PipeTrack Technology

Based on a system initially developed in Belgium for the accurate, 'as-built' mapping of HDD bores, the evolution of Pipetrack is the latest development and adaptation of the system for use as 'in-pipe' mapping technology was suggested and adapted by Infotec. Now with a capability to survey pipeline routes and depths to an accuracy of 0.25% in the horizontal plane and 0.1% in the vertical plane from a single pass survey, precise plans for existing service routes can now be produced in only a fraction of the time taken by more conventional survey systems. If a client wishes, this accuracy can be improved further by the use of multiple passes over the same survey route.

The gyroscopic-based Pipetrack system works by using a data capture probe that is passed through an existing pipeline, duct or tunnel of anything between 80mm to over 2m diameter, without the need for man-entry operations, other than into manhole or inspection chambers. This makes for extremely safe method of operation and greatly reduces costs.

Because the unit is fully self contained, with both survey sensors and data storage facilities on-board, it is also independent of any surface or manual control requirements. This also means that it can operate in live sewer pipes or water mains (potentially the unit can operate underwater). Flow variations do not effect the Pipetrack performance, a factor that all too often results in failed survey attempts using other methods.

The self contained nature of Pipetrack also means there are no limits to depth or length of survey, within the on-board storage capacity of the unit. So, as well as reducing the manning costs for any one survey to a minimum, the system also offers very high productivity. Pipetrack is also independent of pipeline material and can be used in all currently available pipe types. Current probing technology will not work effectively with cast iron or steel pipes, and becomes unacceptably inaccurate at increased depths.

Furthermore, the technology is not effected by magnetic fields or other sources of interference that can affect the accuracy of many other survey techniques. Being able to perform in this way ensures that very accurate surveys can be undertaken at a greatly reduced cost, and very efficiently.

However, this is not just based on the word of Infotec. Pipetrack has, as part of its software, a built-in Quality Control report system that provides, for each survey, a guarantee of positional accuracy of the pipeline being investigated, something that most other systems do not currently offer. In addition Infotec provide an equally unique, survey guarantee underwritten by Professional Indemnity Insurance. Pipetrack will also identify hydraulic deficiencies along a pipeline such as humps, bellies or backfalls. This, in turn, enables Engineers to plan for maintenance and/or future capital expenditure with much greater precision, as well as finely tuning their ability to understand what is really required in terms of practical easements when looking at site development requirements.

The Pipetrack system records data autonomously, accurately and rapidly using the patented X-Traction™ data processing software.