Drain Scope Camera Head Passing Through 1.5" Pipe 90 Degree Elbow

Drain Scope Camera in 1.5" Pipe

The difference between a conventional borescope and a pipe inspection robot

Recently, we have received several requests from our clients asking us to explain the difference between a conventional borescope and a pipe inspection robot, and we would like to address this matter today.

So, what are pipe inspection robots, and how are they different from other traditional viewing devices?

First, of all a pipe inspection robot is a ROBOT – that’s what it is. What does that mean for you? That means greater independence from the operator, higher speeds, image quality and overall efficiency.

Greater independence: Pipe inspection robots, like our new STORMER S3000, travel within a pipeline on their own. Operators can adjust speed and illumination intensity depending on the inspection requirements, while the inspection robot examines the pipe, delivering high-quality, life-like images of the pipeline interior. In our case, STORMER S3000 features innovative highly adjustable design that allows you to inspect pipes from 150 mm (5.9”) to 1 m (40”) in diameter. The front camera mount can be used to examine pipes of narrower diameters, and top mount – for pipes of bigger diameter. The system also comes with several set of wheels to match your specific pipe diameter.

You can view the inspection process on the integral LED backlit 10.4” high-definition TFT flat panel monitor packed in a sturdy Pelican case, put in text comments and process inspection data with WinCan compatible software. All inspection findings can be saved to a hard drive or a USB stick.

Higher speeds: STORMER S3000 pipe inspection robot is a powerful 15 Nm 4 wheel drive with chain transmission operating on 48 V DC motor. For you it means NO MORE:

• Working in an awkward position
• Pushing and pulling insertion probe, hoping the camera stays in the up-right position

You can choose between 5 speeds depending on the inspection requirements and save yourself considerable amounts of time and energy.

Higher image quality: Pipe inspection robots feature innovative optics, which delivers high-quality complete images of the pipeline interior even when the robot moves on high speeds. The STORMER S3000 is equipped with a pan-and-tilt camera with continuous rotation and super-sensitive CMOS video chip (720x576 pixels) and lon
g-lasting adjustable LED lights that allow to capture every little defect of the pipeline interior. The camera is protected by Stainless steel housing with Aluminum anodized finish and is completely waterproof.

Overall efficiency: Pipe inspection robots allow you to inspect wider range of pipelines at just a fraction of effort of a conventional viewing device. Their agility, precision and portability make them irreplaceable tools that should be added to any inspection kit. If you want to conduct highly productive and economical inspections and receive informative reports at double the speed of a traditional borescope, pipe inspection robot is your choice.

Video borescope ORION I STRAHL Line with interchangeable probes, high-resolution camera head and anti-slip rubber handle from Medit Inc.

The new STRAHL Line I Video Borescope ORION is an upgraded version of the old model.  It is an enhanced inspection equipment with high-resolution camera head, variety of imaging options including grid, mirror and zoom-in/zoom out functions. The unit itself is very lightweight, compact in size, ergonomic and battery powered.  

The video borescope comes with interchangeable probes of different diameters, lengths, and direction of views.  The inspection probes range from 4 mm to 10 mm in diameter and are water-, oil-, diesel-, gasoline - proof (IP 57). The probes can be used with optional mirrors allowing to view the inspection at different viewing angles at 70°, 90° or 110°. The unit features a sensitive, high-resolution CMOS camera chip that captures tiniest defects and transports the image to the integrated 3.5’’ digital LCD monitor. The monitor has been enhanced to 720x640 pixels to provide inspectors with higher quality informative results.

Four super bright long-lasting LED lights provide brilliant illumination for inspection areas even with no lighting or extremely poor light conditions. The light intensity can be manually adjusted to avoid glare on shiny/glossy inspection surfaces. The camera features powerful zoom, grid and mirror functions that have been added in response to client’s demands.  

All inspection data can be saved to a 4 GB SD memory card that is included with the unit. The memory card slot features a unique open design that makes inserting or removing the memory card convenient for the user. Captured images or recorded video files may be downloaded via USB directly to a computer/laptop. A video output jack is also available to view images on a large TV monitor, which provides a great opportunity for inspectors and clients to review and discuss them. 

A rechargeable LI-polymer battery provides up to 4 hours of continuous video capture on a full charge and requires only 2 hours to recharge.  

This unit comes with an anti-slip grip rubber handle and is an all-in-one package for inspectors who are looking for an compact, handheld, high-performance device.

http://youtu.be/9xpjs7tkfQ4?list=PLA4D292C46E738C71

Inspection Camera VIPER ADV goes on the market

The new Pipe Inspection Camera VIPER ADV from Medit Inc. goes on the market. The VIPER ADV is an advanced model of our standard push camera Viper. Our goal with this new device is to improve working conditions and provide customers with great inspections results and satisfaction.

Same as the previous model this device consist of 3 main parts: a camera head, a push rod and DVR with a wider LCD monitor. The new and improved 9'' monitor display (as compared to 7'' in the former model) is protected by an adjustable sun hood from direct sun allowing for efficient outdoor inspections even in a bright daylight. The camera sensor is shielded by a Sapphire lens to prevent scratching and image impairment. The inspection can be viewed in a live mode on the monitor or can be stored as image/video on an SD card.

The Inspection Camera comes with a PVC coated fiberglass 6.5mm diameter push rod. Along with the standard length of 40m. A longer 60m working length push rod is also available. The push rod comes on a solid stand-alone reel which takes little space and is easy to transport. This model also has a longer flexible spring coiled join to navigate corners for more detailed inspections end results.

This new Viper ADV is an awesome tool, well suited for exploring ducts, pipelines, mains and sewers. Click here to review and shop.

Borescope Light Source Comparison: MS-24 vs. ILLUMINATOR

SPARK XTR Adjustable LED Light Source

Medit Inc. is pleased to introduce a new LED Borescope Light Source SPARK XTR that we added to our product range.

The Spark LED flash light was specially designed to improve working conditions and provide customers with a cost effective solution. The LED chip is combined with a specialized focal lens to produce higher light intensity. The device also boasts with adjustable strobe lights and easy light output control. The body is made out of high grade aluminum which prevents the light source from heating up even after a long period of use. 

The device is very compact in size and weighs only 105g. It is powered by  a rechargeable 2,000 Ah, 3.6 V Li-ion battery with up to 50 minutes of operation at full intensity .

The light source is compatible with a wide range of leading borescope brands, including Olympus. 

This tool is a "must have" for routine remote visual inspections.

Waterproof STRAHL Pole Mounted Inspection Camera is now available

We added a new highly efficient STRAHL pole mounted inspection camera to our product range. Check out this totally convenient device that offers a high image quality and comfortable operations. It is an awesome tool to have on hand for various inspections, when portability and compact size become key factors. 

The Inspection Camera has 8 High-output LED Light and a flex-and-Stay Camera Neck. The pole itself extends from 0.95m to 2.2m which gives you a total length of 3.3 meters. The camera operates on a high-capacity rechargeable lithium battery offering up to 6 hours of uninterrupted operation. With a 180 degree rotation display its allowing to view images from all different angles. Inspection process can be captured on Micro SD Card up to 16 Gb capacity. 

This Pole Mounted Inspection Camera is a great device for military, law enforcement and very handy to use on criminal investigation. It is very convenient to use on and behind walls, bridges, roof, ceiling and other structures located near or in water and also for under vehicle.The Waterproof STRAHL camera is a good and affordable addition to our line of pole mounted inspection systems.

What is a good and affordable sewer camera?

Can affordable sewer cameras also be good, delivering high quality images, navigating different types of pipes with ease, portable and offering multiple features for documenting, viewing and organizing inspection findings?

Yes, it can. The time when sewer cameras were expensive, bulky machines is long gone. Modern designers and manufacturers are closely following the needs and demands of Remote Visual Inspections industry, trying to create versatile, highly mobile and efficient viewing devices that would not only deliver exceptional inspection footages, make the work of inspectors much safer, easier and more productive, but would also be inexpensive cutting down overall inspections costs. What can be more important than gaining profit and gaining more clients at the same time?

CAIMAN Sewer Camera is one of those innovative devices offering a whole scope of advanced characteristics at an affordable price.

The Camera is equipped with a high-resolution CCD self-leveling camera and 18 high-output LED lights integrated at the tip of a flexible fiberglass probe that can navigate pipes up to 120 meter long and can be easily traced underground due to built-in 512 Hz sonde. The self-leveling feature ensures that the camera keeps the upright position inside the pipe at all times, which is important if the probe has to travel long distance or pass multiple bends. The camera head is protected by an anti-scratch Sapphire lens, which guarantees high quality picture for a long time even if you have to use the camera in harsh or scratchy environments. Both, the probe and the camera head, are tightly sealed and are 1 Bar water-proof, allowing for different types of sewer and drain inspections with submersion.

CAIMAN’s control unit is conveniently mounted on a light, compact wheeled reel that can house up to 120 meters of insertion probe. The control unit features a 7” digital monitor with 720 X 560 resolution.  Snapshots (JPEG), video (AVI) and audio (MPEG4) recordings of the inspection can be replayed right on site, sent to a computer through a USB cable or saved to a micro SD card.

Additional features include length counter, informing an operator of how much probe has been inserted, IR remote control, rechargeable Li-ion battery, 13.5V battery backup station with 10 hours working capacity.

CAIMAN offers users exceptional sewer inspection experience at no extra cost or effort.

What is a good bore scope for day-to-day remote visual inspections?

Whether you are a hired professional operating on the company’s budget, self-employed businessman trying to be smart about the money you invest in your company’s development or just a responsible home-owner searching for a particular bore scope, it’s always important to ask yourself several questions before purchasing a piece of equipment for remote visual inspections – How versatile is it? Will I be able to use it for different applications or just one type of inspections? Am I planning to use it on the regular basis once the project, requiring the use of this particular tool, is over?

One of the latest versatile imaging devices that has been tremendously popular among our clients lately is a small, compact, hand-held JT-AlphaVideo Borescope. This starts to make sense as you look closely at the scope of features it provides.

First of all, it is the highly intuitive single-handed operation it offers due to ergonomic, non-slip design and a joystick control and buttons conveniently located right under your fingertips. You can easily navigate the probe even through the tightest spaces, corners or bends as the probe’s short distal end articulates in four directions by means of the joystick control, and capture images by a single push of a button. And do all that with just one hand, which becomes especially handy if you have to work standing on a ladder or carry out inspections in extremely confined spaces.

Secondly, the four-way tip articulation does not only make the probe extremely maneuverable and pushable, it contributes to high quality, detailed inspection images. Take into account super intense LED lights illumination and a high-resolution (800x600) CMOS image sensor, and you receive a compact, highly maneuverable imaging device with exceptional viewing capabilities.

The scope also features a durable, flexible stainless steel braided insertion probe (available in different lengths and diameters), 3.5” TFT LCD display and a USB slot to transfer images to a SD card.

With all of that said, JT-Alfa definitely stands out from other videoscopes of its class as a highly portable, versatile viewing device that will greatly enhance your productivity and save you a great deal of money in the long run.

New LED Light Source for Olympus

Today LED lamps or bulbs gain more popularity, with decreasing costs and increasing power. LED lamp is a solid-state lamp that uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as the source of light. LED lamps offer long service life. LEDs are often used in endoscopy because they provide white light, high efficience, portability and small power consumption. The lifespan of LED is longer than that of HID, xenon or halogen bulbs and last more than 80,000 hours.
Many endoscopes utilize LED light source designed as handles. Due to various design of light post it is necessary to have adapters for every endoscope. If it is required to obtain a new LED light source, it is important to find LED light source with correct light post adapter.
Olympus endoscopes are very popular worldwide, and a new LED light source is suggested for Olympus endoscopes, gastroscopes and fiberscopes.

SPARK-OL LED light source is a portable light handle specifically designed for Olympus endoscopes. It provides powerful illumination. SPARK-OL light source combines latest LED chip and special focal lens, and it produces up to 10% more light intensity than the most powerful light sources in its class.
Its body is composed of high-grade aluminum with an anodized finish.
Spark-OL LED light source for Olympus borescopes can be quickly attached to an endoscope by means of a rotating adaptor without having to rotate the whole handle, offering great convenience and freedom of portability.
You can find more LED light sources here

Door to MicroWorld Opened by Digital Microscope

Microscopic observations are often required during inspection of structural defects, welding, imperfections in electrical components.
Detalizator Portable Microscope can be used for such applications. Imaging power of Detalizator is great inspete of very small size. The Microscope features high image quality, zoom, snapshot functions, recording options. Detalizator Portable Microscope also offers a great variety of lighting techniques,

including bright and dark field, transmitted, polarized, and differential interference observation, and provides ample magnification range (0.3x-200x). This device also supports reflected lens tube allowing users to capture positive images when a mirror is attached.
Detalizator Portable Microscope can be attached directly to PC or laptop by means of Orion USB handle. It can be also used with Orion Base monitor with 3.5'' display with JPEG and MPEG4 files capturing options and ED-CAM – imaging and recording hub with 7'' digital display.
Please see more compatible systems here.

Finding the Best Inspection Camera

While inspecting engines or other equipment there are a wide variety of situations when you might find it necessary to rely on a good inspection camera. Such inspection cameras can couple with different insertion probes, which are convenient in different cases. Finding the best probe for the specific task can be complicating and expensive.

For example, a flexible probe allows observing hidden places which cannot be seen directly. Articulated flexible videoscope can shoot a good video inside closed boxes or hollows. Long flexible probes are significant for inspection of tubes or pipes. But sometimes rigid borescopes are more convenient, because they give a better image at a lower cost compared to a flexible fiberscopes. The image is exceptionally clear. When an object is located within direct access, rigid borescopes are the best. However disadvantages of rigid borescopes include their fragility.

Different tasks require a number of inspection tools: flexible borescopes with various length and diameter, rigid borescopes, video cameras and light sources. Purchasing them separately can be costly and unprofitable. A universal system would be the best way out.

The new inspection camera system ED-Cam  from MEDIT is a universal, portable inspection device, which can be coupled with a lot of rigid and flexible probes. Simply change the videoprobes for your specific task.

This inspection system includes a portable recording hub with a high-resolution color 7" LCD display and a CCD camera with 1.3 Mp resolution. The universal focusable video coupler can be attached to any 32 mm optical (either rigid or flexible) borescope eyepiece. Included IR remote control offers inspection operability.

The unit can record still images and video with voice recording to SD memory card or to laptop via USB cable. The display allows to observe every detail.

It is possible to locate the ED-Cam Inspection Camera System to any inspection site even without electricity supply, it can be powered from both rechargeable battery up to 4 hours, or an external power supply. You can see some variants of installation in the pictures.
More details about MEDIT inspection cameras can be found here.

What is a Sewer Camera Inspection

Because sewer lines are located underground, the problems with them are often hard to detect until they come in the open, as let’s say a sewage back-up. 
Sewer lines may be flat, offset, root-infested, or even broken, which can end-up in reoccurring sewer clogs or back-ups, leading to property damage, loss of operating time for businesses and costly repairs. However, sewer camera inspection can spare you from this nerve-racking experience. This new non-destructive testing (NDT) approach allows both contractors and their clients to save time and money on excavation jobs while getting a full picture of the problem area.

Inspection with Sewer Camera

Having a sewer line inspection before buying a property will allow you to negotiate on the price and even ask for a discount in case there are sewer line problems. Sewer camera inspections are important regardless of the age of the home, as there may be hidden problems that you won’t be able to detect just by running water in the bathroom sink.

There are several ways to inspect a pipeline remotely depending on the nature of the problem. NDT specialists can run a snake in the pipeline through a manhole in the street, or check the condition of your pipes right in your bathroom or kitchen.

Usually sewer cameras consist of an insertion probe with a camera integrated into its tip. There are different lengths and diameters of probes, and various types of cameras for specific applications. You can watch the whole process on the display. 

Sewer camera inspections are also important as a preventative measure, before pipeline relining, or when cleaning a pool. They can not only detect clogs in the pipelines, but inform you of the condition of the pipeline and what kind of material was used to construct it, thus allowing you to make an educated decision on future repairs and plan the budget.   

Benefits of sewer camera inspections:

• No need to pay over and over again to repair reoccurring sewer problems
• No unnecessary tearing apart the whole area or digging
• No guesswork
• No paying for repairs that aren’t your responsibility

You can find a wide selection of sewer cameras by following this link

 

Tips for Best Mainline and Infrastructure Inspection

It is vitaly important to examine sanitary infrastructure before buying a property or making investments, and before building new estate objects. 

Sewer pipe problems have indicators, which can be revealed during video inspection of pipe system. Some of the most noticeable signs are: 

• Water stains - sign that the sewer line is not draining properly. 
• Physical damages - cracked walls or floors suggest movement of the foundation.
• Outside “cleanouts” - outside cleanout that is not original to the home is a possible sign that repair was performed recently.
• Trees - near the area of the yard where the sewer line runs should always be cause for concern, because their routes can break old pipelines.
• Hidden damages of pipeline - can be detected only during video inspection with the help of special cameras. 

A new CYCLOPS Manhole Inspection Camera can be used for inspection in sewer, water, and waste mainlines, ducts and pipes. This unit has a telescopic rod for easy single-user operation and ideal for pipes with diameter from 200 mm (8’’) to 2.000 mm (78’’). This Inspection camera is equipped with a new generation of LED lights that automatically illuminate the inspection area at zoom in. CYCLOPS manhole camera has a powerful zoom (36×optical and 12×digital) with a detection distance up to 80 meters. The camera body tilts automatically up 45° and down 90°. Inspections can be recorded by either image (MPEG) or video (MPEG4/AVI) capture and saved onto a 4Gb SD memory card. The imaging hub is equipped with a 5.7’’ TFT color monitor with 640x480 pixel resolution.

You can learn more about these inspection cameras here

Videoscope for Gas Cylinder Inspection

There are many industrial areas which require careful inspection. Gas Safety Regulations demand regular inspection of gas cylinders for defects. Many techniques are used to achieve this. Often visual inspection by borescope or video borescope is applied. The insertion probe of videoscope is inserted into empty cylinder and the operator can observe the inner surface. 

A new videoscope is offered to perform such inspections. JT Alpha bore scope offers 4-way articulation and easy navigation and control by joystick. High resolution screen depicts nice image. Steel braiding protects the probe from scratches. Powerful LED light source provides a good illumination. JT Alpha video bore scope is an efficient tool that makes the work of video inspections cost-effective, comfortable, fast and highly productive.

You can see more information about this class bore scopes following this link

Why are rigid borescopes better?

Some specialists are interested in rigid borescopes and they want to know their pros and cons.

A rigid optical borescope (can be seen here) is an optical device with a rigid metal tube and eyepiece on one end and an objective lens on the other. Between them we can find a complex relay optical system.  Optical systems in them can be of three main types: Hopkins rod lenses, achromatic doublets and gradient rod lenses. For large diameter the achromatic doublet relays are good, but as the diameter tube gets smaller the rod lenses provide better images. For very small rigid borescopes, the gradient index lens relays are better. The tube contains also glass fibers for illumination. 

The illumination can be provided either by LED light source attached as a handle to the light post of the borescope, or by external powerful Metal Halide, Xenon or Halogen light source. In this case the light is transferred via flexible glass fiber guide. alideAn internal image of the object is formed by the objective lens and magnified by the eyepiece, which presents it to the eye. 

What are advantages of rigid borescopes? They provide a superior image at a lower cost compared to a flexible fiberscopes. The image is exceptionally clear. When an object is located within direct access, rigid borescopes work well. They are recommended for gunsmithing, automobile inspection like observation of automotive cylinders, injectors and hydraulic bodies. It is possible to attach a video camera to the eyepiece, and after that the inspector can record video and still images for further processing.

What then are disadvantages of rigid borescopes? Rigid borescopes are limited to access to a straight line. It is impossible to view hidden objects behind something.  Besides they are fragile instruments and don’t like falling down.

There are many rigid borescopes in the market with diameter from 1.8 mm to 8 mm and length from 10 cm to 90 cm.  As you can see they have more advantages than disadvantages and can be very efficient for inspection work

Unboxing Sewer Camera Viper-S

Watch the sewer pipe inspection camera Viper-S out of the box. Here is the source of the similar to VIPER-S affordable sewer push cameras.

Borescope and iPhone

The application of smartphones now goes far beyond their main usage as phones. You can see an interesting device - borescope adapter for iPhone, which transforms the smartphone into a kind of videoscope with rigid probe.
To see a new borescope that can be used with IPhone, IPad or Android devices - please visit this page.

Introduction to Orion-USB borescope inspection camera

A new USB video borescope opens new frontiers in borescope inspection. With this borescope USB handle it is possible to connect a wide variety of probes to any laptop, desktop or tablet and make it a perfect tool for inspection. Many probes are available: rigid, rigid with articulation, flexible and flexible with articulation and length from 1 meter to 30 meters. Please watch the following video introducing this outstanding videoscope. You can find more information here.