Revolutionary Drone Technology for Water Pipeline Inspections Takes Centre Stage at IFAT

3 min read

In the engineering sector, few companies can rival the expertise and innovation of CT2MC, an independent engineering firm founded in 2012 by Olivier Le Meaux. Specialising in the development of state-of-the-art robotic products, CT2MC has been at the forefront of revolutionising the manufacturing process to make it more environmentally sustainable. Their dedication to utilising bio-sourced materials and local production in France to limit resource consumption demonstrates their unwavering commitment to sustainability.

A primary area of focus for CT2MC is the production of robots for pipe inspections, particularly in sewerage water applications. Furthermore, the company is engaged in the development, prototyping, and manufacturing of robots incorporating composite materials. Additionally, they offer an impressive range of aquatic drones designed for environmental monitoring and analysis missions, available for both purchase and rental to provide flexibility for their clients.

The various ranges of aquatic drones include the SPYBOAT® range, consisting of aerial propulsion drones, the INN’EAU range with drones equipped for water-based thrust, floats, and more, and the CAN’EAU range, specifically designed for inspections of confined spaces such as pipes and tanks. In conjunction with this, CT2MC also offers inspection services for surface water or confined spaces utilising their innovative range of products.

CT2MC’s dedication to innovation and research and development has been acknowledged through numerous awards from the French Ecological Transition Agency, ADEME, along with accolades for their aquatic drone project, solidifying their position as a leader in the industry.

Most recently, CT2MC seized the opportunity at the IFAT Exhibition in Munich to present their cutting-edge CAN’EAU® “Rotating Sonar”. This remarkable device is equipped with advanced technology that enables it to gather essential data parameters during inspections. The incorporation of a 360° camera and multiple lamps allows for continuous video recording from every angle, ensuring unprecedented visibility. UWB (Ultra WideBand) positioning beacons have been integrated to enable operators to monitor specific locations within the system, providing enhanced precision in their inspections.

One of the most impressive features of the CAN’EAU® “Rotating Sonar” is its capability to accurately detect the presence of hazardous gases such as H2S, CO, O2, and CH4, making it an essential tool for ensuring safety and compliance. Moreover, it employs lidar technology to generate sectional views of horizontal and vertical pipes, resulting in 2D sections and a 3D reconstruction. This advanced reconstruction can then be displayed in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to provide a comprehensive overview of the pipeline trajectory.

Additionally, CT2MC has developed four aerial turbines for automatic positioning in driving and visual piloting, further demonstrating the depth of their technological capabilities.

The groundbreaking advancements in drone technology for water pipeline inspections by CT2MC are undoubtedly a game-changer, offering unparalleled precision, safety, and efficiency in the inspection process. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the company’s dedication to innovation and sustainability, setting a new standard in the industry.

As CT2MC continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, their commitment to excellence and environmental responsibility is certain to shape the future of engineering and robotics for years to come.