1.877.613.2210
Self-propelled inspection of sewer, stormwater, siphon, and culvert pipelines in flooded, silted, or high-water conditions for diameters of 24 in / 600 mm and larger.
The TRACER X20 is a floating pipe inspection robot designed for pipelines where traditional wheeled CCTV crawlers cannot operate due to traction, visibility, or access issues. Its screw-drive floating propulsion system navigates high water, thick silt, mud, sediment, and fully or partially surcharged lines. HD PTZ video, sonar, and laser/LiDAR options enable inspection teams to collect actionable condition data without entering confined spaces.
The TRACER X20 is a floating pipe inspection robot designed for pipelines where traditional wheeled CCTV crawlers cannot operate due to traction, visibility, or access issues. Its screw-drive floating propulsion system navigates high water, thick silt, mud, sediment, and fully or partially surcharged lines. HD PTZ video, sonar, and laser/LiDAR options enable inspection teams to collect actionable condition data without entering confined spaces.
TRACER X20 Floating Inspection Robot
Overview
Good for
- Surcharged sewers
- Box culverts
- Heavy silt
- Active-flow pipelines
Spiral Propulsion Boat
- Self-propelled crawler with a patented floating drum design
- Battery-operated, 1-2 hours of autonomous operation
- Rear View Camera for Aiding in Backing Up
- Best for 24"–157" pipes with active flow or heavy siltation
- 4 groups of 12x 10W Front LEDs; 1 group of 3x 10W Rear LEDs
- 0.5 m/s speed in still water, 0.2 m/s against active currents
- Multi-Sensor Integration (MSI)
+ Full Specifications
- Applicable Pipe Diameter: 24"–157"
- Materials: Brass, nickel-plated components, stainless steel, and anti-corrosion-treated aluminum.
- Propulsion Mechanism: Helical drive system for sediment navigation
- Minimum Pipeline Size: DN600mm application
- Terrain Capability: Operates in sediment and high-water conditions
- Protection: Rated IP68, submersible up to 10 meters, with a built-in pressure sensor and indicator.
- Operating Temperature: -10°C ~ 50°C.
- Boat Weight: 16 kg (35 lbs)
Camera Head
- Imaging System: Color, 1/3" 2.0M CMOS sensor, 2MP resolution (1920 x 1080), 6.7° to 68° viewing angle, 0.05 Lux sensitivity
- Focus and Zoom: Autofocus, manual focus, and 10x optical zoom
- Electric rotation with continuous 360° radial movement and dual 90° tilt; one-click home return
- Rear View Camera for Aiding in Backing Up
+ Full Specifications
Pan/Tilt/Zoom Camera Head
- Lighting: Four 3W flood LEDs.
- Impact Protection: Buffer pad installed in front of the lens
- Viewpoint Indication: Clock reference method displays the direction of the inspection object.
- Impact Protection: Buffer pad positioned in front of the lens.
- Dimensions: 171mm x 105mm x 88mm.
- Protection Rating: IP68, submersible to 30 feet, with built-in pressure sensor and indicator.
- Operating Temperature: 14°F to 122°F (-10°C ~ 50°C).
- Weight: 4.2 lbs (1.9kg).
Cable Reel
- Cable Length up to 6,726 ft (2,050m)
- 4-Core Floating Cable with Polyurethane Sheathing
- Software-controlled Automatic Winding
- Meter Counter Tracks Unspooled Cable
+ Full Specifications
- Cable Parameters: 4-core cable with 1.2 mm diameter cores, 300 kg Kevlar tensile strength, imported polyurethane sheath, diameter less than 8 mm. The cable is waterproof, abrasion-resistant, acid and alkaline-resistant, and corrosion-resistant.
- Automatic Layering: Maintains orderly cable distribution on the drum during winding and unwinding.
- Counting: High-precision encoder with 1 mm resolution.
- Interfaces: Includes wireless and Ethernet connectivity.
- Versatility: The reel supports connection to a sonar probe for inspection, or simultaneous connection to both a sonar probe and a crawler for synchronized sonar and video acquisition.
- Cable Reel Protection Rating: IP63, dust-tight and protected against water spray.
Joystick Control Module
- Joystick Control of the Sewer Tractor
- Light, Speed, Direction, Camera and Camera Riser Control
- Wire Connection To Main Control
Display Monitor
- Separate Monitor for Image Display
- Integrated Software for Evaluation and Report Generation
- 10" Ultra-bright Touch Screen
+ Full Specifications
- Configuration: The system uses a tablet as the control unit with integrated PipeScan acquisition software.
- Control Functions: Enables control of crawler movement, lens rotation, cable reel payout and retrieval, and light source adjustment.
- Video Display: Provides a front video display with adjustable resolution.
- Status Display: Shows real-time time, date, travel distance, and crawler attitude information. Users can adjust the font, size, and background color for the attitude display.
- Text Input: Supports Chinese and English character input for overlay on the video feed.
- Usage Aid: Automatically identifies the crawler model, calculates the appropriate pipe diameter, and displays the real-time lens height above the ground.
- Clock Reference: Provides and displays clock positioning for the current defect location.
- Alarm Functions: Includes a roll angle overlimit alarm to prevent overturning, as well as high- and low-pressure alarms.
- On-site Interpretation: Captures pipeline defect images on-site, interprets defect type and severity according to selected standards, and records the results in the CTV file.
With many options to choose from you may find it hard to decide which is best suited for your needs. Tell us about your application and we will recommend the right tool to do the job.
Questions and Answers
- What is a floating pipe inspection robot?A floating pipe inspection robot is a remote-controlled inspection platform designed to travel through pipelines with high water levels, silt, mud, or fully flooded conditions. Unlike a standard wheeled crawler, it uses buoyancy and specialized propulsion to move through difficult wet environments.
- Can TRACER X20 inspect fully flooded sewer lines?Yes. TRACER X20 is designed for high-water and flooded pipe environments, including surcharged sewers and siphons. Actual performance depends on pipe diameter, current, access, cable configuration, and site conditions.
- Does TRACER X20 work in silt and mud?Yes. Its floating screw-drive propulsion is designed for difficult pipe-bottom conditions such as thick silt, mud, sediment, and high water, where conventional wheeled crawlers may struggle.
- What is the maximum inspection distance?The system supports long-distance inspection up to approximately 6,700 ft / 2,050 m in appropriate configurations. Cable length, battery life, site access, flow, and inspection objectives affect the final working distance.
- Is bypass pumping required?In many high-water applications, TRACER X20 may reduce or eliminate the need for full dewatering or bypass pumping. Requirements depend on water level, flow velocity, access, safety rules, and inspection goals.
- What industries use TRACER X20?Common users include municipal wastewater utilities, stormwater departments, public works teams, sewer inspection contractors, engineering firms, trenchless rehabilitation contractors, water treatment facilities, and industrial maintenance teams.
- Can the data be used for condition assessment?Yes. CCTV, sonar, and laser/LiDAR inspection data can support condition assessment, cleaning prioritization, sediment analysis, rehabilitation planning, and asset management. Confirm software compatibility and reporting standards before the project.
- What software is included for reporting?The system includes composite device inspection software that integrates video, sonar, and laser data. It supports real-time 3D visualization and automatically generates standards-compliant inspection reports with a single click, eliminating the need for separate video analysis software.
Do you have any questions?
Multimedia
TRACER X20 All-Terrain Robot Assembly and Overview
TRACER X20 All-Terrain Crawler in Action | Lake Run
The System Full Description
FOR HIGH WATER LEVELS & HEAVY SILTATION
When a pipeline is partially or fully submerged, standard CCTV inspection robots are rendered useless. Wheels lose traction in mud, electronics flood, and the inspection stops before it starts. The TRACER X20 solves this problem with its IP68-rated, fully submersible design and unique Archimedes-screw propulsion. This amphibious pipeline inspection robot achieves speeds of up to 0.5 m/s in still water and inspects against active currents flowing at 0.2 m/s. It provides a comprehensive view of the pipe interior using a 360° high-definition pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera, while optional Sonar and LiDAR integrations allow for precise measurement of underwater defects and sediment accumulation. Best for 24"–157" pipes with active flow or heavy siltation.
TRACER X20 FLOATING ROBOT
System Components
The TRACER X20 all-terrain pipeline robot comprises three main components designed for rapid field deployment and reliable operation in harsh environments.
Spiral Propulsion Crawler
The heart of the system is a 16kg self-propelled crawler with a patented floating drum design. Powered by three 2.9AH batteries providing 1-2 hours of autonomous operation, the spiral-propulsion tracks allow the robot to conquer mud, sludge, and high water levels where wheeled systems cannot operate. The crawler houses a 2MP color HD camera with 10x zoom and 360° rotation, along with four groups of high-power LED lighting for complete pipe illumination.
Electric Cable Reel
The software-controlled automatic winding reel manages a standard 150-meter floating cable (expandable for longer deployments). The cable features a 7mm-diameter core with 300kg Kevlar tensile strength, and an imported polyurethane sheath that is waterproof, abrasion-resistant, and acid/alkali-resistant. A high-precision encoder provides 1mm distance resolution for accurate defect localization.
PC-Based Control Terminal
The control terminal uses a full PC as the main unit with built-in composite device inspection software. It provides simultaneous front- and rear-view displays, real-time status overlays (time, distance, crawler attitude, air pressure), and supports both wired and wireless control. The system generates inspection reports automatically post-inspection with a single click.
Multi-Sensor Integration (MSI)
Go beyond visual inspection. The TRACER X20 integrates with optional sensors to provide a complete picture of pipeline condition, both above and below the waterline.
Sonar Probe (Optional): A 1MHz acoustic transducer with 1.1° beam width maps the submerged portion of the pipe. It accurately calculates siltation depth, debris volume, and structural deformation for pipes up to 236 inches (6000mm) in diameter. The probe is IP68-rated and submersible.
2D LiDAR (Optional): Provides precise geometric profiling of the pipe above the waterline, measuring deformation, ovality, and corrosion loss.
Composite Inspection Software: Integrates video image, sonar data, radar data, and inertial navigation data into a unified interface. Supports real-time 3D visualization, automatic defect interpretation, and standards-compliant report generation.
Applications
The TRACER X20 excels in environments that are impossible or prohibitively expensive to inspect with conventional equipment.
Note: TRACER X20 is a custom-ordered product; conditions apply
When a pipeline is partially or fully submerged, standard CCTV inspection robots are rendered useless. Wheels lose traction in mud, electronics flood, and the inspection stops before it starts. The TRACER X20 solves this problem with its IP68-rated, fully submersible design and unique Archimedes-screw propulsion. This amphibious pipeline inspection robot achieves speeds of up to 0.5 m/s in still water and inspects against active currents flowing at 0.2 m/s. It provides a comprehensive view of the pipe interior using a 360° high-definition pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera, while optional Sonar and LiDAR integrations allow for precise measurement of underwater defects and sediment accumulation. Best for 24"–157" pipes with active flow or heavy siltation.
TRACER X20 FLOATING ROBOT
- Pipe Diameter: 24" - 157" (DN600 - DN4000)
- Working Length: Up to 6,726 ft (2,050m)
- Best For: Surcharged sewers, box culverts, heavy silt, and active-flow pipelines
System Components
The TRACER X20 all-terrain pipeline robot comprises three main components designed for rapid field deployment and reliable operation in harsh environments.
Spiral Propulsion Crawler
The heart of the system is a 16kg self-propelled crawler with a patented floating drum design. Powered by three 2.9AH batteries providing 1-2 hours of autonomous operation, the spiral-propulsion tracks allow the robot to conquer mud, sludge, and high water levels where wheeled systems cannot operate. The crawler houses a 2MP color HD camera with 10x zoom and 360° rotation, along with four groups of high-power LED lighting for complete pipe illumination.
Electric Cable Reel
The software-controlled automatic winding reel manages a standard 150-meter floating cable (expandable for longer deployments). The cable features a 7mm-diameter core with 300kg Kevlar tensile strength, and an imported polyurethane sheath that is waterproof, abrasion-resistant, and acid/alkali-resistant. A high-precision encoder provides 1mm distance resolution for accurate defect localization.
PC-Based Control Terminal
The control terminal uses a full PC as the main unit with built-in composite device inspection software. It provides simultaneous front- and rear-view displays, real-time status overlays (time, distance, crawler attitude, air pressure), and supports both wired and wireless control. The system generates inspection reports automatically post-inspection with a single click.
Multi-Sensor Integration (MSI)
Go beyond visual inspection. The TRACER X20 integrates with optional sensors to provide a complete picture of pipeline condition, both above and below the waterline.
Sonar Probe (Optional): A 1MHz acoustic transducer with 1.1° beam width maps the submerged portion of the pipe. It accurately calculates siltation depth, debris volume, and structural deformation for pipes up to 236 inches (6000mm) in diameter. The probe is IP68-rated and submersible.
2D LiDAR (Optional): Provides precise geometric profiling of the pipe above the waterline, measuring deformation, ovality, and corrosion loss.
Composite Inspection Software: Integrates video image, sonar data, radar data, and inertial navigation data into a unified interface. Supports real-time 3D visualization, automatic defect interpretation, and standards-compliant report generation.
Applications
The TRACER X20 excels in environments that are impossible or prohibitively expensive to inspect with conventional equipment.
- Municipal Sewer Interceptors: Large-diameter trunk sewers that carry millions of gallons daily and cannot be taken offline for inspection. The TRACER X20 operates in surcharged conditions without bypass pumping.
- Box Culverts & Covered Channels: Highway drainage culverts that accumulate heavy sediment and maintain constant water flow. The floating design safely navigates these environments.
- Stormwater Drainage Systems: Storm sewers that are often flooded during and after rain events. Inspect without waiting for dry conditions.
- Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs): Regulatory compliance requires condition assessment of CSO infrastructure that is frequently surcharged.
- River Crossings & Submerged Pipelines: Pipelines that pass beneath rivers or waterways and are permanently submerged.
- Industrial Cooling Water Intakes: Power plants and refineries with large-diameter submerged intake pipes prone to biofouling and corrosion.
- Hydroelectric Penstocks: Submerged high-pressure water conveyance pipes at dams that are difficult to drain for inspection.
Note: TRACER X20 is a custom-ordered product; conditions apply