Information on Robotic Pipe Inspections

Jun 7
06:12

2011

Bob B. Hamilton

Bob B. Hamilton

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If you own a home chances are one of the drains will get clogged eventually. They can deteriorate by themselves over time, or you could pour something problematic down them. If you have a problem with one of your pipes, then robotic pipe inspections will certainly be of help to you.

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If you own a home chances are one of the drains will get clogged eventually.  They can deteriorate by themselves over time,Information on Robotic Pipe Inspections Articles or you could pour something problematic down them.  If you have a problem with one of your pipes, then robotic pipe inspections will certainly be of help to you.

A robot will need to be inserted into the pipe that is causing the problems.  The robot will also have a video camera attached to it.  This enables it to record video which the operator controlling the robot can see on a video screen.

Some camera systems used during robotic pipe inspection can also pan and tilt.  This enables them to see all around the pipe.  The images sent back to the video screen are in full color and at a high resolution.  Therefore, the operator can easily tell where debris has built up or where a pipe has been broken.

Sometimes these closed circuit televisions can't get a really accurate picture on the inside of the pipe.  More modern technology has been developed to help alleviate this problem.  3D laser profiling using a laser beam in combination with closed circuit television systems are now available.

You should know that robotic pipe inspection is not for every situation.  Some pipes are too small for the robotic device to fit into.  The minimum pipe diameter can vary from company to company.  These devices can get into pipes as small as four or six inches, and are useful in pipes up to 24 inches in diameter.

It is also important to note that there is a limit to total distance that the robotic device can travel along the interior of a pipe.  It will need to be controlled by an operator obviously.  If it reaches this distance, then a new entry point will need to be found into the pipe to continue the journey.

Also, gas can accumulate inside of pipes.  Since these devices are powered by electricity, a spark could be produced.  Therefore, the robotic camera systems are typically designed to withstand explosions.

There are a few benefits of robotic pipe inspections that you should be aware of.  The person fixing the troublesome pipe will no longer have to guess what the problem is.  He can send the camera system inside and find out exactly what's wrong.  

Even better, is that the exact location can also be found out.  After a repair has been made, the robot can be sent in again to see if the situation is truly resolved.  Pipe inspection can also help you prevent problems with your pipes in the future.  It is always cheaper to prevent problems rather than to fix them.

If you are having problems with some of the pipes in your home, then robotic pipe inspections will certainly help.  The camera system will be able to determine exactly what the problem is and where it is located.  This will help save time and most importantly money in getting the problem fixed.  You can also have the robot sent in to check on the condition of your pipes to prevent any problems in the future.