Camera cuts time out of inspecting hard-to-access storm sewers
Problem: In August of 2025, a Midwestern contractor inspected 16 individual storm sewer pipes (16 to 48 inches) running beneath a levee wall built by the Army Corps of Engineers as part of their Flood Protection Program. This program requires pipe inspections every five years. Some pipes could only be reached from the river side of the levee. To get there, they had to cross the earthen levee wall, which is covered in riprap stone, and is difficult and unsafe to walk on.
Solution: Using the front hose reel on their GapVax MC1510, the operator safely carried the 1-inch sewer jet hose over the 30-foot wall, using the hose like a stabilizing rope on the descent. Once over the levee wall, the operator connected the Zipcam 360 to the sewer jetter hose and propelled the camera up the pipe, capturing a 360-degree view of the pipe’s interior in high-definition resolution.
Result: They completed all 16 inspections in a single day. The project totaled 983 feet of pipe, with 16 separate setups and teardowns, including those with difficult access. Even a highly experienced crew with a robotic crawler and a camera van would struggle to complete this project in seven hours. 814-535-6766; www.gapvax.com
Construction company achieves non-stop microtrenching efficiency
Problem: Kokosing Construction, a Midwestern construction company renowned for tackling complex projects across various sectors, faced significant operational challenges during their microtrenching endeavors. Traditionally relying on vacuum trucks for spoil removal, Kokosing experienced substantial downtime. Once a vacuum truck reached capacity, it required a lengthy trip to a designated dumping site, often several miles away. This constant cycle of filling, transporting and emptying resulted in costly interruptions to the microtrenching process and increased operational expenses due to the number of vacuum trucks and personnel required.
Solution: Kokosing discovered Industrial Vacuum Equipment and the Hurricane 600 Conveyor Vacuum system. This system offered a critical advantage: the capability to continuously vacuum spoils from the microtrench and directly load them into a standard dump truck via an integrated conveyor system. The continuous loading capability meant no more waiting for vacuum trucks to fill and travel to disposal sites. Microtrenching operations could proceed without interruption. The efficiency allowed Kokosing to optimize their workforce, requiring fewer personnel dedicated to spoil removal. By utilizing their existing fleet of dump trucks, Kokosing avoided the substantial capital expenditure and ongoing maintenance costs associated with additional vacuum trucks.
Result: With the elimination of downtime, Kokosing was able to complete microtrenching projects at a much faster pace. Lower crew sizes and the elimination of vacuum truck hauling costs resulted in substantial savings. The integrated system simplified the spoil removal process, leading to more efficient overall project management. 800-331-4832; www.industrialvacuum.com
