A central source for insights, tools, and updates on acoustic sewer inspection technology, wastewater infrastructure assessment, and cost-effective solutions for municipal inspection services and collection system optimization.
The SL-RAT is a handheld sewer line assessment tool that uses sound to identify potential blockages between manholes. In just a few minutes per segment, screen large sections of pipe, so you can direct cleaning resources more efficiently and cost-effectively.
Cleaning solely on a set schedule drains time, water, and resources. Condition-based maintenance helps utilities make smarter resourcing decisions by inspecting first and cleaning where needed. The SL-RAT enables this approach with fast, non-contact acoustic assessments of 6 to 18-inch pipes
Crews can complete each segment in under three minutes and inspect up to 20,000 feet in a single day. The lightweight design allows for easy transport and use by a small team with minimal setup time.
The SL-RAT eliminates the need for confined space entry and keeps crews out of direct contact with wastewater. Inspections are performed from above ground using manhole-to-manhole acoustic testing.
Turn inspection scores into efficient cleaning plans. From project maps to exportable reports, your data starts working right away.
The RAT is compact, durable, and easily operated by one or two crew members.
Each test uses sound waves to detect blockages between manholes, without entering the pipe.
RAT stands for Rapid Assessment Tool. Each test takes three minutes or less.
Inspections cost a fraction of traditional cleaning or CCTV and reduce unnecessary deployment.
All testing is done from the surface with no need to access flow or insert tools.
Assessment scores are automatically recorded to the SL-DOG for easy reporting.
Integrating impactful new technology doesn’t mean having to learn complicated tools. Watch the demo video.
Our technology relies on the fact that sound traveling through air mimics the flow of water through a pipe. We use an active transmitter – think of it as the part “yelling” down the pipe, coupled with a receiver – the “brain” that uses sophisticated algorithms and a patented process to interpret blockages based on what it “hears” coming through the pipe.
An assessment of pipe blockage for a sewer line segment is typically attained in less than 5 minutes after the manhole covers are removed. The actual measurement time is between 1.5 to 3 minutes, depending on the number of test cycles the device performs (this is done automatically). A two-person crew can typically inspect 50-60 segments, averaging 8,000 – 10,000 feet (2,500 – 3,000 meters) of pipe per day independently, and without the need of a cleaning crew for support. Depending on topography, traffic control needs, and the ease of finding manhole lids, our customers have found it possible to inspect up to 6 miles (9000 meters) per day.
It measures the dissipation of sound energy through the airspace within the pipe between the sewage flow and the pipe wall. The more aggregate obstructions within the pipe – such as roots, grease, debris, joint offsets, “hammer tap” lateral connections, etc. – the more the sound energy is blocked. Our device measures this “energy gap” and then develops a blockage assessment. The assessment uses a proprietary algorithm based on a statistical model of sound behavior in conduits that was developed through several years of empirical research in sanitary sewer lines.
We have found on average the device costs less than $0.10/foot ($0.30/m) for inspection – including a two-person crew and a service vehicle. Operating costs depend on labor rates and productivity and can vary from $0.05/ft to $0.15/ft ($0.15/m to $0.50/m).
Our customers typically use a dedicated two-person SL-RAT® crew to quickly assess a subdivision or basin for dirty segments and blockages. The assessments can then be used to focus on the specific “problem” segments for further detailed CCTV inspection, repair, or cleaning. Our customers have found that the SL-RAT tool can typically focus cleaning activity in most basins to less than 50% of the segments while not degrading SSO performance.
Devices can be purchased or rented. Purchased devices include a one-year limited warranty and the option to subscribe to our SL-DOG® software package. In addition, our field crews can perform acoustic inspections as a service.
