What Is a Pipe Camera?
Pipe cameras, which are equipped with cameras at their tips, are designed for insertion into hard-to-reach areas like pipes. They enable visual inspections of blockages and contamination levels. These devices display a live feed on a monitor, facilitating real-time assessments. They efficiently pinpoint blockage locations in narrow spaces, such as drain pipes, without requiring disassembly.
Also known as pipe inspection cameras or internal inspection cameras, pipe cameras are used similarly to industrial endoscopes and fiberscopes.
Applications of Pipe Cameras
Pipe cameras are essential for inspecting and identifying malfunctions like blockages in dark, confined spaces. Their extensive applications cover sewer pipe inspections, pipeline overhauls in vehicles, ships, trains, and aircraft, tube and boiler inspections, and checks of machinery in areas like subfloors and air conditioning systems. They’re also instrumental in drainage pipe pest control in restaurants, helping assess oil contamination for targeted cleaning. Additionally, pipe cameras assist in locating urinary calculus blockages in pipes and are invaluable in disaster rescue operations, accessing areas unreachable by humans.
Functionality of Pipe Cameras
Pipe cameras comprise a camera probe, cable, and monitor. The probe features a wide-angle camera, approximately 150°, with adjustable LED lighting controlled from the monitor. Probes can be replaced if damaged. Cable lengths vary, with some models able to navigate 90-degree pipe bends. The monitor allows image viewing and saving, with JPEG and ASF/AVI formats common for photos and videos, respectively, usually stored on an SD card. Most models are rechargeable, offering 2–4 hours of continuous use on a full charge.
Choosing a Pipe Camera
Selection criteria for pipe cameras include pipe diameter and length, with some models accommodating up to 100 meters. For underwater usage, ensure compatibility with water depth. Larger diameter pipes may benefit from cameras attached to centering brushes or wagons. Consider model weight, ranging from 2 kg for portability to 12 kg for enhanced performance. Features like distance measurement functions, 360° rotatable monitors, built-in Wi-Fi, and focused imaging are beneficial. Models designed specifically for toilet pipes offer easy cleaning and simplified functionality. Prices vary from 30,000 yen for basic models to 700,000 yen for advanced versions, with rental options available for high-end models.