Welcome to our online media channel - EddyVision

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This is our world famous collection of short videos aimed at informing, educating, providing technical insights and sometimes just entertaining - limited only by Eddy's imagination and creativity. A wide variety of content in the form of interviews, animations, presentations, webinar clips and everything in between.

Please get in touch via eddy.mcleod@pantonmcleod.co.uk

Watch our latest video!

Exciting Drone UT Scan Capability!

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Last week Jim Panton attended the Flyability User Conference to present on confined space drone activities in the drinking water industry and witnessed the launch of the new UT payload for the Elios 3.

What does this mean? The Elios 3 can now remotely capture A-scans at height and in hard-to-reach spaces.

The UT payload integration means you get spot-on measurements, giving you a crystal-clear picture of your infrastructure's condition. Plus, it's all done without the need for entry, ensuring safety and efficiency every step of the way. 





Panton McLeod Joins Forces with Stonbury

We're excited to announce that as of last week, Panton McLeod has been acquired by Stonbury!

We're looking forward to the opportunities this partnership brings and are committed to continuing our tradition of excellence in serving you, our valued clients and partners.

To celebrate we've cooked up something special for you. Check out our latest EddyVision episode, where Eddy himself makes an appearance to ask Stonbury's CEO, Trevor M Hoyle, about the future of EddyVision.

Rest assured, our commitment to excellence, reliability, and innovation remains steadfast. With Stonbury's support, we're ready to make an even bigger splash in the water industry!


EddyVision 2023 Wrapped!

Guess what? Our 2023 Wrapped video is hot off the press, and it's ready for your viewing pleasure!

Dive into the coolest moments of the year and make sure to turn on the sound to enjoy the beats of our previous EddyVision episodes.

But that's not all – stick around till the end for an exclusive message from Eddy McLeod; our elephant mascot and Head of Marketing. Trust us, you won't want to miss it! It's like the post-credit scene in a Marvel movie but with shades and minus all the spandex.




Confined Space drone 3D Modeling Redefines the Game!

Check out our drone exploring the nooks and crannies of a water service reservoir using LiDAR wizardry. Our point cloud model demonstrates the precision and efficiency that LiDAR brings to inspections.

Human Entry Elimination: Because let's face it, climbing into confined spaces when you don't need to is so last season. We do LiDAR measurements without putting anyone in harm's way—safety first, always!


PLAY WITH OUR ONLINE INTERACTIVE 3D MODEL
Don’t use high pressure on drinking water tanks!

Why subject your tanks to high-pressure cleaning when it’s like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut? High-pressure washing can be harmful, especially for drinking water tanks. What your tanks require instead is a method that gently and effectively removes bacteria and EPS without damaging the asset. (See our previous EddyVision about Extracellular Polymeric Substances below).

Are you ready for a chilling comparison? Our latest video is here to reveal the horrors of high-pressure tank cleaning and the magic of our PM chemical cleaning method.





Gentle on assets - tough on biofouling!

Biofouling can occur in a wide range of situations from medical devices to drinking or process water systems, pipelines and reservoirs.  In drinking water systems biofouling can look like staining - but there is much more going on inside that than meets the eye.

Biofilms can tolerate high amounts of biocides.  An Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) shields the bacteria and increasing biocides makes little difference and increases Disinfection By-product (DBP) issues.  The EPS structure (or staining) is also very resistant to high-pressure washing in drinking water systems.

Our very special PM Chemical – with over 25 years of successfully eliminating biofilm in drinking water systems - can do the battle against biofilms for you!  Gentle on assets - tough on removing biofouling.


2000 Underwater Robotic Inspections!

We are celebrating reaching 2000 underwater inspections! From routine checks to intriguing discoveries, our underwater journey has been a mix of calm waters and surprises.

We're not just celebrating a number; we're celebrating a legacy of dedication, expertise, and innovation. Our commitment to providing top-notch underwater robotic services in drinking water has propelled us to the forefront of the industry.


Join Us at our Barnard Castle Conference!

Catch a glimpse of the energy and insights from our recent Bristol conference by watching our latest video, where attendees share their thoughts and experiences.

Don't wait – secure your spot now and join us for a day of inspiration, innovation, and networking.


20 Years of Robotic Cleaning

After introducing the concept of robotic cleaning in treated water storage tanks to the UK drinking water industry, 20 years ago, we've led the charge in this area ever since. Today it is recognised as a reliable way to reach those tanks that other cleaning methods struggle to reach. Tanks must be drained, inspected and cleaned on a regular basis but in a number of situations that is difficult to achieve for operational reasons.

Robotic cleaning is an accepted temporary or interim measure to help reduce water quality risks in challenging assets.


EddyVision Water Quality Conference!

Registrations are now open for our upcoming conference in Barnard Castle – an event you won't want to miss! Join us for another day filled with valuable insights, innovative technologies, and networking opportunities.

We've prepared a brand-new video with highlights from our recent conference in Bristol. Watch it now to get a glimpse of the incredible experience that awaits you!


Exclusive Preview: Unveiling the Impact of Service Reservoirs on Water Quality! 

In our new video, Dr. Anastasia Doronina provides a sneak peek into her groundbreaking research on the often neglected role of Service Reservoirs and how they can impact water quality as it journeys from treatment plants to taps

Want to learn more about this topic? Don't miss out! Join us at the EddyVision Water Quality Conference in Bristol on July 19th.

Gravity Filter Rehab Chronicles: Witness the Remarkable Transformation!

We're back with a splashin' new episode of EddyVision, and it's all about filter rehabilitation!

Meet our super satisfied client who experienced the ultimate filter makeover! Our team at Panton McLeod Americas and our partners, Underwater Solutions Inc. based in Massachusetts, worked their magic together and used the PM solution to clean their Gravity Filter Bed!

Elevate your roof inspections


We reduced the Health and Safety risks and saved our client thousands of £s and days of work with our outdoor drone technology.

No need for expensive and complex scaffolding for your routine inspections! Watch our video to see how we captured close-up shots of their entire Service Reservoir roof in just a couple of hours on site and at approximately 25% of the previous inspection cost.

Soar above safety risks and cut costs with our outdoor drone technology!

Our 3 Year Carbon Plan!


At Panton McLeod, we believe that everyone has a role to play in creating a sustainable future. We understand that is a big challenge, but we're committed to playing our part in making it happen. To get us there, we've created a three-year plan that will help us make progress each year.

Take a look at this very short overview video of our outline three-year plan. Our commitment to creating a sustainable future will remain at the forefront of all our business decisions and operations as we strive to make a positive impact on the planet.

Beet it to the leaks with our new beetroot-based dye!


Last year Scottish Water introduced a new TWSP ROV Inspection Work Instruction and our Beetroot food colouring has been trialled and confirmed as suitable for use, and we couldn't be more excited! Not only is it food grade and organic, but it's also completely safe for use in drinking water.

We use this innovative dye during our tank leak finder service to help identify leaks in drinking water tanks. It's like a beet-a-boo game, but for leaks! With this new tool, we can pinpoint leaks in no time, allowing for targeted and cost-effective repairs, saving our clients time and money.

Mission 3D Possible!


Over the last 3 years our Elios 2 drone has been a game changer for safer, quicker and cheaper overall inspections of a wide range of difficult to reach and dangerous confined spaces. Now our new Elios 3 confined space drone does all of that and more. With LiDAR on-board, accurate survey grade 3D laser scanning now comes as standard on any inspection.

This has enormous benefits for projects in design stage, evaluation of defects and changes over time. Options include 3D mapping, built environment surveys and digital twins for BIM applications and revit models.

Water Quality Sampling


Occasionally our clients require a full suite of water quality samples during some of our work for them. Their own water sampling teams aren't always available on the same days that we are there. So we now have our own water industry accredited water quality samplers.

From project planning to post job asset commissioning for return to service - just us speeding up the process again, that's all.

AQS and Panton McLeod Partnership


In addition to working throughout the UK, we have worked in Ireland, in Partnership with AQS Environmental Solutions, on a number of projects since 2016.

We are delighted to have just completed another large programme of underwater robotic cleans, with AQS, across Ireland. Running from July to October 2022, with a combined 57 days of robotic cleaning, a total floor area of 8,324 m2 cleaned and a total water volume of 82 Mega Litres. That's the equivalent of 33 Olympic swimming pools of water SAVED by doing the clean with the water in place.

We are going Laser Baby!


With significant reductions in health and safety risk, time and of course the cost of detailed inspections in dangerous and inaccessible place - Panton McLeod has now completed over 200 drone flights in confined spaces, from Kent to Scotland, in the last 3 years.

And now we add Lidar scanning to our indoor drone capability to turn asset data into detailed digital insights.

Steven and Eddy - iWater National 2022


It was a pleasure to participate in the Institute of Water Annual Conference 2022, in Leeds. An insightful week with a variety topics and discussions including: climate and many other important strategic challenges facing the industry. 

Our Lead Project Engineer, Steven Lee, proudly represented our company, and gave an amazing presentation on Aqueduct Inspections. We would like to thank everyone for their advice and taking the time to talk with us, and we hope to see you again in the future!

GAC - Chemical Regeneration is viable!

Research shows that on-site, or in-situ, chemical regeneration of GAC filter media is a viable alternative that could save significant time, cost and emissions - compared to thermal regeneration.

Chemical regeneration of GAC also has slightly less structural impact on the carbon, compared to thermal regeneration, and can be effective for up to 5 regeneration cycles without a decrease in regeneration efficiency (RE).

Water Quality in Service Reservoirs

Service Reservoirs (SRs) are crucial components in drinking water distribution systems but they are arguably neglected in terms of focused research into the impact they can have on water quality as it passes from the treatment plant to the tap.

Annie’s PhD research provides a rare insight into SR impact on water quality and demonstrates how, with some simple changes like combined inlet and outlet monitoring, so much more can be learned and leveraged to help manage SRs more proactively in distribution. 

Raw Water ROV Inspections

Panton Mcleod is very well known for ROV inspections and underwater robotic cleaning in treated, or potable, water storage assets.

We also carry out inspections in raw water assets. 

Our skills and experience of working in both mean we are well set up to manage the different and important water quality risks associated with each.

Scottish Water Framework Extension

Panton Mcleod is delighted to announce the securing of a new contract extension for the Scottish Water TWSP (Treated Water Storage Point) Inspection and Cleaning Framework.

This is a critical and important requirement for Scottish Water and we are very pleased to continue as the specialist provider of these services.

Turn sound on to enjoy this weeks' celebratory episode 🙂

Live & Remote Confined Space Drone View

You're keen to be part of the confined space site inspection, and even influence how it goes, but it's a long way from you and you don't really have the time for the travel - never mind the cost and carbon associated with going.

Now you don't have to travel. You and all your interested colleagues just join a live Teams meeting from your own desk and watch the drone footage online as it happens - discussing what you see with the pilot as the flight progresses.

New Scottish Water Contract

Panton McLeod is delighted to announce that a new, three year, Scottish Water contract to inspect, clean and disinfect all their Emergency Shower Units (ESUs) has now started.

With an initial list of over 200 sites, each with a varied number of ESUs, we are delighted that work on these important Health and Safety units in Scotland has begun. 

Treated water storage - Flood Tests

Most of the treated water storage inspections we do include a roof flood test to check for possible ingress of untreated water, like rain, that risks contamination of the treated water if it gets in. Many tanks pass these important test but some don't. Flood test fails can either be subtle - around the edge of an access hatch or through a joint for example. This is still a risk to water quality and is treated seriously by our clients with a prioritised repair. Sometimes, though, it can also be a little less subtle.
Beasties in Treated Water Storage

We often come across strange trail marks in the sediment in treated water storage systems during our underwater inspections. This recent research paper looking at "Water lice and other macroinvertebrates in drinking water pipes" gives us some insight into what might be involved. These "beasties" feed off bio-mass build-up and sediment and can grow up to very visible sizes in drinking water distribution systems. Don't risk it - clean it.
Seasons Greetings

Panton McLeod wishes all of you a very Merry and Safe Christmas - and a prosperous 2022.

Thank you so much for following EddyVision again in 2021. Who needs Netflix, Amazon Prime or Walter Presents when you can binge watch EddyVision during the holidays!

High risk confined space entry

This was a challenging one and although it was incredibly tight - we managed to squeeze the confined space drone in to see what was happening under this structure.

Safety was critical in this dynamic situation and tracking progress from a safe distance was challenging. There was, however, one small area with the minimum space we needed to get the drone in and provide the first eyes on what was happening under there, with no risk to anyone involved.

In Situ cleaning of Rapid Gravity Filters

This week it is hard to miss the global focus on reducing emissions at COP26 in Glasgow.

In keeping with that critically important theme - we re-emphasise the emission saving benefits of rejuvenating a Rapid Gravity Filter, in situ, without replacing the media.

Calculations on work completed at one particular Scottish Water Treatment Plant highlighted that we saved around 1.5 tonnes of carbon emissions on each filter bed as we improved the filter bed performance without replacing the media.

Thermal inspection observations

This SR is one of two cells side by side with a shared wall between them. The confined space drone was inspecting the empty cell while the other cell, through the wall, was full and in service. The imagery picked up two distinct ingress points one high in a corner and the other at mid-height on the wall.

When we put on the thermal imagery overlay, we found that the two ingress points presented as different temperatures. We proposed to our client that the top corner ingress, with the colder feed, was coming down from outside the structure and the warmer mid-height ingress was coming from the treated water in the other cell.

Big Leak Found

The problem was a treated water Service Reservoir (SR) that was losing 1 million litres a day. That's one Olympic swimming pool of clean drinking water lost every two days. They knew it was happening in the SR somewhere.

Unable to inspect it off-line, they called us in to have a look round with one of our ROVs. They expected a big obvious hole or crack somewhere - but nothing could be seen. Our operator then noticed that the inlet was big enough for the ROV and suggested taking a quick look inside it before ending the job. This is what they then found. Mystery solved and the repair planning is now underway.

PM Chemical in Boreholes & Wells

Yes - they really do call our PM Chemical cleaning products "Pantonite" in America.

More importantly, the primary and predominant use of "Pantonite" in the US over the last ten years has been on borehole cleaning and redevelopment. This includes leaving the pump in situ with the treatment done through the pump-head - reducing time on site and cost.

Lights, Cameras, LiDAR, Sonar... Action

Week 1 is complete with 4 more weeks to go on our 34km Talla Aqueduct inspection for Scottish Water.

The amazing Platypus inspection rig is designed, built and managed by our partners at Abyss Solutions.  With LiDAR above the water and Sonar below the water, it also carries lighting and 6 cameras for detailed 360 degree images of walls, floor and ceiling. The Platypus self centres with laser navigation off the walls and has motors for forwards and backwards motion to counter-act variations in flow on different sections of the aqueduct.

Turbidity, or lack of, in Potable Water

We are often asked about the risk of turbidity in live or online drinking water cleans when using our underwater cleaning machines.

It's a very understandable question and concern. So we thought we'd show you a few brief clips of what an underwater clean looks like, compared to a storage tank valve closing, from a turbidity caused point of view.

Minimising the risk of turbidity is one of our top precautions in live drinking water cleans.

Inspecting back in time - safely

This disused brick Victorian water tank, built between 1860 and 1880, was a structural concern for our client, with no view of the inside having taken place in living memory and almost no records available.

Delighted and amazed to discover how good the condition of it is still. They built them strong in those days.

Also quite an interesting discovery took place while we were doing it.

The Platypus - for Aqueduct Inspections

It's all go for our biggest remote, autonomous and digital aqueduct inspection to date. We are delighted to have recently signed the contract with Scottish Water for the final and main phase of the Talla Aqueduct inspection and expect to complete the project this year.

This week we look at an overview of the main equipment we will be using.

Enhanced Cleaning - Potable Water Tanks

Treated Drinking Water is generally very "clean" but bio-foul staining still builds up on surfaces as microscopic bacterial protective encrustations.

Not only is high pressure washing generally ineffective against these toughened black and brown (Fe and Mn) ion feeding bacterial structures but pressure sprayers can also damage storage tank joints, concrete and membranes.

Our enhanced low pressure drinking water water storage tank cleaning process highlights how high pressure washing is generally unnecessary in otherwise clean treated water storage assets.

Filter Membrane cleaning - PM Chemicals

Meet Yasmin Hitchin - Panton McLeod's sponsored PhD student studying Membrane Filtration cleaning capabilities of the PM proprietary reagents PM88 and PM77.

Pressure-driven nanofiltration (NF) membranes are widely used in water and wastewater treatment plants. However, the phenomenon of membrane fouling remains remains one of the major technical challenges of their usage.

Yasmin is now nearly two years into this four year PhD project, focusing on developing an acid-based chemical cleaning reagent, based on the Panton McLeod proprietary reagents.

New Remote Inspection Capability

With seventeen years of Underwater ROV and two years of Confined Space Drone experience we now add outdoor drone capability.

This week we show some of our early video and thermal shots of a Service Reservoir

Note the high quality thermal imagery we can now shoot and how the flood testing progress on the Service Reservoir is stunningly obvious in this clear footage.

Tank Leak Finder

It's warm again. Water scarcity and leakage reduction are back in focus.

We like to re-highlight the Tank Leak Finder capability at this time of year. A lot of water can be lost from water storage assets (not just from pipes) and with this technique we use the pressure of and in service tank to find the leak.


***VIEW EVEN MORE EPISODES HERE!***




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