Laser Profiling

Using laser profiling in conjunction with CCTV our technicians collect survey data and create pipeline reports regarding the measurement of faults and other features inside the pipeline. This data includes measurements of pipe size, laterals, water levels and other features, as well as automatic analysis of pipe ovality and capacity up to 30 times per second. The resulting CCTV images are then analyzed using innovative software. The pipe to be profiled must be completely clean and dry for the technology to work properly. Low levels of light and humidity are also necessary to obtain accurate readings. Any dirt or more than surface dampness will compromise accuracy.

Automated Analysis

The software uses machine vision to find the video image of the laser profile (red laser line). Each frame of the inspection video is analyzed to build a digital profile of the pipe. From this profile, the profiler’s built-in functions display the following:

• The Ovality function calculates the “q” (as per ASTM F 1216, the internationally recognized standard for CIPP rehabilitation).
• The Capacity (X-sectional Area) function calculates the cross-sectional area for each profile and normalizes the results against the expected internal pipe area.
• Interfaces – with CUES software.
• The Delta calculation finds the maximum and minimum pipe radius for each profile.

Manual Measurements

Precise measurements can be taken from a single frame captured from the prerecorded or live video. This includes pipe size verification, size of laterals, water levels, holes, and off-set joints. This captured frame, with its measurement data, can then be stored as a JPEG or BMP file. Manual measurements can be accurately performed on the captured digital profile.

3D Modeling

Using the digital profile, the Laser Profiler creates a fully interactive 3D model of the pipe. This allows the user to navigate through the selected pipe within its local environment, thereby providing a new perspective to traditional CCTV inspections.