Below the Surface: Harnessing Underwater Optics for Infrastructure Advancements

Written by Patricia Sestari

January 26, 2024

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In the intricate web of society’s backbone, civil engineering stands tall as the pillar on which all major forms of infrastructure rest. From the roads we traverse to the energy that powers our homes, civil engineering spans diverse realms such as transportation, energy, structural integrity, water management, and geotechnical exploration. Often overlooked are the essential components that ensure our daily lives run smoothly – water towers, municipal water lines, bridges, and more. It is imperative that we recognize the significance of maintaining and upgrading these structures to drive continual progress and improvement in the industry. 

In this blog, we’ll embark on a captivating journey into the world of civil infrastructure, exploring the remarkable applications of Voyis’ innovative technology across different verticals.  

  Applications of Underwater Optical Systems in Civil Infrastructure 

  • Internal Pipes Inspection: 

Challenge: Traditional methods for internal pipe inspections are time-consuming and often disruptive. 

Solution: Underwater laser scanners and cameras navigate through intricate pipe networks, capturing high-resolution images and detailed scans. This aids in detecting blockages, damages, and potential leak points with unparalleled accuracy, facilitating prompt and targeted maintenance. 

  • Hydraulic Structure Assessments (Bridges, Piers, Hydroelectric Dams): 

Challenge: The structural integrity of hydraulic elements is critical, and conventional inspections may pose safety risks and cause prolonged shutdowns. 

Solution: Underwater optical systems enable efficient and repeatable inspections of underwater structures. Laser scanners map intricate details of bridge foundations, harbor walls, and hydro dams, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of structural health without the need for costly and time-consuming underwater dives. 

  • Nuclear Industry Applications: 

Challenge: Nuclear facilities demand rigorous inspection protocols for safety and regulatory compliance. 

Solution: Underwater optical systems extend their capabilities to nuclear facilities, providing a safe and efficient means of inspecting reactor cooling systems, underwater storage units, and associated infrastructure. The precision of laser scanning, and stereo cameras ensures thorough assessments without compromising safety. 

  • Mining Industry Exploration: 

Challenge: Traditional methods of surveying submerged mining sites can be cumbersome and lack precision. 

Solution: Underwater laser scanners and cameras aid in mining industry exploration by mapping submerged areas with intricate detail. This technology facilitates resource estimation, environmental impact assessments, and efficient planning for sustainable mining operations. 

  • Well Inspections: 

Challenge: Maintaining the integrity of wells, whether for water supply or oil extraction, is crucial. 

Solution: Underwater optical systems offer a non-disruptive method for inspecting wells. Compact laser scanners can assess the condition of well casings, screens, and boreholes, ensuring the longevity and efficiency of these critical structures. 

  A Unique Approach to Maintenance with Underwater Optical Systems 

Enter the underwater optical systems developed by Voyis, a beacon of innovation in the civil infrastructure market. Currently, these cutting-edge underwater laser scanners and camera systems are revolutionizing the way inspections are conducted. Their unique application includes the assessment of sewer mains, pipes, and hydraulic structures such as bridges, piers, and hydroelectric dams. 

  Beyond Boundaries: Expanding Applications and Future Growth 

The potential of underwater optical systems extends far beyond the current applications. As we embark on this new era, opportunities arise to explore new territories, such as the nuclear and mining industries. Imagine the efficiency gained by expanding the use of these systems in the inspections of wells, ensuring the integrity of critical structures. The expansion of capabilities within existing industries is another avenue that holds immense promise. 

We are on the cusp of witnessing a paradigm shift where underwater laser scanners and camera systems become the gold standard for data collection in civil infrastructure. The vast array of applications, from safeguarding water supply systems to ensuring the structural resilience of vital infrastructure, demonstrates the transformative power of these technologies. As Voyis spearheads this revolution, we eagerly anticipate the day when these innovations become indispensable tools, propelling the civil infrastructure market into a future defined by precision, efficiency, and unparalleled advancements. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the myriad applications and explore the untapped potential of underwater optical systems in the upcoming editions of this blog series. 

 

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