CCTV
CCTV is the oldest technology in the robotic inspection business. A camera passes through the pipe and captures video footage of the pipe interior. “A picture is worth a thousand words”. Video is an effective tool for observing and detecting problems in the pipe. With high definition color cameras, most problems can be identified in the pipe structure quite readily using video. Geolyn uses high definition cameras attached to a robotic carrier to capture video data. The robot is equipped with a lighting array that illuminates the pipe interior and provides excellent video pictures of the pipe interior. The data is transmitted through the connecting cable to the operator console located in the inspection trailer. The operator can watch the images “real time” and stop the robot, pan and tilt the camera to better view the imperfection and record his findings on the inspection report. The video is recorded on the computer console and later transferred to a DVD in MPEG4 format. The video itself has pipe information coded right on the recording to assist the viewer with pipe location, description, time of day and year. Furthermore, Geolyn’s NASSCO certified inspectors provide a written analysis of their findings in the report that is provided to the pipe owner.
LASER
Laser profilometry is a relatively new technology available today. The Geolyn robot is equipped with a laser head that travels in front of the robot. The laser head is a five laser head that projects a 360 degree red laser ring on the interior pipe wall. After the robot has traveled through the pipe and captured the video information, the lights are turned out on the cameras and the laser is illuminated creating a very bright laser ring image. The robot travels backward through the pipe and the ring image is captured using the video camera. The image is then fed into a laser analysis program that calculates the pipe diameter and accurately measures the pipe diameter throughout the entire length of the pipe. This measurement is stored on a DVD and can be re-measured anytime after the inspection was performed. This data is excellent for determining pipe ovality, pipe compression or deflection and if done periodically, can be used for measuring pipe erosion in the pipe wall.
SONAR
Sonar is an acoustical imaging tool that places a small SONAR head in front of the robot and is designed to create images of the pipe wall while submerged. Cameras do not function well typically in sewer water, often not being able to provide any kind of image at all when submerged. This restricts the viewer from being able to see pipe damage or objects in the pipe below the water line. SONAR, however, emits an acoustical signal that reflects off of the pipe wall and any objects that may be in the pipe and this signal is analyzed by the SONAR software and provides a real time image of the pipe floor and associated debris. SONAR is particularly effective in larger diameter pipe where dewatering the pipe is an expensive alternative.
SEWER PIPE FLUSHING AND CLEANING
Geolyn provides sewer pipe cleaning and flushing for storm and sanitary pipe services. Geolyn uses the Vactor 2100 sewer service truck to push 2000lbs of water pressure into the sewer pipe which flushes out blockages and pushes debris downstream to the manhole, where the vacuum is waiting to remove debris from the line. Geolyn can then use the camera to inspect the line for cleanliness and imperfections.
HYDROVAC EXCAVATING
Geolyn provides hydrovac excavating services using the Vactor 2100. Geolyn uses high water pressure to cut into soil to expose utility conduits. The truck vacuums away the water and debris and safely exposes cables and pipes without damaging them.
MANDREL TESTING
Geolyn has a complete set of precision mandrels for determining pipe roundness. A set sized mandrel is towed behind the robot to ensure pipe ovality and confirm compression limits on pipe diameter. 600 mm 5% mandrel test is shown here – Mandrel is towed by robot. If the mandrel passes freely through the pipe, then the pipe has less than 5% deflection in the pipe diameter.
