Water Main Inspection - Waste Water Pipe Inspection - Raw Water Pipe Inspection
Q: Is RFT suitable to inspect all material types?
A: No, RFT is suitable for the inspection and condition analysis of cast-iron, Ductile-Iron and Steel pipelines plus C-301 (PCCP pipe) and C-303 (bar-wrapped pipe) for wire breaks and cylinder corrosion
Q: How fast is the inspection?
A: Typical inspection speed is from 5m/min to 20m/min (15'-60'/min)
Q: Can the Tools run in pressurized lines?
A: Yes, All Tools, up to 36" diameter can run in pressurized lines. Most Tools are tested to 1500 PSIG. Larger Tools are suitable for pipes that are empty and dry (for these pipes access is via manholes)
Q: Can we launch and receive the Tool from one entry point?
A: Yes, for short runs (<1km), the Tool can be tethered with either a steel wireline or an Amsteel rope.
Q: If the Tools are tethered, can the tether damage my cement mortar liner?
A: We use Amsteel rope to mitigate the risk of damaging liners in elbows, but if you are still concerned we recommend that the Tool operate with the flow (no tether)
Q: What size Tools are available?
A: We have most Tool sizes to fit pipelines between 2" and 78"
Q: Can Tools that have been used in waste water be used to inspect potable water mains?
A: We have sterilization procedures for our Tools; however, some pipeline owners do not want to allow this, so we generally have dedicated Tools for each service.
Q: Do you work outside of North America?
A: Yes, we have worked in Australia, Spain, UK, Norway, France, Thailand. Our Tools are quite transportable, and we are willing to work anywhere.
Q: Why is RFT more suitable than MFL or UT for water main inspection?
A: RFT has the following advantages over other inspection techniques:
- RFT Tools do not need to contact the inside surface of the pipe
- RFT Tools can work in lined pipelines or in pipe that has internal tubercles up to 1" thick
- RFT Tools detect local corrosion pits before they perforate the pipe and leak
- RFT Tools are bi-directional
- Pipelines can be flowing, pressurized or empty
- RFT technology can inspect "grainy" materials such as cast iron
- Experience counts: we have over 25 years of experience using RFT for oil and gas, water and waste water pipeline condition assessment
Q: Can you monitor the Tool from above ground?
A: Yes. RFT Tools have a strong exciter coil, running at low frequency. Tools are often detectable up to ten feet away
Q: What temperature can the Tools tolerate?
A: RFT Tools can operate between zero and +65 degrees C.
Q: Does my pipeline have to be taken out of service for the inspection?
A: No, but the flow may need to be throttled back to achieve ideal inspection speed.