The drain camera for surveying pipes with small diameters
- DCR
- Jul 24
- 2 min read
The majority of pipes that drainage engineers deal with have diameters of between 100 and 150 millimetres. That said, it’s far from uncommon to encounter pipes with smaller or larger diameters. With the addition of specialist equipment, Minicam’s Proteus range can be used to inspect pipes with diameters of up to 2,200 millimetres. For pipes below 100 millimetres, however, engineers’ choices have traditionally been far more limited. Historically, borescope cameras were the only option, but these typically have low inspection ranges, return poor-quality video and, owing to their compact camera heads, can’t be centralised in a pipe.
Minicam’s SoloPRO+ Mini Reel
To provide engineers with a solution to the problems highlighted above, Minicam developed the SoloPRO+ Mini Reel. Housing a 30mm camera head at the end of a 30-metre cable reinforced with spring to provide both protection and manoeuvrability, this system is designed to work in smaller pipes. Unlike borescope systems, the Mini Reel houses a camera that can deliver high-quality images which, combined with the system’s 30-metre inspection range and flexible cable, allows the Mini Reel to address the issues engineers commonly encounter when surveying pipes with low diameters.
What pipe sizes can the Mini Reel work in?
The Minicam Mini Reel can be used in pipes of between 32 and 100 millimetres. Two skids (one of 50mm and another of 75mm) are included with the system. These can be used to centralise the camera within pipes of these sizes and provide additional stability in pipes between 51mm to 74mm and 76mm to 100mm respectively.
Can the Mini Reel record?
Yes, the SoloPRO+ CCU that’s used with the Mini Reel has reporting software (WinCan and ProPIPE) built in. This means the Mini Reel system can record footage and even create detailed reports where required. Even when a report is not required (such as domestic jobs), this allows operatives to both evidence any defaults they find, as well as the steps taken to rectify them. If, for example, an inspection reveals that a pipe is damaged, video evidence of both the damage and of any repairs that’ve been undertaken can be provided to a client or even an insurance provider.
How much does a Mini Reel cost?
A full Mini Reel system (i.e. one that includes a SoloPRO+ control unit) is available for £6,200.00 plus VAT. If, however, you already have a SoloPRO+ system, then the control unit you use with this is fully compatible with the Mini Reel, and you can purchase this item alone for £3,330.00 plus VAT.
Hiring a Mini Reel can reduce your up-front costs
Whilst it provides a solution to a common problem, organisations and drainage professionals are –except for the very largest companies – unlikely to require it on a day-to-day basis. Purchasing a Mini Reel outright is therefore unlikely to be a sensible financial decision for many. Instead of declining surveys, though, why not hire a Mini Reel from DCR?
