WET News

AUGUST 2015 WET NEWS 17 O ver the past 50 years inspection using CCTV equipment has become the 'norm' when it comes to understanding the state of repair and the operational condition of most pipeline networks. What has changed most significantly over that time has been the level of information that can now be obtained, stored and analysed CCTV inspections can provide a whole host of information on a pipeline's internal state. However, accessing small diameter pipelines for inspections has been problematic. The challenge: Inspecting smaller pipelines THE CONCEPT • The SeeSnake range can inspect small to medium diameter pipelines from 20mm up to 300mm • The SeeSnake Compact2 system is durable and lightweight, at 10kg, while the Max rM200 system weighs in at 17kg • An integrated microphone and speaker enables the operator to add measurements, date and time information to the recording data • Surveys by the Compact 2 system are digitally recorded direct to USB using an 8Mb memory stick NEED TO KNOW 1 In the small diameter drainage sector, access points to pipes are small and, often, poorly placed 2 Putting an ever-increasing, highly sophisticated technology into a unit whilst keeping it at a size and cost that makes it affordable has been a problem 3 The level of information that can now be obtained, stored and analysed as compared to the early days of the method has changed greatly over the past 50 years THE VERDICT In independent tests both the SeeSnake Compact2 and the SeeSnake Max rM200 met not only the increasingly high-tech requirements of the modern CCTV inspection industry but also demonstrated that they are both durable and reliable, and so able to withstand the constant use and very high productivity required of them in the field. INSIGHT PIPeS & drAInAGe A Compact2 system offers a monitor docking system that enables fast and efficient setup designed for small- to medium-sized pipelines, the latest generation in closed-circuit (CCTV) TV technology offers a flexible option for inspections. A solution: SeeSnake gives a look on the inside T he SeeSnake range, developed by Emerson Group company Ridgid, is designed for the inspection of small to medium diameter pipelines from 20mm up to 300mm. The latest Ridgid SeeSnake Systems allow contractors to get good access and a clear picture in a wide variety of residential, commercial or industrial drainage situations that may not be possible to achieve with larger types of equipment. The SeeSnake Compact2 system is a durable and lightweight (10kg) unit that offers a 25mm diameter self- levelling camera that provides a crisp, clear, always upright image of the inside of pipes from 40mm to 150mm diameter. The Compact2 is also a very portable package for convenient transportation and storage. The unit offers a monitor docking system that enables a fast and efficient setup using the Ridgid CS6Pak digital recording monitor that comes with a water-resistant keypad. Mounting and de-mounting of the monitor is quick and easy using half-turn locking keys. With a new generation, flexible control cable of just 6mm diameter, the unit operates over pipe lengths up to 30m, given the operator good manoeuvrability. Surveys are digitally recorded direct to USB using an 8Mb memory stick that is provided with the unit. HQ Sošware can also be used to edit, archive, and deliver reports with print, DVD or online formats. The precise location of the camera can be monitored with the built-in FleXmitter sonde that also allows the route of the pipeline to be established as well as its condition. There is an integrated microphone and speaker, as well as a new monitor video overlay feature that enables the operator to add measurements, date and time information to the recording data. Ridgid's SeeSnake Max rM200 system is designed for use on a wider range of pipes with the facility to work in pipes from 40 to 200mm diameter. With sufficient cable to inspect pipes of up to 61m length, the SeeSnake Max rM200 utilises the Ridgid CS6 digital recording monitor, which offers the same features as the CS6Pak used with the Compact2, as well as the same Self-Levelling camera head and FleXmitter sonde system. In the case of the SeeSnake Max rM200, the 17kg unit is easily handled using the integrated transport cart which includes a handle and strap for easy transport to, from and around job sites. The rM200 also has an integrated stow bin for the convenient storage for tools and others essentials increasing operator efficiency. In independent tests both the SeeSnake Compact2 units and the SeeSnake Max rM200 systems have been shown to meet not only the increasingly high-tech requirements of the modern CCTV inspection industry but, as important, that they are both durable and reliable and so able to withstand the constant use and very high productivity required of them in the field. as compared to the early days of the method. The ever-increasing call by clients across the world for higher levels of sophistication in both the technology and the ability to record inspections quickly and easily so that reports that can be generated when necessary has meant equipment manufacturers now have to design CCTV systems that can meet this demand. The problem has always been how to put this level of technology into a unit whilst keeping it at a size and cost that makes it affordable to the contractor / end-user and yet keep it easy to transport, set up and operate to its fullest extent in what are ošen difficult to access worksites and pipeline networks. Probably most important of all is that the equipment should be robust and durable because it is always on the move, in and out of vans and man-handled constantly. Where difficulties ošen arise in this area is the smaller diameter end of the pipeline market. In particular this can be seen in the small diameter drainage sector where access to pipes is ošen through small, ošen poorly placed accesses or directly through the bathroom and toilet fittings themselves inside buildings. So equipment that is overly sensitive in difficult environments simply will not survive the usage.

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