Pipe Inspection Using Laser Profiling Technology  

There was a time not so long ago, when pipe profiling was a labour intensive process where the technicians had no idea about the specific problems with the pipes. Debris, deposits, and pipe deflections were determined by a mandrel pulled through the pipe by two or more operators. The process was even more tedious and longer when the mandrel couldn’t be pulled through by the operators. It was impossible to understand what led to the mandrel’s stopping. As a result, even very small issues often resulted in digging up the pipeline.  

With the emergence of cameras and profiling, a less physical, more accurate, and much faster measurement methodology was born. In simple words, laser pipe profiling is an advanced technique to find out and measure pipe joints, cracks, and deflections accurately. Laser profiling technology is used extensively for measuring water level, pipe size, laterals, and many other features, allowing technicians to determine the pipeline’s actual ovality. Engineers, contractors, and municipality contractors rely heavily on laser profilers to determine the condition of pipeline interior before, during, and after the implementation of pipeline rehabilitation projects.  

Benefits of Laser Profiling  

There are many reasons why laser profiling is considered to be extremely advantageous for pipeline inspection and gathering important information related to it. First and foremost, this technology is minimally intrusive and doesn’t require destruction of pipelines or surrounding landscape. This process is also extremely effective as a pipeline rehabilitation technique. Finally, laser profilers also provide us with all necessary documentations for making informed decisions about replacement and repairs of existing pipelines.  

Laser Profile Inspection Tool 

Also known as laser profilers, laser profile inspection tools generally have no moving parts, and require no electrical connections because they are equipped with an internal battery. Owing to their high-strength carbon fibre-and-aluminium construction, these tools are extremely durable.  

Laser profilers can be attached easily to pipeline cameras and can project laser light onto the pipes internal surface. As the camera is moved through the pipe, the laser image remains in its field of view.   

Digital profiles of the inspected pipelines are created using laser profiler software. This profile can be viewed live on a remote computer or TV inspection vehicle. It is also possible to record the resulting profile as a video.  

Types of Laser Pipe Profiling  

Direct measurement and laser light ring are two of the mostly commonly used laser pipe profiling techniques. Direct measurement involves carrying out the measurements using camera and laser. As the camera travels through the pipe, the visuals are relayed back automatically to the users. The probability of human error is reduced significantly because the bulk of the work is done by the camera, laser and software.  

Laser light ring also uses a camera system with lasers. A ring of light is projected by the laser against the pipe’s interior wall. Averages of the pipe interior are measured by the camera and software working in tandem. In order to ensure that the average measurements are correct, data must be entered by the operators and field calibration of the cameras must be done. Compared to this type, direct measurement is more reliable because it doesn’t require any user setup or manual data entry.  

If you are looking for the market’s most sophisticated range of laser pipe profilers, please contact us at Austeck.  We are one of Australia’s leading suppliers of pipeline inspection and rehabilitation tools.