Published June 2007

Carrying the Camera

By Scottie Dayton (page 38)

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, such as unclean and debris-filled lines. Its compact length slips down manholes and maneuvers in difficult areas, including tight-turn 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. The lightweight, high-strength multi-conductor video cable offers durability and abrasion resistance. 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. Pipe Eye International Inc.: 888/756-2033; www.pipeeyeinternational.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 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.

Ready, set, record!

The Silver Bullet, four-wheel-drive, stainless-steel crawler system handles 4- to 15-inch lines using interchangeable wheel configurations. The electric drive control system has forward, stop, and reverse. Technicians can plug it into the portable reel and watch the inspection from the flip-top 1200 command module with a 10.4-inch LCD monitor with sunshade and integrated DVD recorder. The unit comes with 600 feet of X-treme Green cable, motorized reel, integral 512 Hz sonde, Textwriter with case, auxiliary light ring, and output to MuniXs software for professional reporting. InsightVision: 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 a centered 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.

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’s Illuminator pan-and-tilt camera and 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.

Compact yet powerful

The remotely operated Versatrax 150 inspects 6-inch or larger lines. Configurable 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.

Mainline-lateral inspection system

The SAT 200 lateral launcher operates in 8- to 30-inch pipe using a 3,500-foot long, lightweight, single-wire system. Besides traveling through the mainline, the crawler can extend 80 feet into laterals with either an “always upright” axial camera or a 2-inch pan-and-tilt camera. The transporter, manufactured by RICO in Germany, is synchronized with the video reel, which rewinds automatically as the launch rod or crawler is recovered. Cobra Technologies: 800/443-3761; www.cobratec.com.