Video Pipe Inspection is a method of visually inspecting a utility line to detect cracks, infractions, blockages, and other imperfections in the line. The process involves navigating a camera through the line, either manually or via a remote control, which provides a video feed of the pipe interior to an on-site monitor for viewing.
Within Video Pipe Inspection, there are many different pieces of equipment available for use. One of the most common pieces of equipment is the push camera (push cam). Push cameras are a smaller camera system that is manually fed into the line from a technician. The image is able to be viewed on a monitor attached to the push camera. They can give you information as to what is happening in the utility line and detect cracks, infractions, and other imperfections in the line. You can pinpoint the observation above ground with a built in sonde that is housed near the camera head.
So why use a push cam? We generally use a push cam for pipes that are smaller than 6” – 8” in diameter, that a robotic crawler can not operate in because they are too large. We also use push cams when we cannot avoid bends in the line. Generally robotic crawlers cannot make any amount of turns, while push cams can make up to 3.
Some limitations to using a push cam is the fact that the camera is not able to rotate or move by itself, so we cannot zoom, pan, or rotate while inside the pipe. Another big limitation to push cams is they do not work well for larger pipe sizes because of the fact that they cannot look around the pipe while in it. That is why we use them mainly for pipes under 6” – 8” in diameter.
We offer 2 different push cam specific deliverables for our clients. We offer a field sketch, done by a technician on-site, of the locations of the pipes inspected with surface features labeled. We also provide a Video Pipe Inspection Report, done by an engineer in the office, specifically for push cams that details the pipe’s size, the material of the pipe, the condition of the pipe, the length of the run, and any observations we find within the pipe. It also includes the location of any observations we find as the distance from the nearest surface feature to said observation. We can also provide the video feed of the Video Pipe Inspection to the client in a number of file types to fit the client’s individual need.
The value the customer gains by having a Video Pipe Inspection done is knowing the condition and integrity of their pipes. Knowing the present condition and integrity of their pipes lets the customer know about any possible hazards or faults within their pipe system. The best practice in utilizing Video Pipe Inspection would be having your pipes and pipe system inspected on a regular basis to ensure that everything is in proper working order and free from potentially hazardous damage.
Note: GPRS does not provide geophysical, geological, land surveying or engineering services. If you need such services, please contact an appropriate professional.
