Lateral move for Waterflow

In order to provide clients with a means of surveying private sewer lateral connections, where upstream access is unavailable, the Waterflow Group Plc have invested in a CCTV inspection system that can launch a satellite camera into lateral side connections from within the main sewer.

In the future it is likely that liability for private sewers will transfer from property owners to the sewerage companies. One of the biggest challenges that these sewerage companies face is establishing the condition of these new assets, since in most cases little or nothing is known about their condition or even their exact location. Gaining access for CCTV inspection of laterals is also an issue, as many connect to existing public sewers at junctions or saddle connections rather than at manholes, upstream chambers may be buried or non-existent.

The IBAK LISY 150 comprises a mainline camera mounted on a self-powered tractor that also houses a smaller 'piggyback' satellite camera that can be launched remotely up a lateral on a fibreglass rod. The unit can operate in main sewers from 150 mm diameter pipes upwards, over lengths of about 300 meters.

The Waterflow Group chose the LISY 150 system for inspections of sewers and laterals which form part of ongoing survey and rehabilitation contracts. According to Adam Wheeler, Waterflow's CCTV Divisional Manager, “Having seen IBAK's manufacturing facilities and worked with the equipment on site, we are confident of meeting our customer's requirements for surveying private lateral connections from the main sewer. The equipment has been developed by IBAK over many years, and numerous improvements and design changes have been made to ensure that the satellite camera system achieves a high success rate for lateral connections surveys.”

The equipment supplied by IBAK has been built into a specialised vehicle that was purpose-designed and built by Waterflow, the rig starts work for Thames Water immediately upon completion in March 2008.