Fretz Kanal-Service AG was commissioned by a Swiss energy supplier to clean and inspect the penstocks of two hydroelectric power plants.
Special operation in the Swiss mountains
Systems and technologies involved
- ORPHEUS pan and tilt camera on tractor T76
- Application area: main sewer
Job
The penstocks to be inspected are part of a hydroelectric power plant that collects water from a reservoir and a stream in the mountains. On the way to the power station control centre, the water flows on one side through a 3.7 km long penstock with a head of 2,924 m. On the other side, the water with a head of 1,386 m is routed through a 1.2 km long pipeline which also runs through the rock.
Challenge
A 500-metre Full HD system that could be flown into the mountains by helicopter was needed to perform the inspection job.
Solution
H & P Technik AG, IBAK's sales and service partner in Switzerland, designed an air-transportable aluminium transport box in which a complete IBAK inspection system was installed and which was immediately ready for operation at its destination.
2. The transport box at the power plant control centre, which is located at an altitude of 470 m above sea level.
3./4. The open transport box with the ready-to-use inspection system in front of a tunnel entrance at approx. 1,300 m above sea level.
9./10. The inconsistent weather conditions had a major impact on the work: these two photos were taken on two consecutive days at the same location.
Result
The result of this challenging assignment was a complete success: the decades-old pipes were inspected in Full HD resolution, ensuring their functionality. Despite unsteady weather conditions and logistical challenges, the project was completed on schedule.
Company introduction
Fretz Kanal-Service AG (Fretz), originally founded by the Walter Fretz family in 1954, is now owned by four entrepreneurial families. What once began as a small family business has now developed into a company that operates from five locations throughout Switzerland. In 2011, Fretz had 34 employees, but today the company employs a team of 110.
As a full-service provider, Fretz not only offers traditional sewer cleaning, but also services in the areas of inspection and maintenance and testing and rehabilitation of sewer systems.
