Equipment rental for pipe cleaning, water network monitoring, and hydrant testing

Astacus technology

Astacus technology offers an innovative solution for safe and efficient cleaning of municipal water networks. Field cleaning is performed by the Astacus robot, which removes sediment and debris from water pipes while they remain in operation, without shutting down the network or interrupting water supply. In addition to cleaning, the technology provides:

• Measurement of key parameters in the water network: pressure, flow, and water temperature.

• Hydrant testing: the machine automatically tests fire hydrants for fire brigades, issuing reports with measured data, maps, and all necessary information. This eliminates the need for additional office work related to report creation.

• Data processing: measured data are automatically sent to a server where they are analyzed and reported through predefined protocols.

• Water savings: the machine uses only 30–40% of the water compared to traditional cleaning methods.

• Pipe protection: reduces the risk of hydraulic shocks and maintains internal water pressure, minimizing contamination risks from the surrounding environment.

Astacus is primarily designed for water network operators, enabling effective pipe maintenance and ensuring high-quality drinking water delivery with minimal costs and risks.

Technology specifications

Astacus flushing robot is equipped with a built-in control valve, electric motor, 12V battery, measuring sensors (inductive flow meter, pressure gauge, thermometer, GPS chip), control electronics, communication module, and control panel with display. The machine can be equipped with an external continuous turbidity meter, which we can lend to you along with the machine upon agreement. However, the turbidity meter is not required for proper operation. The machine is intended for technical personnel maintaining water networks in the field. It is easy to operate, and training is included in our service. The goal is safe and precise machine-controlled handling during hydrant water discharge, with all measured data stored and processed.

Operating range: PN10, flow up to 40 l/s

Safety features: the robot provides precise flow regulation based on pressure and advanced protection against hydraulic shocks. It can open, adjust, and close the valve smoothly with high accuracy. The control algorithm also prevents pressure in the pipe from dropping below a set minimum. The machine gradually opens the valve and increases flow to the desired level, continuously measuring pressure to avoid dropping below the set limit. The default setting is 0.6 bar, but users can adjust this as needed. This ensures the water network maintains pressure during flushing.

CE Declaration of Conformity: during development, a risk analysis regarding safety was conducted, a requirement for certification. The machine's controls and mechanical parts are designed so that operators cannot accidentally harm themselves, the machine, or the water pipes.

How to use

The machine can be transported in a passenger car, measuring 90 cm long, 70 cm high, and 47 cm wide. For easier handling, it includes handles and a hook for a crane. When the crane is installed in the vehicle, one person can easily operate the machine. The machine can also be used by keeping it inside the vehicle without removing it.

At the site where water is to be discharged or the hydrant to be tested, the machine connects to the hydrant adapter using a B75 fire hose, which is included. Water discharge can also be routed via a B75 hose of required length. After switching on, select the program based on the task to be performed. Options include:

1. Automatic hydrant test,

2. Automatic or semi-automatic pipe flushing – a) program based on pipe topology; b) program by set flow and volume; c) program by GPS coordinates – the machine automatically loads instructions from memory.

3. Manual valve control with simultaneous measurement of hydraulic parameters.

Once the program starts, the machine controls water flow from the hydrant and performs the task. It displays all relevant data on the screen during operation. After completion, it gradually closes the flow and informs the operator that the hydrant can be closed and the machine disconnected.

Fire hydrant testing

Hydrants are tested according to ČSN 73 0873 Fire safety of buildings – Fire water supply. Program flow rates range from 4 to 25, and up to 40 l/s. Measurement procedures, data evaluation, and the device design comply with metrological regulation MP010. After testing, data are automatically sent to a server that generates a test report and immediately emails it to the designated address. Reports can be created on the water supplier's letterhead and include all machine-processed information (measurement evaluation, hydrant location map, graphs, dates, names, company data, etc.). The email also includes a calibration certificate from the metrology station in PDF format. This feature minimizes the technician's office work after hydrant testing. The number of hydrant tests during rental is unlimited and free of extra charge.

User manuals and CE

Astacus technology – 3rd generation machines made in 2024 and later (SN: 3001 and above) – user manual (EN), July 2025

CE Declaration of Conformity – manufacturer's declaration of conformity, (EN)

12V 20 Ah battery – specifications, information, and usage instructions

CTEK charger for robot batteries – user manual

Electric lifting crane for vehicles HURT – manufacturer's website

Pricing and cooperation options

We offer water companies a comprehensive program for introducing Astacus technology into waterworks operations as part of machine rental.

• Operator training for machine use,

• Training for flushing plan development

• Field flushing training,

• Refresher courses – error analysis, process efficiency improvement,

• Remote technical support and consulting.

Rental includes: the Astacus flushing robot and all accessories (1 B75 hose, 2 m long, CTEK battery charger, 1 spare battery), operator training, and server services for automatic data storage, daily reporting, and unlimited automatic generation of hydrant test reports.

Significant discounts are available for long-term rentals. Shorter rentals are handled individually. Contact us for a quote.

Rental procedure

Rental: for your first rental, we deliver the machine with accessories, provide a demonstration, and train you on its use. For subsequent rentals, training is usually unnecessary as the machine is very easy to operate.

Administration – contractual terms: rental is based on a movable property lease agreement, which we send in advance.

Usage restrictions: the machine is intended exclusively for hydrant testing, measuring water temperature and hydraulic parameters on water network hydrants, and pipe flushing. It assumes potable water in the pipes, which during flushing is heavily contaminated with sediment and may contain small stones, wood chips, drilling shavings, and solid parts up to about 3 cm that pass through the hydrant. The machine is not suitable for measuring flow of aggressive chemicals, acids, alkalis, oils, flammables, sludge, wastewater, or water with high solid content such as construction dewatering. Please consult us in advance for other uses. The machine must not be disassembled. We also appreciate it if the machine is not taken outside the Czech Republic, Slovakia, or Croatia.