FAQs

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    What is PPR?
    PPR stands for Pipe Penetrating Radar. It is the in-pipe application of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), a non destructive technology to map pipe wall and bedding material conditions.
    What is the difference between PPR and GPR?
    GPR is mainly used from the surface to image the subsurface. In conductive soil conditions the GPR signals are unable to reach their targets. PPR on the other hand is deployed inside the pipe and will always work in non-ferrous pipes irrespective of the soil conditions around the pipe.
    We tried GPR from the surface and it did not work. Will PPR work?
    In conductive soil conditions the GPR signals are unable to reach their targets. PPR on the other hand is deployed inside the pipe and will always work in non-ferrous pipes irrespective of the soil conditions around the pipe.
    What information can PPR provide that visual inspection cannot?
    PPR accurately measures the pipe wall thickness, the reinforcement cover, composition defects, and can locate cracks, voids and cavities outside non-metallic pipes. It can also measure grout thickness outside the pipe.
    Can you find voids?
    Yes, unless the electrical properties of the filling material are exactly the same as the surroundings soil.
    Can you measure pipe wall thickness?
    Yes, the pipe wall thickness is measured with high (98%) accuracy.
    Can you inspect reinforced concrete pipes?
    Yes.
    Can you do clay pipes (VCP)?
    Yes. PPR can work in VCP.
    Can you do PCCP?
    No, unfortunately due to the steel cylinder the EM waves cannot penetrate through a PCCP.
    Can you do a brick lined sewer?
    PPR will work in most brick lined sewers.
    Can you do AC pipe?
    Yes, it works in asbestos concrete pipes.
    Does your system have a CCTV camera?
    Yes. The SewerVUE Surveyor is equipped with three cameras. A high definition (HD) pan tilt zoom camera is used for recording the pipe during the survey for visual inspection. The other two are used to monitor the antennas and the tether.
    Does it have other measuring tools?
    Yes, it has a laser range finder that can measure the internal profile of the pipe and can provide quantitative information about pipe wall loss or ovality.
    Two inertial units are mounted onto the Surveyor. They are used to get xyz positions.
    Other sensors can easily be added (e.g. temperature, gas detector, etc.).
    What is the maximum speed of the data collection?
    PPR data collection is continuous together with CCTV and laser, the maximum speed is 30ft/min (10m/min).
    What is the accuracy of PPR?
    A quarter of the wavelength, on the order of a few millimetres or a quarter of an inch.
    How far can you go?
    The maximum cable length is 6000 ft (1850 m).
    How deep can you go?
    The maximum signal penetration depends on the material the signal penetrates through. The maximum depth is usually around 12” (30cm) to 48” (120cm) from the internal surface of the pipe.
    Can you do 45° or 90° bends?
    The robot is capable of turning in 45° bends for the 90° bend a man entry assistance is needed.
    What pipe size can you do?
    The SewerVUE Surveyor is configured to inspect pipes between 21” and 36” diameter. With modifications the range can be extended. Larger diameter pipes can be inspected via manned entry.
    What is a pilot project?
    The pilot project is a live demonstration of the PPR technology where the client can see the process of the inspection of a chosen pipe. It typically lasts a whole day with one or two insertions during which 800-1000 ft of pipe is surveyed. Results are delivered within four weeks of the field survey.
    How much can you do in a day?
    Depending on site conditions, and layout of the pipe approximately 800 -1500 ft (270-500m) can be inspected in a day.
    What do you need for deployment and field support?
    A tripod with minimum of 400lbs (180kg) lifting capacity, a generator for power supply and a 3 man crew that can provide traffic control and assistance with the insertion of the robot.
    Can you go through a standard manhole?
    Yes, the robot was designed to go through a standard 22.5 in manhole.
    What is the method of the deployment of the robot?
    The robot is lifted using the tripod and then lowered down into the manhole. In some situations man entry might be needed in order to properly position the robot into the pipe.
    Can the antennas look down?
    No. The SewerVUE Surveyor’s antennas can only collect data from the position of 9 o’clock to 3 o’clock. An additional antenna can, however be customized to collect data from the invert.
    Why do you only scan the top half of the pipe?
    Pipe corrosion due to hydrogen sulphide always attacks the crown of the pipe.
    Can you measure rebar cover?
    Yes. PPR can measure rebar cover with high accuracy.
    Will it work under water?
    PPR antennas will work under water. This requires customization, since the PPR sensors on the SewerVUE Surveyor are designed to work above the flow line and are only splash proof.
    How much flow can you have in the pipe?
    One quarter to one third.
    How much does it cost?
    Please call 1 888 973 9378 for a quotation.
    Can you do a 48” pipe?
    Only via manned entry. The results are the same or better than with using robot.
    How long is your cable?
    Standard tether is 1500 ft (500 m), maximum tether length is 6000 ft (1850 m) and our demo reel is 500ft (150m) long.
    Who has used the PPR before and where?
    PPR was used by following municipalities: King County, WA, Atlanta, GA, Salt Lake City, UT, Port Moody BC, Canada; Metro Vancouver, BC, Canada and Denver, CO.
    What is the strength of the power cable?
    The pulling capacity of the power cable is 400lbs (180kg) and the breaking capacity is 3800 lbs (1700kg).