Method and apparatus for detecting leaks and other defects on sewers and the like channels
First Claim
1. A method of inspecting underground sewers for defects, comprising placing an infrared scanning device in an underground sewer, moving the scanning device internally along the sewer to locate defects at which extraneous water is leaking into the sewer from the surrounding ground by sensing with the scanning device temperature deviations caused by the extraneous water leaking into the sewer at the defects, and processing output signals from the scanning device for at least one of displaying and recording thermal representations of the defective areas.
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Abstract
Defects in an underground channel, such as a sewer, are detected by an infrared scanning device (preferably an infrared video camera) moved internally along the channel. The scanning device senses temperature deviations which mark defects in the channel, as, for example, deviations due to the inflow of cool extraneous water into a sewer. The scanning device is in communication with an above-ground central unit which processes the scanning device output and displays and/or records thermal representations of the defect. The central unit also monitors the location (distance travelled) of the scanning device so that the locations of defects may be determined.
42 Citations
15 Claims
- 1. A method of inspecting underground sewers for defects, comprising placing an infrared scanning device in an underground sewer, moving the scanning device internally along the sewer to locate defects at which extraneous water is leaking into the sewer from the surrounding ground by sensing with the scanning device temperature deviations caused by the extraneous water leaking into the sewer at the defects, and processing output signals from the scanning device for at least one of displaying and recording thermal representations of the defective areas.
- 6. A method of inspecting underground sewers for defects, comprising placing an infrared video camera in an underground sewer, coupling the camera to a distance metering device which produces distance-indicating signals, providing an above-ground central unit having video signal processing means and means for processing the distance-indicating signals, moving the camera internally along the sewer to locate defects at which the sewer is open to the surrounding ground by taking video thermal images of defect areas of the sewer showing temperature deviations due to the sewer being open to the surrounding ground at the defects, and transmitting video output signals of the camera and distance-indicating signals of the distance metering device to the corresponding signal processing means of the central unit for at least one of displaying and recording of the video thermal images taken by the camera of the defective areas, along with corresponding distance locations of the defective areas.
- 13. Apparatus for inspecting an underground sewer for defects characterized by temperature deviations due to the sewer being open to the surrounding ground at the defects, comprising a waterproofed infrared video camera mounted on means for transporting said camera internally along the sewer, an above-ground central unit having video signal processing means for processing output signals of said camera for at least one of displaying and recording video thermal images taken by said camera of defect areas of the sewer showing temperature deviations due to the sewer being open to the surrounding ground at the defects, communication means for transmitting output signals of said camera to said signal processing means of said central unit, distance metering means coupled to said camera for providing distance signals to said central unit, said central unit having means for processing said distance signals for at least one of displaying and recording distance locations corresponding to the video thermal images taken by said camera.
Specification