Camera System Combines Mainline and Lateral Inspection

The self-propelled LAMP II inspection system from CUES Inc. performs pan-and-tilt inspections of mainline sewers as well as connected laterals.
Camera System Combines Mainline and Lateral Inspection

The self-propelled LAMP II inspection system from CUES Inc. performs pan-and-tilt inspections of mainline sewers as well as connected laterals.

The system includes a self-propelled lateral launcher, transportation platform and two cameras – a pan-tilt-optical zoom mainline camera mounted on an articulating platform for easy invert entry, and a camera for lateral inspection. The system is available with a stainless steel or fiberglass push cable that can inspect up to 120 feet into a lateral. The fiberglass push cable can be wound on a reel.

“With the fiberglass cable, you can actually accomplish complete operations – insertion, traversal and retrieval – from the viewing console, and no person is required to be in the rear to monitor the reel or to retrieve cable,” says Paul Stenzler, vice president of sales for CUES. The stainless steel cable can inspect up to 100 feet, but requires a second person to monitor retrieval.

“Why different types?” Stenzler asks. “Because the stainless steel pushes out with about double the force of any fiberglass cable. So there’s a tradeoff. You can operate the system with one person, but there are tough conditions with 90-degree turns that are very difficult to push through. So it depends on what you want to accomplish and what the task at hand is.”

The entire inspection operation also can be run from a handheld, wireless game controller, including all lateral launcher functions, the transport, camera functions, and all reel functions. “Another bonus is any standard game controller will work with this system,” Stenzler says. “So if you have a problem with the controller, you can go to the local discount store and for less than $30 replace your entire control system.”

Color video from the two cameras can be displayed in a picture-in-picture format or on separate monitors. The unit measures 32 inches from the front of the camera to the rear connection. The camera also offers maximum clearance in a 6-inch line.

“We have special setups for 6-inch lines to produce the required top and bottom and side clearance required in most situations,” Stenzler says. “Six-inch pipe is a difficult challenge for any inspection company due to offsets, meandering conditions, and collapsed crowns. We’ve created a 6-inch setup that can negotiate most of those conditions.”

The LAMP II is designed to inspect 6- to 30-inch mainlines and 3- to 8-inch laterals with a pan-and-tilt zoom camera that has a 40:1 optical/digital zoom. Other features include automatic centering and built-in auto upright that keeps the image stabilized at all times.

The system also has a built-in sonde for line locating and comes with four sets of single-point removable wheels with a combination of rubber tires for most conditions and semi-pneumatic tires to negotiate pipes with more debris. High-traction tires with a steel-abrasion base are available for greasy conditions and PVC pipe. 800/327-7791; www.cuesinc.com.



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