Intelligent pipeline inspection using CCTV technology

Whether for new installations or the maintenance of existing pipeline systems, condition assessment is a foremost and ongoing process. Ryan Osborne, general manager at Bodotex, expands on the key role played by CCTV systems in providing a live view of sewer and water system health.

By Alastair Currie

As a specialist supplier to the trenchless technology market, Bodotex keeps abreast of the lasted trends. Technologies offered in the range include CCTV crawler camera systems, patch repair products, cured-in-place (CIPP) liners, UV curing systems, resins for felt lining, mechanical seals, and cutters.

“We provide the support and the technical expertise so that customers can gain the best value from specific technologies,” says Osborne. One of its largest CIPP projects to date is for a 1.8 km sewer upgrade in Durban, where Bodotex is supplying international technical CIPP skills and a UV CIPP liner curing system from ProKASRO to refurbish a 1 400 mm diameter pipeline.

“Asset management and ongoing maintenance are crucial for any water or wastewater network, and there’s huge scope across South Africa for CIPP refurbishments, given our ageing infrastructure,” he continues. “As the starting point, the process begins with routine inspections and condition assessments, and this is where CCTV units come into their own.”

Within South Africa, Bodotex is the official distributor for IBOS, a Czech original equipment manufacturer (OEM) with over 20 years’ experience in the CCTV field. IBOS solutions range from push-rod self-levelling cameras to high-tech electrically powered all-wheel-drive crawler units deployed on bulk water and sewer lines.

Bodotex is also the local distributor for ProKASRO, a leading German OEM whose name stands for ‘progressive sewer rehabilitation robotics’. ProKASRO’s product solutions include UV technology and cutters. The key advantage for customers is that certain IBOS and ProKASRO processes are interchangeable and interlinkable. The IBOS remote controller, for example, can control a ProKASRO working robot used for milling, grinding, filling, moulding and injection operations.

Laser measurement

One of the top IBOS crawler models is the CamBoss 150_IV, which can be supplied with a cable length of 300 m and 500 m installed on a fully automatic reel. Fitted with intelligent lasers in the camera head, the CamBoss 150_IV can be configured to measure key parameters like distance, cracks, holes and connections in the pipe, diameter and continuous ovality, as well as sediment

build-up. Onboard software translates the data captured into predetermined condition assessment reports. Optional software modules further enhance the CamBoss 150_ IV’s functionality. The reports generated then assist asset owners in determining the next steps – e.g. to clean, rehabilitate or replace the pipeline.

Proactive interventions

“However, the ideal approach is to proactively manage a pipeline system from its commissioning, rather than taking a reactive approach when unplanned faults occur, which tends to be the case far too often in the South African municipal environment. A pipeline tends to be a forgotten asset until failures start to occur. Then the true value becomes very evident,” Osborne continues.

Bodotex focuses on a continuous education drive to inform municipalities and utilities about pipeline technology and the importance of planned maintenance.

“We also believe a CCTV inspection training programme should be created for SMMEs to support municipalities in pipeline asset management,” says Osborne. For routine inspections, more affordable push-rod CCTV units are a great starting point for SMMEs to learn the basics before advancing towards top-end, sophisticated crawlers.

Researching the best options

For established contractors looking to add CCTV to their technology suite, Osborne stresses the importance of indepth market research, and to think carefully before buying a second-hand unit.

The price point may be attractive, but what about the age of the technology? Is it on the verge of becoming redundant? For example, there may be limitations in terms of resolution and data capture, which are not upgradeable.

“Also, make sure that there’s well-established service support and parts availability. Through our OEMs, we can guarantee this, plus we have standby rental crawler units in place,” Osborne continues. An obvious consideration is the robustness of the unit. That equally applies to the cable, which is the critical interface between the controller and the camera. In IBOS’s case, its units come equipped with some of the thinnest and lightest cables on the market – an important feature because it minimises drag on the crawler. IBOS’s cables are further protected by an outer Kevlar sleeve.

Interchangeability

Interchangeability is another key consideration – for example, the ability to change out the chassis, wheel diameters, and camera lenses to suit the specific pipeline conditions and/or inspection criteria. As Osborne points out, lenses can get damaged, so ease of replacement is essential; plus, if a more advanced lens/laser technology is introduced, provision should be made for this in terms of retrofitting.

“Top-end crawler units should comfortably be able to work in a range of pipeline diameters – say, from 150 mm upwards – and fulfil a myriad of tasks and reporting functionality. Choosing the right OEM and supplier will ensure that contractors get the best return on their investment. Every technology is application specific and, in the case of CCTV, it’s an exciting and rapidly evolving market, backed by cutting-edge software development,” Osborne concludes.