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edward414 t1_j2ih2fj wrote

I was wondering why the robots didn't have regular ol' wheels.. one benefit that's coming to mind is that the robot can turn just by adjusting the speed of the spin.

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Silenthitm4n t1_j2iottf wrote

The pipe shown in the video is soil pipe (waste water), which across the network has a mix of old (clay) and new (plastics). There are loads of cracks, deformations, connection ridges, sludge/scale/shit build ups that these wheels would find it easier to climb compared to regular wheels.

Though, I could be completely wrong. Just my initial thoughts.

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some_edgy_shit- t1_j2it3lm wrote

I work for a water district and review footage of sewer mains. Without getting into much detail, as long as the camera isn’t violently shaky this kind of wheel would be great. Sometimes sewer pipes become offset at joints and because fixing it is expensive as long as shit can still flow it’s ignored. The standard little rover can get over most offsets but debris like a random brick that some how gets in stops it in its tracks. If this new thing can get around obstacles that along would be really good. Also I’ve never seen a gator in the sewer but I’ve seen rats and rat snakes. Coworker saw a raccoon.

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MrWeirdoFace t1_j2jfwh5 wrote

Mutant sewer raccoons are the worst.

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Generallyapathetic92 t1_j2jwl1w wrote

In the UK at least CCTV surveys often can’t be completed if there is a large amount of silt or ragging in the sewer. I’d assume in clean water pipes there would be similar issues due to tuberculation in older mains and this may be why they’ve avoided wheels

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some_edgy_shit- t1_j2jxe4z wrote

I’ve never seen a cctv review of a water main, I’d imagine your right but I don’t know. Im the map guy though my review of this stuff is purely for documentation and whatnot so I don’t have details on a lot of the hands on parts of it.

I review footage for two districts one is old enough to have brick sewer lines and yeah a lot cant be complete mostly VCP vitrified clay pipe

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uV_Kilo11 t1_j2knl7h wrote

So I actually work as a Sewer CCTV camera operator, what is demonstrated in the video isn't anything like what we have. The system in particular we use is made by a company called iBak. It has a camera that can pan & tilt with a +/- 120 degree panning range. The tractor it connects to can survey lines as small as 4 inches diameter.

We do have to deal with stuff like offsets and protruding taps, but we don't have wheels like the one on the video. Ours are typically either rubber or a tungsten composite and both are round like regular car tires, tracked systems do exist as well.

I do know for water there are options to be able to inspect lines from the inside but they can get expensive, mainly due to having to be ultra careful in making sure you aren't contaminating the line/system. That and with the pressures involved it has to be built like a literal tank, even more so than the ones used for sewer inspection. Heck the one I use is about 20lbs of nickel plated brass.

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dontplay3rhate t1_j2jqrvg wrote

I want to hazard a guess that this style of wheel could also function as paddles better in the event that it gets a little deep somewhere along the line

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some_edgy_shit- t1_j2jvmdw wrote

Actually they can get through just fine with regular wheels even in high water. before the rover goes through the sewer main they pull a rotating pressure washer that gets rid of most the grime that would prevent the wheels from getting traction. They get submerged frequently and can handle no problem. Only thing bad about it is there’s nothing to clean the camera after it gets wet so it can ruin the footage. Source I review footage as part of my work

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Generallyapathetic92 t1_j2jwsa2 wrote

Not in the UK. No idea what size sewers you’re talking about but never come across anything that does that and sewers being surcharged is often a reason for them being unable to complete the survey.

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some_edgy_shit- t1_j2jymsm wrote

I work for a rural water district most lines are 6-8 in. When the camera gets submerged we usually tell the contractor to get new footage. On my end it actually happens fairly often but I have to flag it each time as sagging pipe.

What issues do you usually run into if you don’t mind me asking? I’m curious if it’s much different than here

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Generallyapathetic92 t1_j2k18cy wrote

So if they need to get new footage I assume that’s because they can’t properly survey it?

Generally debris (from sewer collapse or silt), standing water and roots are the main reasons we can’t complete them. Jetting the sewers may help in some cases but roots can still be problematic even after that.

Water level is rarely due to sagging pipe in my experience as the surveyors can get through some water. It’s normally due to the sewer network being fully surcharged either due to storm events or operational issues.

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some_edgy_shit- t1_j2k20zz wrote

Yeah they need to get new footage. What your sayings pretty consistent to what I see. I didn’t bring up roots blocking before because the type of tire wouldn’t help with a root ball. We usually don’t get too many blockages from debris though. The contractor has an issue with trying to save time and they pull the pressure watcher like 20 feet or less ahead of the rover. I’m going to try to attach an image of an odd one

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some_edgy_shit- t1_j2k3202 wrote

Yeah they need to get new footage. What your sayings pretty consistent to what I see. I didn’t bring up roots blocking before because the type of tire wouldn’t help with a root ball. We usually don’t get too many blockages from debris though. The contractor has an issue with trying to save time and they pull the pressure watcher like 20 feet or less ahead of the rover. I’m going to try to attach an image of an odd one. - I can’t find the photo :(

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Generallyapathetic92 t1_j2mu4ub wrote

Yeah, depends on the amount of roots in my experience but generally agree it wouldn’t help. Honestly not sure if it will help at all but only reason I can see why they’d do it.

Could be you don’t see many if they are jetting the sewer as standard. Generally not the case in the UK and we’d only jet if there is a need to do so. Assume it saves money overall even if we need to pay again.

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some_edgy_shit- t1_j2n7ft6 wrote

If it’s not standard for you it’s probably not standard most places in the us either. I’m split between a county and a military base. The military contract requires we us to jet 10% of the total length of line every year. Thanks for letting me know that through I made an assumption that was wrong.

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BlackSecurity t1_j2kvhg2 wrote

I don't see how this wouldn't be possible with regular wheels as well. I used to have a toy car that could turn by changing the speed of the wheels, and they were regular circular ones.

I think the shape probably has more to do with traversing terrain easier.

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distinct_cabbage90 t1_j2p72v8 wrote

So that the robot can adjust its position or speed at any situation. That's a good observation bro.

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