InfoSense’s SL-RAT Acoustic Pipe Inspection uses sound traveling through the air to mimic water flow through a pipe using an active transmitter. As opposed to existing pipe inspection methods, the acoustic method takes advantage of the simultaneous air and water flow, providing a blockage assessment 10 to 20 times faster than CCTV, without requiring pre-cleaning or waste flow contact. However, while the SL-RAT can quickly identify “problem” segments, a method like CCTV is required to determine additional details. While ambient noise can affect measurement reliability, customers have managed to obtain accurate measurements with distances of up to 800 feet.
The SL-RAT works best in pipes with diameters of of 6 to 12 inches though it can potentially be used in pipes of up to 30 inches, albeit with reduced reliability. Assessing blockage is based upon the air gap above the flow and this can be affected if there is debris under the flow that causes rippling. However, it has been designed to provide conservative, repeatable measurements and will report a pipe to be more blocked than it actually is in the event of an error.
Only two people are required to effectively use the SL-RAT and quickly assess a subdivision or basin for dirty segments and blockages, a process that typically takes less than 5 minutes. Depending on automatic test cycles, actual measurement time is between 1.5 to 3 minutes. Most customers have been able to inspect up to 6 miles per day depending on factors like topography, requirements in traffic control, and finding manhole lids.
Although the SL-RAT should not be submerged, it can be used under weather conditions like rain and it can also withstand temperatures of up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. There is no need to take a line out of service or reduce flow to use it.
The Avanti Company, provides Flow Meters and Metering Systems products including water meters and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) to maximize and better utilize the data coming into your Utility. Call 1-800-284-5231 for additional information on water and wastewater system products like Itron or visit our website at www.avanticompany.com to learn more about the services we provide including on-site flow meter testing, sewer flow monitoring, and metering system support.