How to Choose the Right Underwater Camera for Well and Pipeline Inspection

How to Choose the Right Underwater Camera for Well and Pipeline Inspection

When conducting inspections of pipelines, wells, or underwater infrastructure, selecting the right camera is crucial for ensuring accurate results and operational efficiency. At Vicam Mechatronics, we offer a full range of underwater inspection cameras designed for different depths, diameters, and application scenarios. Here are five key factors to consider when choosing the right underwater camera:

1. Camera Diameter: Matching the Well or Pipe Size

The diameter of the inspection area directly determines which camera head you should use:

· For pipe diameters under 100mm:
Choose compact cameras like our         29mm straight-view camera or       33mm 360° pan-tilt camera.

· For pipes between 100mm and 500mm:
We recommend larger cameras such as the       55mm waterproof straight-view camera, the        50mm 360° pan-tilt camera, or the      45mm dual-lens pan camera.

2. Waterproof Rating: Based on Depth Requirements

The deeper the inspection environment, the higher the waterproof rating required:

· For depths up to 100 meters:
Cameras like the       29mm,       55mm straight-view, and       50mm 360° pan-tilt all come with IP68 protection, tested to withstand up to 100 meters of water pressure.

· For depths between 100 and 500 meters:
Our        45mm dual-lens 360° pan camera is specially built for deep well inspections. With IP68 rating and pressure resistance up to 500 meters, it also features a built-in compass and thermometer, offering real-time environmental data from within the well.

3. Budget Considerations: Balance Function and Cost

Generally, the more features a camera offers, the higher the cost:

· Straight-view cameras are budget-friendly and suitable for basic inspections.

· Pan-tilt and dual-lens cameras provide more comprehensive data but are more expensive.

· Cameras rated for higher pressure resistance also involve higher production costs.

For example, the V13-BCSA paired with our 45mm HD dual-lens camera can operate at depths up to 500 meters, making it ideal for deep-well exploration projects.

4. Well Depth and Cable Requirements

As the inspection depth increases, so does the required cable length. This affects data transmission and image quality:

· Our        V13-BCS system with a 300-meter manual reel uses a custom twisted pair cable, ensuring stable 1.3MP image transmission without lag—even during 360° rotation and lens switching operations.

5. Camera Functionality: Viewing Options and Use Case

Choose based on the type of observation required:

· Straight-view cameras (e.g., the       V10-100, 55mm) are ideal for inspecting the general well wall conditions.

· Pan-tilt cameras (e.g., the        V13-50PTS, 50mm) offer 360° horizontal and 180° vertical movement, delivering full coverage with no blind spots.

· Dual-lens cameras (e.g., the        V13-BCSA, 45mm) feature both a front and side camera. The side camera can rotate 360°, and lens switching is seamless. These are particularly useful for deep wells requiring detailed structural assessments.

Conclusion: Tailor Your Camera Choice to Your Project Needs

When selecting an underwater inspection camera, consider factors such as pipe diameter, depth, waterproof rating, budget, and required functions. At Shenzhen Vicam Mechatronics Co., Ltd., we provide a wide range of reliable, high-quality solutions to meet your various inspection needs—whether for municipal pipelines, industrial shafts, or deep-well monitoring.

Explore our full catalog or contact our team to find the perfect fit for your next inspection project.

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