlled to maintain necessary velocities while preserving safe network hydraulics.

Water waste
Network risks
Poor practice

Cleaning water pipes by controlled flushing

Controlled flushing is a routine water network maintenance activity designed to keep internal pipe surfaces clean and maintain hydraulic capacity. Its goal is to flush out fine loose sediments that naturally form and settle on pipe walls and bottoms. Without regular flushing, sediments accumulate and contribute to turbidity events, taste, odor, and color deterioration, and provide habitat for microorganisms. Keeping pipe interiors clean is essential for delivering excellent drinking water quality. Pipes are flushed by systematically and controlled releasing water from hydrants. No chemicals or mechanical scrapers are used, only regulated potable water flow and its hydraulic force. Water is safe to drink immediately after flushing. Flushing is performed during full network operation.

Pipe cleaning
Fire hydrant testing
Water network maintenance

Automation of measurements during pipe cleaning and integration with operator GIS

Machines are equipped with calibrated sensors for water temperature, pressure, and flow. This data is automatically recorded ten times per second during flushing and hydrant testing. Our server processes the data, and you receive an automatic daily summary report and detailed data files with graphs by email the next day. Water temperature measurement can be used to monitor excessive water heating in pipes during summer. Integration with the operator's GIS is also provided. Processed data can be automatically stored in the operator's information system.

Water temperature measurement
Automatic reports
GIS integration

Preparation and implementation of controlled flushing

Preparation for flushing

Creating a flushing plan

The flushing plan defines how pipe sections are flushed and the exact procedure for each. It is ideally based on a hydraulic simulation model of the network. If unavailable, flushing can be planned without it. The Astacus robot calculates flushing parameters automatically. The plan is prepared before the first flush and used for subsequent flushes.

Flushing implementation

Performing controlled flushing

Flushing is done during full network operation as routine maintenance to clean fine loose sediments. The process ensures that heavily turbid water from the flushed section does not enter the wider network. Therefore, correct flow, pressure, and water volume settings are essential at each hydrant outlet. These are set by a technician according to the flushing plan. The Astacus robot maintains these parameters. We can assist with preparation and execution, or provide training and robot rental for you to perform flushing independently.

Case studies of Astacus technology in practice

From our references in the Czech Republic, we highlight five specific examples of cooperation with public water operators using Astacus either through long-term rental (large waterworks) or as a turnkey service from A to Z. The last example shows an urgent intervention to quickly and effectively remove microorganisms from a water supply.

Vodárenská akciová společnost, a.s. has used Astacus since 2023 under a long-term rental arrangement. Initially tested on smaller water networks requiring frequent cleaning, the technology reduced technician visits and water consumption. Astacus is now gradually implemented on more networks transitioning to this maintenance method. The company appointed an internal specialist to coordinate machine rentals, train local operators, guide initial flushes, prepare flushing plans, evaluate intervention effectiveness, integrate technology into operations, collect data for GIS and hydraulic modeling, report to management, and liaise with the technology provider.

Reports about VAS, a.s. have been published by: Brno University of Technology, Czech Radio, Vodárenství.cz, VodaDnes.cz 10/2023.

ČEVAK, a.s. has used Astacus since 2024, renting the robot for the season from March to November. Initially tested on smaller networks in each operational center, the cleaning proved effective, water consumption was low, and the effect of systematic flushing lasted long. More networks are added each year. The company created an internal specialist position trained by the technology provider to prepare flushing plans and carry out flushes. This specialist now coordinates robot use across sites, prepares plans, supports others, and communicates with the provider.

Reports about ČEVAK, a.s. have been published by: ČEVAK, a.s., SOVAK magazine 12/2025, LinkedIn, VodaDnes.cz 11/2024 and 5/2026.

Syrovice municipality – South Moravia, Brno-venkov district, 2,100 inhabitants. The municipality operates its own 12.2 km water network. Its groundwater source has elevated manganese, which oxidizes and precipitates in pipes due to sodium hypochlorite disinfection. The entire network has been flushed annually every March since 2024. Flushing is provided by VODA BRNO, s.r.o. as a turnkey A-Z service. The flushing plan was created for the first flush and is routinely repeated. Each flush also tests 3 to 6 fire hydrants. Flushing takes three days and consumes 185 m³ of water, only 0.3% of annual water production for this network. Since implementing controlled flushing, water quality complaints have disappeared.

Reports about Syrovice include: Syrovice municipal office, Syrovice Facebook page.

Olešnice na Moravě town – South Moravia, Blansko district, 1,600 inhabitants. The town operates a 13 km water network of metal pipes requiring frequent cleaning due to corrosion. Since 2024, VODA BRNO, s.r.o. has provided turnkey cleaning services. A flushing plan was developed in the first year and is now used for repeated flushes. Each year, 8 to 11 fire hydrants are tested during flushing. The process takes four days and consumes 339 m³ of water, only 0.7% of annual water production. Between flushes, no other cleaning is needed, and customer complaints about water quality have ceased.

Reports about Olešnice include: Olešnice town hall, Olešnice Facebook page.

Straník municipality – municipal water network in the Moravian-Silesian region, 4.33 km total length, with supply mains DN 100 and branches DN 80 and DN 50. The water tank volume is 1 × 100 m³. Astacus technology was used in an emergency situation involving midge larvae and coliform bacteria. Flushing was urgently needed shortly after ordering, as residents relied on alternative water supply. The intervention took place in December under freezing and snowy conditions, challenging equipment reliability and operator working conditions. The limited water tank volume (100 m³) added complexity. Despite these, the network was cleaned quickly and efficiently. Flushing took 4.2 hours and used only 34.6 m³ of water, detailed here. This is a highly effective intervention. Previously, local technicians without measurement or technology took two full shifts and discharged nearly two full tanks twice, taking four times longer and using five times more water. Systematic regulation and measurement save water, time, and ensure reliable results.

Reports about this intervention include: Brno University of Technology, VODA Zlín 2026 conference (pages 113 and 119), Polar TV.

Our references and experience

We developed Astacus technology ourselves and are preparing the 4th generation robot in 2026.
We have cleaned hundreds of kilometers of water pipes in many towns and municipalities.
We are implementing Astacus technology in water companies – training personnel, providing support, consultations, and technology.
We are a university spin-off company from BUT. We apply intellectual property developed at the Department of Municipal Water Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Brno University of Technology.
Astacus also has commercial representation in Slovakia and Croatia.
Our partners who have tested Astacus technology: