Products & Services

X-1 Explorer Robot

Robotic Un-Tethered Long Range Internal Inspection Robot for Gas Mains

Explorer I Robotic Inspection System

The X-1 Explorer Robot provides gas companies with live, high-resolution video inspection of steel and cast iron gas mains. The Explorer I robot is capable of inspecting long distances of pipeline from only one excavation. Using Explorer I, gas companies can assess the conditions of their mains as well as locate cracks, damaged pipe, unknown branches, service tees, valves, fittings and debris. This inspection is performed while the main remains live without any interruptions in service.

Un-Tethered Inspection

The benefits of un-tethered inspection are plentiful. Without a cable holding Explorer I back, the robot is able to inspect more main from a single excavation than any previous inspection device. The Robot is still controlled by an operator through wireless RF technology. An eight-hour typical battery life means that the robot can work all day, and recharge overnight meaning crews are more productive.

No-Blow Conditions

Developed specifically for the inspection of live gas mains, Explorer I enters the main under no blow conditions. Explorer I is designed to operate in pressures up to 124 psi. Two different launch methods exist, one for low pressure entry, one for medium and high pressure entry.

Articulated Joints

The Explorer I robot is made up of seven separate modules. Each module is connected with an articulated joint that allows the robot to crawl through bends in 6- and 8-inch pipelines. The robot can navigate bends and tees up to 90 degrees, climb vertical sections of pipe, and center itself inside of the pipe.

Rechargeable

Explorer I uses rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries to power itself. Once the batteries run low, the robot is rechargeable through a connection in the launch tube, with no need to remove the launch tube from the pipeline.

Explorer I High Pressure Entry System

Applications

Inspection of 6- to 8-inch live mains operating at up to 124-psi, under no blow conditions including:

• Integrity Assessment and Evaluation
• Location of Damaged Pipe
• Location of Joints, Taps, Branches and Welds
• Valve Inspection
• Pre-lining and Post-lining Surveys
• Location of Blockages

Features

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Symmetrical Design with Cameras on Each End Perform Inspection of 6" to 8" Cast Iron and Steel Pipelines Un-tethered Communication Operates in Pressures up to 124 PSI Enters Pipeline through Commercially Available Fittings For Entry into Low Pressure mains, use Angular Fitting with Low Pressure Launch Tube For Entry into Medium and High Pressure mains, use Mueller Co. Fitting with High Pressure Launch Tube Crawler can Travel up to 2000' from Each Excavation Navigates through Bends and Tees up to 90 degrees, and can Climb Vertical Sections of Pipe High Resolution Camera Provides Detailed Inspection of Pipe Wall Entry System Contains Recharging Capabilities without Removing Launch Tube Custom GUI Contains Battery Life, Signal Strength, Robot Orientation, Video Feed, as well as all Controls

Explorer I Low Pressure Entry System

Specifications

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System System Length: 50 inches Module Dimensions: 4-inch O.D Weight: 35 lbs Max Speed: 4.5-inches per second Environment Pressure Rating: 124 psi Access Fittings: Low Pressure - Angular Fitting, High Pressure - Mueller Co. C1-36 Entry System Description: Launch tube with Recharge capabilities, No-Blow Requirements: 6-inch tap hole; control valve Camera Description: High-resolution miniature camera Construction: Aluminum housing User Interface Custom GUI: Custom GUI containing Robot Control Features and Statistics Resolution: High Resolution, color Accessories: Ethernet Antenna Cable Crawler Motors Drive Motors: Six brushless variable speed DC Motor Controller: Current limiting Performance: Variable extension for 6- or 8-inch pipe Construction: Aluminum housing with stainless steel hardware

Wireless Communication Description: 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.11b standard using pipeline as a waveguide Range: Range can be extended with antennas entered into pipeline through keyholes Download PDF of data sheet

Videos

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