Mainline Sewer Inspection

Inspection cameras are an essential part of a professional sewer and drain cleaner’s tool chest. Systems often need to be portable to access difficult-to-reach areas, and versatile to offer quality inspection of various-sized drainlines. Here is an assortment of inspection cameras, along with laser profilers, mapping software and control systems to go with them.
Mainline Sewer Inspection
Portable pipe inspection camera

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Inspection Cameras

  Portable pipe inspection camera

The Viztrac Pipe Inspection Camera from Amazing Machinery has a durable 3/8-inch push cable with fiberglass rod inner core, a 20-inch cage reel and attached water-sealed case containing the controls, and a high-resolution 7-inch LCD monitor. It also has a sturdy 1-inch powder-coated lay-flat frame with upright carry handle; a 1 3/8-inch-outer-diameter stainless steel camera housing; nine dimmable high-output 5 mm LED lights; high-resolution color camera; scratch-resistant sapphire glass lens; high-grade 512 Hz sonde locator with an average range of 12 to 15 feet; and an integrated digital video recorder with remote control, compatible with most standard SD cards. 800/504-7435; www.amazingmachinery.com.

  Side-scanning inspection system

The PM6000 from Aries Industries is a dual-viewing side-scanning inspection system designed for rapid and detailed assessments of wastewater systems to support pipeline maintenance, inspection and rehabilitation industries. It produces high-definition images, simultaneously delivering dual streaming of full-motion video and lay-flat inspection images. Uncompressed, high-resolution video is captured and converted into digital MPEG format for fast interpretation. It is compatible with leading software brands. The side-scanning continual video feed improves efficiencies as there is no need for operators to stop and report each observation. The camera, mounted to an Aries transporter, operates at a constant speed in relined 6-inch and larger pipes without the need to pan and tilt to detect issues. 800/234-7205; www.ariesindustries.com.

  Go-anywhere inspection system

The P800 portable inspection system from Cobra Technologies has all the functionality of a truck-mounted system in a compact, go-anywhere package. The unit has full data collection capabilities, operates with any Cobra crawler and camera combination and is easy to maneuver with its collapsible heavy-duty handle. Its portable platform allows access to locations normally inaccessible to conventional equipment, or the system can be mounted on any range of vehicles, ATVs or trailers. It can provide 600 to 1,000 feet of cable, and is outfitted with a 10.4-inch sunlight-readable monitor. 800/443-3761; www.cobratec.com.

  Digital universal camera

The CUES Digital Universal Camera (DUC) is a high resolution, digital CCTV, side-scanning camera designed for rapid and detailed condition assessment. It produces a high-resolution digital video scan of internal pipe conditions in 6- to 60-inch pipe, and a flat unfolded view of the pipe to facilitate rapid assignment of observations. An expanded flat unfolded view of the pipe is provided for measurement purposes. It has no moving parts and is driven through the pipe without the need to stop or pan and tilt. Drive the unit on cruise control to the remote manhole or through multiple manholes for maximum efficiency. 800/327-7791; www.cuesinc.com.

  Versatile inspection system

The Valu-Pac from Cyclops Electronics is a versatile and affordable mainline inspection system. It has the ability to inspect 4- to 60-inch lines, and identify and catalog defects using PACP-certified software. It has a capacity of up to 600 feet of TV/tow cable. 830/249-9756; www.cyclopstv.com.

  Pipe inspection camera

The EasyCAM E3200 was designed from a plumber’s perspective, using easily replaceable modular components. When repairs are needed, the owner can easily do them, as no special tools are needed. It includes a lightweight titanium color camera head for further distance, 200 feet of HYTREL abrasion-resistant pushrod with molded waterproof connectors, 512 Hz transmitter, onboard 8-inch daylight-readable monitor, powder-coated aircraft aluminum frame, RCA video jack for laptop or DVR use, safe 12-volt operation, heavy-duty wheels and a two-year warranty. 239/260-2056; www.easycamllc.com.

  Mainline inspection camera

The eCAM Pro 2 mainline pipeline inspection camera system from Electric Eel features a rugged stainless steel-housed 1.6-inch self-leveling color camera with sapphire lens, a 20 LED light ring (with an impact-resistant polycarbonate light ring cover) and a high-resolution CCD element. The auto iris adjusts light automatically. A flexible camera spring is designed to navigate 3-inch P-traps. It comes standard with 200 feet of Kevlar-braided 1/2-inch-diameter pushrod and a 512 Hz sonde. It features a large 10.4-inch daylight-readable monitor with click-touch controls, and allows for one-touch recording directly to a USB flash drive. 800/833-1212; www.electriceel.com.

  Multi-function sewer/drain camera

The FB-PIC4188H portable multi-function sewer/drain camera from Forbest Products features a 130-foot cable with reel, a 10-inch LCD color monitor with DVR and microphone, a stainless steel color camera head with built-in 512 Hz sonde transmitter and a heavy-duty waterproof case. It has video and snapshot recording capability via SD card or USB flash drive. The 13-inch cable reel features a footage counter. 650/757-4786; www.forbestusa.net.

  Hand-held inspection tool

The Gen-Eye Micro-Scope compact hand-held inspection tool from General Pipe Cleaners has the versatility to inspect any size drainline and toilet trap, or hard-to-reach places like duct work, furnaces and crawl spaces. The monitor attaches to the reel with an adjustable mount to give the best viewing angle. The reel carries up to 100 feet of micro pushrod with color camera. The monitor has a bright 3.5-inch LCD screen, and a built-in SD card reader with one-touch record button to record photos or videos. It also includes a digital zoom, rotatable picture, voice-over recording capability, LED brightness control and USB port. On-screen status indicators include date and time, SD card capacity and battery strength. The rechargeable battery powers the unit for up to four hours. 800/245-6200; www.drainbrain.com.

  Video inspection package

The MY30CSL DCB12 or “Professional Package” video inspection system from MyTana Mfg. Company is ideal for inspecting 3- to 8-inch sewer mains. It includes a color self-leveling camera head, 200 feet of heavy-duty pushrod and a digital control box, which features a laptop computer with touch-screen technology. Custom software helps to quickly identify, classify and record inspection jobs. Store jobs on the hard drive for later processing, or make a DVD or flash drive and leave it behind for the customer’s use. The self-leveling camera head is made from stainless steel and comes with a protective “slim ball” that helps the camera head slip over offsets and around elbows with minimal effort. It also has a built-in 512 Hz transmitter for locating trouble spots, even in cast iron pipes. This tool is also useful for reliners who want to inspect their jobs before, during and after relining pipes. 800/328-8170; www.mytana.com.

  Pushrod/crawler combination camera

The P350 flexitrax from Pearpoint/SPX offers the simplicity and transportability of a pushrod system with the functionality and performance of a crawler system. Its modular structure allows all main components to be fully interchangeable. Modules available include a manual or powered drum, three interchangeable cameras, a wide range of wheels and tires and multiple cable lengths and crawler sizes. The command module is also fully compatible with the P340 flexiprobe. A built-in digital recording and reporting system is standard. It can be van- or truck-mounted. From there it can be wheeled on site using the barrow design, allowing users to reach conduits beyond the range of a vehicle. Once on site, the system is quick and easy to set up, deploy and use. 800/688-8094; www.radiodetection.com.

  Portable inspection system

The GatorCam4 inspection system from Radiodetection is rugged and compact, and offers the convenience of a portable system, which can be used in most weather conditions. It delivers inspection in almost any situation, from residential work and commercial use to specialist plant and municipal applications. It boasts an onboard lithium–ion battery source, an industrial-grade 8-inch LCD screen, USB flash drive, 1- and 2-inch high-resolution cameras, on-site reporting capabilities and video titling. It includes FlexiSight Manager software, allowing the operator to import, store and manage digital inspection data. Comprehensive reports can also be created with the operator’s company branding incorporated. Reports can easily be customized, incorporating pipe graphics, descriptions and color-coded defect grading. It can be configured to suit most inspection requirements. A range of pushrods is available. 877/247-3797; www.radiodetection.com.

  Pan and tilt push camera

The Pan n’ Tilt Push Camera from Ratech Electronics can be used as a mainline camera, but can also fit into small lateral pipes. It can be purchased as a retrofit to existing systems, or as a stand-alone unit. It rotates fully 360 degrees and 210 degrees up and down, allowing technicians to view the pipe condition much easier and in more detail. An optional steerable gooseneck assists the camera in the direction you want it to go. Combining this camera with a control unit gives recording capability using SD/USB drives, and allows MPEG video capture and JPEG image capture of your pipe inspections. Features include a 512 Hz sonde, an on-screen text display overlay system, electronic distance counter, time, date and eight pages of memory. Standard Gel-Rod cable length supplied is 200 to 400 feet. 800/461-9200; www.ratech-electronics.com.

  Self-leveling color camera

The SeeSnake Plus 325-foot self-leveling color camera from RIDGID is capable of inspecting lines 2 to 12 inches in diameter and up to 325 feet in length. Equipped with a durable, 35 mm stainless steel camera head lit by six LEDs, the system transmits clear, color video to compatible monitors or recorders. Additionally, the camera head’s self-leveling design ensures that it stays upright, minimizing the guesswork when analyzing an inspection. Other features include the ability to operate in temperatures ranging from -4 to 104 degrees F and a waterproof depth of up to 330 feet. 888/743-4333; www.ridgid.com.

  CCTV pipeline inspection system

The Mainline High Cube inspection system from RS Technical Services features single conductor technology, while the high cube van installation is customizable to each individual customer’s needs. True plug-and-play components can be added onto existing systems, without the need for additional system controllers or upgrades. Cameras, transporters, lateral launchers, cutters, laser profilers, etc., can all be easily and precisely operated on one single conductor. Longer inspection runs, smaller diameter cable, greater cable strength and superior warranties all come standard. The high cube van is available in a variety of sizes, usually 12- to 16-foot box lengths, and provides ample storage room while allowing for fully customizable system installations. Extra workspace, countertops, toolboxes and onboard bathrooms are available. Power sources, safety lighting, air conditioning, heat, floor and wall coverings and cab access is configured to the customer’s requirements. 800/767-1974; www.rstechserv.com.

  Lightweight pipe inspection camera

The Sparvision 200 pipe inspection camera from Spartan Tool is lightweight for a technician to maneuver, and outfitted with iPad technology that is intuitive to use yet packed with features such as telestration, where you can actively draw on the screen. It features 200 feet of ultra-slick pushrod and a color self-leveling camera head to provide instant snapshots at any time. A full on-screen QWERTY keyboard and standard 512 Hz locating beacon come standard. 800/435-3866; www.spartantool.com.

Laser Profilers

  Laser profiling accessory

The RedLine laser accessory from Envirosight attaches to the ROVVER X inspection crawler to geometrically profile the inside of buried pipelines. Captured profile data is readily analyzed to verify proper pipe installation, plan relining projects, determine remaining pipe life, monitor erosion and corrosion, quantify defects and analyze partial collapses. It attaches without tools and requires no electrical connections. A hinged mounting system makes it easy to deploy in tight spaces, and twin carbon fiber arms ensure extra rigidity. The accessory profiles line up to 18 inches. Larger lines are addressed by mounting the accessory to a skid that is pulled by the crawler. Profile data can be transferred to WinCan V8 inspection software, the laser module of which can trend diameter and deformation frame-by-frame to generate a solid model, ovality graph or color plot. It can be mounted to any ROVVER X pan/tilt/zoom camera. 866/936-8476; www.envirosight.com.

  Laser pipe-profiling device

The KS135 Scan from Rausch Electronics USA features two laser diodes integrated into a mainline camera head that projects lasers onto the pipe wall. It is designed to perform three tasks, including CCTV inspection, crack measurement and laser profiling. No lengthy, manual field calibration is necessary – simply place the profiler in the pipe and begin instantly. As it travels through the pipeline, it performs conventional CCTV inspection while taking highly accurate joint and crack measurements using the integrated laser diodes. On the return trip to the manhole, the rotating camera head analyzes the pipe profile. All data is instantly and accurately generated on site using the POSM software. It can be used in 8- to 48-inch pipe. 717/709-1005; www.rauschusa.com.

Mapping Software

  Pipe inspection software

PipeLogix software from PipeLogix Inc. offers the power to cost-effectively collect data and accurately evaluate underground infrastructure assets. It is PACP certified, works with all CCTV systems and is backed by after-sales technical support. Data can be captured, analyzed and shared about mainlines, laterals, manholes, grout and inclinometer surveys. The program offers various reporting features. Built-in GIS tools enable the user to import accurate asset details from map programs directly into the pipe survey form; export shape files or feature classes in geodatabases from the program based on completed surveys, defect types, new assets found or pipe score values; and easily identify surveyed pipes on maps with color coding. A specially designed tool bar can be added to ESRI ArcMap to quickly filter survey data. Movies, reports, or survey detail can be viewed within ArcMap. The program also interfaces with many popular industry standard asset management programs. 866/299-3150; www.pipelogix.com.

  Video interface program

The vCam Live View interface from Vivax-Metrotech allows technicians to connect a vCam-5 Control Module directly to a laptop by Wi-Fi or RJ45 Cross Talk cable. They can then stream video or capture JPEG images on a laptop and record it directly to a hard drive or other storage device. While connected, they can access the control module’s internal hard drive and any USB thumb drive or SD card plugged into the control module, enabling them to see a list of the videos or pictures on the hard drive and play or download them. The IP Cam iOS and Android app allows them to stream video to smart phones and tablets; capture, email or text still images; and record video to the device. Up to 5 devices can be connected to the control at a time. 800/446-3392; www.vxmt.com.

Information Systems

  Command module

The Magnum DVR command module from Hathorn Corporation features USB recording and a navigation menu that is simple to use and easy to learn. With its 10.4-inch daylight-readable monitor, images can be seen clearly in bright sunlight. The system features a full-size keyboard, 16 pages of text writing, 512 Hz sonde, onscreen footage counter, 8X zoom, microphone, speaker and two hour built-in battery with smart charger. Several different reel options are available, along with three different camera head sizes. 905/886-2835; www.hathorncorp.com.

  Pipe geometry module

The WinCan Laser module from Pipeline Analytics captures geometric information to verify proper pipe installation, plan relining projects, determine remaining pipe life, monitor erosion and corrosion, and analyze partial collapses. It accepts standard and HD video, and links collected data to the asset being inspected for easy recall from a section view or GIS entity. The module works with nearly any laser profiling hardware, capturing data in parallel laser mode (a camera aims its parallel lasers perpendicular to a pipe wall, then rotates 360 degrees), ring mode (a laser ring pattern is extracted frame by frame from crawler video to trend a pipe’s diameter and deformation over its full length), or scanning mode (a ring pattern is interpolated from the laser dots cast by any properly equipped side-scan camera). 877/626-8386; www.pipelineanalytics.com.

Inspection Vehicles

  Cutting and grinding robot

The GATOR series from RapidView IBAK North America is a single-point entry robot for pipeline cutting and grinding and inspection. It is capable of preparing pipelines for rehabilitation or reinstating laterals after lining operations. High-powered electric tools (up to 3.3 hp) are deployed from dependable platforms, which can center themselves in pipelines up to 24 inches in diameter. Onboard cameras monitor the worksite and the optional 4-axis cutting armature makes sure that you can easily reach anywhere in the pipeline to cut or grind. While pneumatically “locked” in the pipeline, it is capable of cutting or grinding in a full 360-degree rotation, allowing for the resurfacing of offset joints with ease. It is available as a flexible push-propelled unit for 4- to 8-inch lines and larger self-propelled robots for 8- to 36-inch diameters. 800/656-4225; www.rapidview.com.



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