Pushrod cameras are an efficient, practical way to inspect pipes, drains, sewers and other confined areas. Such systems can enable inspections to be conducted in challenging environments with greater accuracy, flexibility and ease. They are highly portable and easy to manoeuvre, and have become a must have tool for remote visual inspections in numerous sectors.
But pushrod cameras have their own disadvantages, even though they're durable and technologically advanced, they still need conditioning and treatment. If the equipment is not operated or maintained correctly, it may also suffer damage resulting in costly repairs, loss of time, and less effective inspections.
It's crucial to handle and maintain your pushrod camera system correctly to help maximize its lifespan and minimize the risk of damage. The following tips are meant to help you ensure that your inspection equipment can perform in a dependable and efficient manner for years.
Slow Down During Inspections
A common error made by operators is getting to the inspection too soon. In situations where the obstruction or area to be inspected is visible, it is very easy to be tempted to rush into the pipe or drain system and start the inspection right away.
But pushing the pushrod too hard can put an undue strain on the system. The rod can bend, kink or buckle when it is inserted in the pipeline if it is moved suddenly or too forcefully. Pushrods can become kinked and this can impact on their performance and flexibility.
A slow and steady motion enables the camera to traverse the area under inspection with a more natural motion and with less stress on the pushrod assembly. By slowing the process down during insertion, equipment safety and/or inspection accuracy is improved.
When approaching tight spaces, bends, or older pipelines that have interior surfaces covered with uneven or damaged surfaces, care needs to be taken when moving.
Properly set up the equipment.
The correct position of the operator is important in ensuring that the camera on the pushrod is not unduly damaged. Avoid standing upright when approaching the access opening: it is best to get on hands and knees and keep hands low to the ground when preparing for inspection.
Smooth feeding of the camera into the pipe, and better control of the pushrod when the working position is low. The operator standing still will allow the pushrod reel to spin so fast the rod will bow out or twist before it goes into the opening properly.
The feeding angles are not the optimal ones and may lead to increased stress on the camera head and cable assembly, as well as to an increased risk of kinking. A properly set up system not only ensures that the equipment is protected, but also enhances the overall precision of the inspection.
A stable working position is useful to have when inspecting narrow pipes or systems with several directional changes, where maneuvering is required.
Follow Proper Handling Techniques
The length of time equipment lasts depends greatly on the method of pushrod advance into the pipeline. In the early phases of the inspection, short and controlled movements should be used to manoeuvre the camera throughout the system.
If too much force is applied or if pushed too fast, the rod can bend too much and may develop bends or kinks. Controlled movements enable the operator to sense changes in resistance and adjust accordingly, preventing damage from occurring.
After a successful smooth run-through of the pipeline, the operators are able to gradually ramp up the speed of the camera, particularly though longer straight sections of the pipeline or through bends.
Consistent and measured movements also enhance the quality of the inspection, as the camera will be more stable when taking images and video footage.
Keep in mind: The camera is not a cleaning device!
Pushrod Cameras are Cameras designed to survive in difficult inspection areas. Most of their camera heads and LED lighting systems are usually hermetically closed and covered by sturdy materials like hard Plexiglass or protective materials.
Although the equipment is rugged, it should never be used as a drain cleaner or for removing obstructions. One of the most important and costly parts of the entire inspection system is the camera head so protecting the camera head should always be a priority.
Operators are not to use the camera as a battering ram to dislodge an obstruction during inspection. If the camera has to force its way through heavy debris or solid objects, the camera housing, lens, lighting system or pushrod itself may be damaged.
Pushrod cameras are specifically for diagnostic and visual inspection only. Their purpose should be to point out issues and to present visual data rather than to physically clear obstructions.
With proper use of the system, the amount of unnecessary repair costs and the duration of the period of use of the equipment are reduced.
Continuously Monitor the Display Screen
The operator should always be on the monitor during the inspection procedure. The display screen is essential to see the information about upcoming hazards, pipe condition changes, pipe breaks, debris or foreign objects in the system.
It is easy to miss the monitor as you are working with it, which can result in a sudden and potentially damaging impact on the camera head or jam or kinking of the pushrod.
Operators can track the screen regularly and take a slowdown or camera changes prior to reaching tricky parts of the pipeline. This is a proactive strategy which decreases the risk of damage to equipment and enables even easier inspections.
Monitoring also has a positive effect on inspection quality because an important defect or abnormality is not missed in the inspection when it is carefully monitored.
Maintenance and Cleaning are crucial.
Regular cleaning and maintenance play a vital role in ensuring the longevity and efficiency of pushrod camera systems. The camera lens and pushrod should be completely cleaned after each inspection to eliminate dirt, grease, grit, sludge, oil and other contaminants.
When the contaminants get on the lens, or on the moving parts, image quality can degrade and mechanical wear can increase with time.
Operators should avoid using oil based cleaners when cleaning the lens as this can harm the surface of the lens or protective coatings.
Regularly check connectors, reels, cables, and seals, in addition to cleaning visible component of the system. If the wear or damage is discovered early, it is possible to avoid larger mechanical or electrical issues at a later time.
Proper equipment storing after use is also helpful to prolong the service life. The sensitive electronic components will avoid unnecessary exposure to moisture and contamination by keeping the camera system in a clean and dry environment.
Be aware of your surroundings
The position of the camera within the pipe or inspection area should be kept in mind at all times by the operator. It is particularly important when the repair or excavation is being performed by contractors or maintenance personnel at the same time.
Occasionally, pipes have been opened during maintenance work without knowing that the camera pushrod was still in the pipe. This can cause expensive damage to the camera head and cable assembly.
During inspection operations, therefore, it is necessary to have effective communication between inspection personnel and maintenance crews. If you know for certain where the camera is, you can prevent accidental damage and make a job site safer.
When working around moving equipment, wet areas, confined areas, or construction activity, it's also important to be aware of the work environment.
Why Proper Pushrod Camera Care Matters
Pushrod cameras are beneficial for remote visual inspection applications where access is limited and portability is required. They are widely used for inspecting:
- Drains
- Sewer systems
- Pipelines
- Chimneys
- Rooftops
- HVAC air ducts
- Building cavities
- Underground conduits
This is because many of these systems are subject to tough conditions and how they are treated directly impacts the reliability and repair frequency.
The regular operation, storage, maintenance and correct inspection methods are all part of the measures that will increase equipment performance while decreasing operational costs.
The advantages of proper maintenance
- There are several important benefits to keeping the pushrod camera in good condition:
- Fewer repair/replacement expenses
- Longer equipment lifespan
- Better photo clarity in inspections.Better picture quality in inspections.
- Increased inspection efficiency
- Reduced operational downtime
- Better inspection accuracy
- Greater operator safety
Providing adequate time to maintain equipment can deliver organizations increased productivity as well as safeguarding the large investment in inspection technology.
Conclusion
Pushrod cameras are essential for visual inspections from afar in tight spaces and hard to reach areas. They are highly useful in many industries due to their portability, versatility, and capacity to offer instant visual data.
The quality of their performance and life span, however, relies on their handling and maintenance. Some simple precautions can make a big difference in minimizing the potential for damage and expensive repairs; they include slowing down during inspections, the proper way to handle equipment, careful observation of the display and appropriate cleaning and maintenance procedures.
Consider the camera as a precision inspection instrument and not a physical cleaning tool to maintain its condition and reliable long-term operation.
Organizations that are looking for guidance and information in the field of pushrod camera system, inspection method, or finding the most appropriate equipment for particular applications, will be able to get guidance from the experienced man in technical equipment who can provide them with practical and cost effective solutions for inspection.
