Published September 2007

Carrying the Camera

By Scottie Dayton (page 66)

The latest in crawlers for CCTV inspection cameras help operators traverse greater distances, overcome obstacles, and gather quality data.

The heart of a pipe inspection system is the camera — its optics, light package, and pan-tilt-zoom capability. But a camera has no value if it can’t get through the pipe. That’s where camera crawlers come in.

While manufacturers constantly refine camera capabilities and quality, they’re also improving crawlers dramatically. Today’s crawlers can traverse debris-filled or greasy lines, negotiate sharp bends, slip around obstacles, and roam farther than ever from the launch manhole, enabling inspection of more linear feet in less time.

Here are the latest crawler innovations from the major vendors of CCTV systems.

Steel and brass

Constructed of stainless steel and solid brass, the P420 four- and six-wheel mainline tractor has forward and reverse power to perform in harsh environments, including unclean and debris-filled lines. Its compact length slips down manholes and maneuvers in difficult areas, such as tight-turned or curved bench inverts, offset joints, small spaces, and tight pipe entries. The photograph shows the three different wheel configurations and light heads available for inspecting 6- to 48-inch PVC, CVP, and corrugated pipes. Pearpoint Inc.: 800/688-8094, ext: 245; www.pearpoint.com.

Pulling power

The steerable Compact Pipe Ranger (CPR) camera transporter can traverse 1,000 feet or more under normal pipe conditions to inspect 6- to 30-inch sanitary and storm sewers. Its compact length enables it to negotiate difficult entry conditions and standard sweeps. Full-proportional steering allows the tractor to traverse meandering pipe with 45- and 90-degree turns or complete a 360-degree turn within its own radius.

A two-speed transmission doubles the torque to produce maximum pulling power in larger pipes. Multiple wheel sets maximize bottom clearance and traction and enable optimum camera positioning. One joystick controls all transporter and camera movements. A variable cruise control setting allows hands-off operation. CUES Inc.: 800/327-7791; www.cuesinc.com.

Go the distance

The VLR300 long-range crawler travels at 30 feet per minute towing cable as far as 6,000 feet. Whether in sanitary lines, hydroelectric power facilities, or potable water lines, the unit can perform anything from pre-relining inspections to a 360-degree inspection of welded joints.

The 6,000-foot umbilical that tethers the crawler to the winch has four fiber optic cables, copper wire, and a flexible steel core all wrapped in a Kevlar coating. The cable break strength is 3,000 pounds with a weight in air of 70 pounds per 1,000 feet. Client reports are in video, sonar, or a combination. Provided in DVD format, they display the distance, pitch/roll, date, time, and text entry. A detailed printed report summarizes the findings. PipeEye International Inc.: 888/756-2033; www.pipeeye international.com.

Mainline transporter

Using axle and driveline extensions, RS Technical crawlers can operate in 6- to 30-inch lines. Their weights are adjustable by adding or removing brass ballast plates. A drive chain and high-torque, permanent magnet, 0.25-hp motor with a right-angle gearbox and 18:5:1 gear ratio can pull up to 1,500 feet of single or multi-conductor cable.

The crawlers have three forward speeds, reverse, and a free-wheel mode for easy and fast retrieval. At full power, they travel at 60 feet per minute. Specially designed contoured pads attached with dual stainless-steel rivets on a stainless-steel chain provide maximum traction. The crawlers, designed to carry Omni Eye and NovaSTAR zoom cameras, are adaptable to all the company’s mainline systems. RS Technical Services, Inc.: 800/767-1974; www.rstechserv.com.

Mainline-lateral inspection system

The RICO SAT 200 lateral launcher operates in 8- to 30-inch pipes on a lightweight, single-wire system. The launcher extends up to 80 feet into laterals with either an “always upright” axial camera or a 2-inch pan-tilt camera. Manufactured in Germany, these units operate with cables up to 3,500 feet in length and, synchronized with the video reel, rewind automatically as the launch rod or the crawler is recovered. Cobra Technologies: 800/443-3761; www.cobratec.com.

Ready, set, inspect!

The portable, user-friendly Silver Bullet crawler system inspects 4- to 15-inch pipelines and comes with up to 600 feet of Xtreme Green cable on a manual or motorized drum. Features include a four-wheel drive, stainless-steel crawler, power forward and reverse, variable speed, interchangeable wheels, auxiliary light ring, built-in 512-Hz sonde, Texwriter with case, lowering device, and Muni XS Pipe Reporting software for digital recording and generating reports. Users can view the inspection on the Command Module with flip-top 10.4-inch LCD color monitor, sunshade, and built-in DVD recording and rechargeable battery. Insight Vision: 800/488-8177; www.insightvisioncameras.com.

Right on center

The Rovver 125 steerable crawler inspects 6- to 24-inch pipe optimally, and other lines up to 60 inches. Its 12-inch long, compact shape lets it traverse restricted pipe, 45-degree inverts, large offsets, and protruding pipe taps. An automatic motorized cable reel senses movement and feeds or retracts cable as needed.

A handheld pendant remote makes it easy to steer the 6-wheeled crawler around multiple elbows and solid obstructions, and control focus, lighting, and speed. The crawler’s modular design allows quick reconfiguration for any combination of pipe size, material, and condition.

A camera lift accessory maintains an elevated view in lines up to 36 inches. Made of aluminum, the lift raises the camera centerline from 0.33 to 4 inches while keeping the crawler’s center of gravity low. A spring latch holds the height setting and allows manual adjustment. Four-point clamping holds the camera securely. With the camera centered, the crawler can evenly illuminate the pipe wall and capture detailed information from all regions. Envirosight LLC: 866/936-8476; www.envirosight.com.

Compact yet powerful

The remotely operated Versatrax 150 inspects 6-inch or larger lines. Config-urable for round pipes or flat surfaces, the unit travels at 32 feet per minute on its 1,500-foot tether cable and clutched tracks. A high-resolution, remote-focus Sony color camera is included with optional pan, tilt, and zoom for 360-degree views. The unit is waterproof to 100 feet, weighs 88 pounds, and carries 200-pound payloads. The crawler’s modular design, precise controls, and ease of use adapt it to multiple applications. Inuktun Services Ltd.: 877/468-5886; www.inuktun.com.

Beefed-up tractor

Designed for large diameter lines, the KRA 85 wheeled tractor has a more powerful drive train, increased reversal speed for quicker retrieval, and a color backward-viewing camera. The transporter also accepts additional weights, height attachments, and high-traction wheel sets. The integrated camera elevator operates remotely to raise the camera above the waterline or center it in the pipe. The tractor is compatible with the company’s controllers, reels, and cameras. RapidView IBAK USA: 800/656-4225; www.rapidview.com.

Push camera crawler adapter kit

In minutes, the Push + Crawl adapter kit transforms Ratech push cameras into mainline inspection systems by connecting them to the 15-inch long Torpedo wheeled crawler. Propelled by a 1/8-hp motor, the solid brass transporter travels at 50 feet per minute. Its built-in 380-line resolution color camera inspects 4- to 8-inch lines. Power and the controls to operate the transporter are supplied through the existing multi-conductor push cable in the camera control unit and crawler control box. Ratech Electronics Ltd.: 800/461-9200; www.ratech-electronics.com.

Mini transporter

The 23-pound Pathfinder mini transporter inspects 5- to 12-inch pipes. Simple wheel changes adapt it to multiple pipe sizes. The unit includes an Illuminator pan-and-tilt camera. Integrated long-life LED lights keep the profile low. The transporter’s body is brass and stainless steel. Aries Industries Inc.: 800/234-7205; www.ariesindustries.com.

Ready to work

The heavy-duty KV-400 series transporter features a forward/neutral/ reverse gearbox that reduces extraction time and increases productivity. Attaching different-sized wheels changes the tractor’s configuration to accommodate 6- to 24-inch lines. Increased speed, torque, and weight enable the unit to pull through problem areas with ease. Adding traction wheels ensures slip-free operation in old grease-filled pipes or new PVC lines. Cyclops Electronics Inc.: 830/249-9756; www.cyclopstv.com.

SAT-Star inspection system

The SAT200 tractor with KS200Z zoom camera inspects 8- to 48-inch mainlines and 4- to 10-inch laterals in one work cycle. For 360-degree vertical and 200-degree horizontal lateral insertions, the KS60 camera rides piggyback on the main camera. An optional pin enables the KS60 to maneuver through branched drainage pipes. Both cameras have an integrated locator sensor and motorized automated picture-upright feature. The entire system measures 33 inches and weighs 58 pounds.

A converter kit changes the lateral launcher system into a lateral jetter. When fitted with a 1-inch flushing hose, service providers can insert it from the mainline to clean laterals using 40 gpm/1,500 psi. Some even use the lateral jetter system to flush 8-inch mainlines. The tractor has a hinged, stainless-steel body and friction rollers that drive the lateral camera cable or flushing hose, and measure the distance traveled. The distance in the mainline and the distance in the lateral registers individually. Separate pressure sensors monitor the tightness of the camera and tractor during inspections. Rausch Electronics USA LLC: 877/728-7241; www.rauschtv-usa.com.