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Best Pipe Crawler Rental Options for Industrial Pipeline Inspections

Best Pipe Crawler Rental Options for Industrial Pipeline Inspections
ATEC BLOG
Image of a broken pipe
Best Pipe Crawler Rental Options for Industrial Pipeline Inspections

Industrial pipelines transport liquids, gases, and in some cases, solids throughout an industrial environment via a system of tubes, valves, and fittings. These pipes must meet strict safety and quality standards and are engineered to withstand high pressure, temperature extremes, and corrosive conditions. Over time, these systems can develop damage that is difficult and costly to locate using traditional methods. The solution is to use pipe crawlers to seek out problematic areas to detect issues without dismantling components or taking systems offline.

Image of a Pipe Crawler

What are Pipe Crawlers?

Pipe crawlers are remote-controlled or autonomous vehicles that inspect the interior of pipelines, providing users with real-time, high-resolution visual and sensor data. They have cables attached to deliver camera feed and data back to the user. This data retrieved includes position, visual, ultrasonic, and surface profilometry.

Operators use a distance tracking sensor in the tether reel to monitor the crawler’s position within the pipe, helping pinpoint the location of the issues and log anomalies for corrective action.
Image of Construction

Key Specifications to Consider When Choosing a Pipe Crawler Rental

Pipe crawlers can vary drastically depending on their intended applications. The quality of the pipe crawler and the measurements it can perform are primary contributors to the crawler's cost. Because new versions of these systems can cost anywhere between $45,000 and $300,000, it is important to clearly define your needs and required specifications. Below are key specifications to consider when selecting what pipe crawler you may want to rent.
 
  • Length and diameter of the pipe
  • Data being gathered: Visual, UT, PECA
  • Pipe layout (vertical, horizontal, bends, etc.)
  • Pipe material
  • Cable Length
  • Pan/Tilt/FOV
  • Resolution
  • Zoom
Image of a Controller

Pipe Crawler Rental Configurations to Consider

Pipe crawler configurations vary depending on the application. For example, crawlers come in a wide range of sizes, with some designed for pipes as small as 4 inches. Smaller models typically offer fewer features, while larger crawlers may include advanced capabilities such as adjustable camera positioning or integrated robotic arms from a topside controller.

In addition to size, sensor options can vary. Some systems include standard sensors, while others feature integrated laser or LIDR technology for more precise measurements.

Control methods also differ across systems. Some crawlers use handheld controllers, which are portable but offer limited reporting capabilities. Others rely on truck-mounted desktop systems, which provide greater customization but are less mobile and more expensive. Laptop or console-based controllers offer a balance between portability, cost, and functionality.

Pipe Crawler Applications

Crawlers are built to adapt to different environments, largely due to the wide variety of pipelines they must navigate. Pipelines can be constructed from materials such as iron, concrete, fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP), plastic, and steel. Each material is suited to specific applications, requiring crawlers to maneuver affectively across a range of conditions.

There are several common applications for each type of crawler depending on the pipeline. Some of these applications include:

Pipe Cameras Versus Pipe Crawlers

An important distinction is that, in drainage inspection, a subset of industrial pipeline inspection focused on sewer systems, two tools are most commonly used: pipe cameras and pipe crawlers.

Both pipe cameras and pipe crawlers capture images inside pipes; however, their applications depend on pipe size and the complexity of the inspection. Pipe cameras are typically used for simpler inspections and, as a result, are smaller, easier to set up, and more cost-effective. The tradeoff is that their inspection distance, mobility, and image control are limited.

While some high-end pipe cameras can be used for industrial applications, pipe crawlers are more commonly used in medium to large pipes that require high-definition imaging, greater durability, the ability to navigate irregularities in the pipe structure, and extended inspection range.

Like crawlers, pipe cameras also vary based on configuration. See below for the different types of pipe cameras and what distinguishes each variant.
Image of a Push Camera

What is a Push Camera?

Push cameras, also known as pushrod cameras, are used for pipe inspections without motorized or driving capability. Instead, they are manually pushed through the pipe using a rigid cable. These systems are typically more cost-effective, faster to deploy, and more compact than crawler systems. However, the tradeoff is limited control over camera direction, as well as reduced inspection distance and mobility. Push cameras are a practical, budget-friendly solution, typically costing between $15,000 and $45,000 depending on their features and capabilities.
Image of a Drain Camera

What is a Drain Camera?

Drain cameras are commonly used for the water and wastewater industries due to their small size. Larger models may include the ability to articulate, while smaller versions are suited for simple tasks like inspecting sink or drain lines. Entry-level options can cost as little as $40 for basic plumbing use, while more advanced systems designed for pipe detection offer greater durability, range, and functionality at higher price points.
Image of a Zoom Camera

What is a Zoom Camera?

Zoom cameras are defined by their optical and digital zooming capabilities, offering the user hundreds of feet of vision in the for sewer pipe imaging. These cameras are typically lowered into a manhole using a tripod. If the pipe is bent or has physical defects, it could block the camera’s ability to perform inspections. These cameras typically cost upwards of $20,000 depending on their features.

How ATEC Can Help You

With these factors in mind, ATEC can help you select the right pipe crawler rental for your industrial inspection needs. As a trusted rental partner of Eddyfi, we offer high-quality pipe crawler systems ready to support your next project.
Image of an Eddyfi VersaTrax VT-P320

Eddyfi VersaTrax VT-P320

  • Min. Pipe Opening: 320mm (12.5in)
  • Up to 1,000m (3,300ft) per run
  • Max. Speed: 6.4m/min (21ft/min)
Eddyfi VersaTrax Y‑Series

Eddyfi VersaTrax Y‑Series

  • Pipe diameter range: Up to 915mm
  • Max. tether length: 1000m
  • Max. speed: 6.4m/min