Advances in pipe service technology took the spotlight at the 28th Annual Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International in Louisville, Ky., Feb. 28 to March 1. The event attracted 11,415 attendees representing 4,688 companies and municipal agencies.
The record total of 562 exhibitors included producers of drain and lateral cleaning machines, waterjetters, inspection systems and software, trenchless rehabilitation technologies, high-pressure cleaning systems, truck- and trailer-mounted vacuum and combination systems, and much more. Here is a sampling of new products on display.
Variable-speed cable
The Model CT countertop drain cleaner from Electric Eel Manufacturing Co. Inc., has a variable-speed motor that gives the operator maximum cable control and high cleaning power from 75 to 350 rpm with constant torque. The cable drum holds 50 feet of 1/4-inch, 50 feet of 5/16-inch, or 35 feet of 3/8-inch cable.
The unit is powered by a 1/5-hp, 90V DC motor. Two-way auto cable feed keeps operators’ hands off the rotating cable and advances and retrieves the cable with the push of a lever. A cable hose guide prevents cable whipping. An air-operated foot-switch and cord assembly simplify operation. Call 800/833-1212 or visit www.electriceel.com.
Efficient inspection
The VerSight inspection system from Envirosight has an onboard 60-gigabyte hard drive that stores 45 hours of MPEG-4 video. An intuitive file system lets users archive clips for easy retrieval, and a USB port enables upload of inspection results directly to a PC.
The unit has an 8-inch color TFT display, recessed for easy viewing in bright light, a full-size waterproof QWERTY keyboard, microphone for narration, footage counter in feet and meters, and on-screen text generator with 16-page memory. The self-leveling camera head has a dimmable LED array and a sapphire window that resists scratching. Units are available with 100 or 200 feet of push rod. Call 866/936-8476 or visit www.envirosight.com.
Pipe profiler
The Coolvision laser profiler from Aries Industries Inc. detects and records pipe profiles, deformations and dimensional anomalies in storm drains, sewer mains, and water pipes. It projects a laser light ring onto the pipe wall, where a video camera captures the ring image. Deflection measurements are then calculated by a computer and associated software. A variety of descriptive and comparative formats enable complete information reporting.
The unit is mounted on four stainless steel tracking wheels with two distance encoders. It needs to be only approximately centered in the pipe. The profiler is towed behind a pan-and-tilt camera-tractor system, concurrently taking profile readings and a video survey. It also can operate without a tractor and be pulled through the pipe. Profile data is transmitted via TV coaxial cable back to the TV truck. The unit inspects pipes from 8 to 36 inches. Call 800/234-7205 or visit www.ariesindustries.com.
Advanced locator
The SeekTech SR-60 locator from RIDGID is designed for locating under difficult conditions, such as poor conductors, poor soil conditions, and poor grounding. It traces frequencies from 10 Hz to 490,000 Hz and can trace energized lines and sondes at the same time.
A large display helps operators locate with certainty. Tracing lines guide the operator down the line and show changes in direction. Left-right arrows point the operator toward the target. Proximity signal and signal strength help the operator center the locator close to the target.
The unit can be used with the ST-510 transmitter, which imparts a signal to buried metallic lines or cables by direct connection, induction from the transmitter coils, or induction from an optional inductive signal clamp. Call 440/329-4422 or visit www.ridgid.com.
Manhole nozzle
The Alphajet nozzle from USB Sewer Equipment Corp. cleans lift stations, manholes and other structures before rehabilitation. It is actuated by water from the pressurized hose of a jetter truck. Two stainless steel driving nozzles rotate the cleaning head as two oscillating nozzles clean the pipe surface. No lubrication is required.
The nozzle operates at 30 to 60 gpm and 2,000 psi. Threaded, replaceable nozzle inserts are available. Call 770/984-8880 or visit www.usbsec.com.
Pipe fusion
The Anaconda butt fusion system displayed by Gorlitz Sewer & Drain Inc. fuses 2- to 6-inch HDPE pipe sections. The heating iron operates at 500 degrees F. The iron is positioned using guide pins on the pipe clamps. Double clamps hold each section of pipe during fusion. A gear-driven power facing tool prepares the pipe sections. Clamp movement is generated by the operator, using a torque bar that applies force directly in line with the movement of the pipe. The unit weighs 69 pounds. Call 562-365-3627 or visit www.anacondatrenchless.com.
CIPP for laterals
The Complete Lateral System (CLS) from MaxLiner is an inside-out, mainline-launched lateral sealing and lining process. The system seals laterals from inside the mainline for 10, 20, 30 or more continuous feet. It effectively handles installations with 90-degree bends.
After inspection and preparation, the lateral liner is mounted on a robot, which is moved into the desired position. The liner is then inverted and inserted using water or air pressure. Steam or hot air cures the liner. Call 877/426-5948 or visit www.maxlinerusa.com.
Dual-mode camera
The OmniSTAR Probe camera from RS Technical Services Inc. can be used as a push camera or as a crawler-mounted mainline camera. The unit has 12 high-intensity LEDs, 270-degree pan viewing, and 360-degree continuous camera head rotation. Designed to fit 3-inch and larger lines, it can be mounted on single-conductor push rod or on any RS Technical transporter. Call 800/767-1974 or visit www.rstechserv.com.
Quiet jetter
The Warrior waterjetter from Spartan Tool LLC has a fiberglass casing that protects and silences the entire machine. It carries a 300-gallon water tank and delivers 4,000 psi at 8 gpm while staying within all OSHA noise standards, making hearing protection optional. A 180-degree pivoting hose reel and optional 6-function remote control make it easy to operate.
The unit cleans pipes from 3 to 24 inches. Standard hoses include 500 feet of 1/2-inch high-pressure hose, 100 feet of 5/8-inch rubber supply hose, 75 feet of 1/4-inch trap-cleaning hose, and 15 feet of color-coded leader hose. Call 800/435-3866 or visit www.spartantool.com.
Portable crawler camera
The P350 flexitrax portable crawler system from Pearpoint supports three interchangeable, high-resolution cameras, each with ultra-bright white LEDs. Digital video displays on the command module’s bright 8-inch industrial grade TFT screen. Users can zoom and rotate photos and live or recorded digital video in real-time.
The command module also has Mimic display, an intuitive way of controlling pan and tilt. It stores survey data direct to solid-state Compact Flash cards, so there are no moving parts and files are secure and less vulnerable to shock damage and power outages. The crawlers can operate fully submersed and are water resistant to depths greater than 300 feet. They are made of brass and stainless steel and have 50W or 100W motors. An integrated sensitive inclinometer and the multi-frequency sonde allow users to map pipeline topography. Call 760/343-7350 or visit www.radiodetection.com.
Portable inspection system
The Elite-SD inspection system from Ratech Electronics has a control unit that folds into a compact, briefcase-style unit weighing 10 pounds. The system has a 10.4-inch high-resolution LCD screen and keyboard.
The system is designed around a fully digital SD card recorder, accessible from the front of the unit for convenient recording. Video is recorded in MPEG-4-SP ASF format, allowing up to 240 minutes of video on a 1 gigabyte SD card. An on-screen overlay system provides footage count, time, date, and eight pages of memory for listing observations. The compact camera design enables inspection of 2- to 10-inch pipes. Call 800/461-9200 or visit www.ratech-electronics.com.
Compact cable machine
The Colt M500 cable machine from MyTana Manufacturing Co. Inc. is designed for cleaning 1- and 2-inch bathtub, urinal and sink drains. It measures 15 inches long, 12 inches wide and 15.5 inches high, comes with 50 feet of 1/4-inch cable, and also accommodates 5/16-inch cable.
The belt-driven unit has a 1/3-hp motor and a closed polyethylene drum with drain holes. Safety features include an air-actuated foot pedal and watertight electrical boxes. Call 800/328-8170 or visit www.mytana.com.
Jetter hose reel
Large-frame Series 2415 hose reels from Reelcraft Industries are designed for waterjetting and other high-pressure applications that require a heavy frame for strength and stability. The unit holds up to 1,000 feet of 1-inch hose and withstands pressures from 3,000 to 10,000 psi.
The frame is made of industrial-grade tubular steel, and the spool has a welded wrapper and 3/16-inch spun heads. Dual ball bearing design makes rewind smooth and even. The bearings are self-aligning and lubricated and require minimal maintenance. A heavy-duty four-way assembly helps guide the hose onto the spool evenly. Call 800/444-3134 or visit www.reelcraft.com.
Versatile camera
The Intruder Elite video inspection system from Vision Technology Inc. is designed for inspecting sewers, water pipes, chimneys, wells, electrical conduit, and other utilities. It comes with a mini or micro black-and-white or color camera and 100 and 140 feet of push cable on interchangeable reels.
The 7-inch LCD command module has an articulating arm for ease of viewing. It includes a text writer, footage counter, picture inverter, light adjustment, and time/date stamp. It can record to DVD and DVR. The heavy-duty plastic case rolls on wheels for easy transport. The camera has built-in 512 Hz and 847 Hz transmitters. Call 877/754-3435 or visit www.vtdesign.net.
Vertical pipe inspector
The Crab Robot M-Series from USPipelines.com is designed to inspect vertical as well as horizontal pipelines. There are three models able to inspect 6- to 11-inch pipes at travel speeds up to 13 feet per minute. The units have LED lamps and cable lengths from 131 to 164 feet. Call 941/755-6720 or visit www.uspipelines.com.
Traffic signal
A traffic safety blanket from Milwaukee Rubber Products Inc. holds magnetically to a truck tailgate or other ferrous metal surface and provides clear instructions to motorists. The unit has 36 red LED bulbs hidden inside a waterproof clear cap mounted in arrows with reflective surfaces. The lights can be seen from 2,500 yards away. Grommets on four sides can be used to help secure the unit in strong wind.
The device has four lighting modes: arrows flashing in sequence, all arrows flashing simultaneously, all arrows continuously on, and reflectors only (lights off). Call 262/781-7888 or visit www.milwaukeerubber.com.
High-torque cutter
The Paikert Hydro-Torque impact cutter Model SB150 from NozzTeq is available in sizes from 27 to 36 inches. The cutter, powered by a waterjet, operates at more than 100 gpm and requires no lubrication.
The unit can be completely submerged in water and with no effect on performance. Its impact drill motor enables it to operate in three modes: impact and drill, impact only, or drill only. Call 866/620-5915 or visit www.nozzteq.com.
