Geiger Kanaltechnik Invests in the Newest Smart Pipe Robot Made by Pipetronics
Company from Bavaria is First to Use the eCUTTER 15/40
“Trenchless pipe rehabilitation is a growing market and powerful, remote-controlled pipe rehabilitation robots allow us to work in the pipes we are rehabilitating with extreme precision and speed,” explained Willi Geiger, managing director at the rehabilitation company Geiger Kanaltechnik, based in Kempten (Bavaria). According to Geiger, the technical requirements for such operations are extremely high: “We, as experts in this field, always want to use state-of-the-art technology.” As a businessman, Geiger wants to send a positive signal during these difficult times and demonstrate that the pipe rehabilitation business is fully up and running, despite the CoVid-19 crisis. In May, his company was the first customer to start operating one of the new, electrically powered, remote-controlled pipe rehabilitation robots: The “eCUTTER 15/40” manufactured by Pipetronics.
Geiger Kanaltechnik is one of the leading pipe rehabilitation companies in Germany and Switzerland. Specialized in trenchless sewer rehabilitation, the company is investing in its future, getting ready to offer an even broader range of services. To drive modernization and digitalization forward, they have placed several orders with Pipetronics GmbH & Co. KG to purchase the newest technology available. This year, the robot manufacturer Pipetronics launched the second generation of its electrically powered milling robot, the eCutter. The engineers working for this leading pipe robot manufacturer have now fully digitalized their robot system. By equipping it with innovative sensor technology, they have now paved the road to enhancing this robot system with the newest functionalities and assistance systems. Another brand-new feature is the 4th axis, which allows for stepless swiveling of the milling head, allowing you to reach and work in even the least accessible areas of the sewer pipe system.
As always, the new eCUTTERs also come with a standard extension distance for the milling tool of up to 160 mm. By adding an articulated milling stroke extension, the total extension length can be expanded up to 600 mm in order to reach all, including even the least accessible, areas in the pipe. With a variety of wheel carriages available, it can also be used in different pipe geometries, e.g. circular or oval, ranging from DN 150 to DN 800.
This new robot is unique, as its 48V DC milling motor is the only one of its kind in the world which comes equipped with temperature sensors. Temperature monitoring makes it safe to use in moist environments. It is always fitted with water rinsing systems both at the milling tool as well as near the camera to ensure a clear view. What also sets it apart from others is that – with the help of the humidity sensors – the system operators will be able to tell early on if the system has become untight due to wear and can take corrective action before it is too late. The position sensors are now even more accurate in determining the exact position of the robot than before, providing greater assistance during high-precision operations. The remote connection enables maintenance at a distance as well as making troubleshooting and problem resolution swifter.
Geiger Kanaltechnik can proudly look back on 25 years of experience in the field of trenchless sewer rehabilitation and operates its business through several branches in Germany, Austria as well as Switzerland. The company already uses several hydraulic and now also predominantly electric robot systems made by Pipetronics. With this latest purchase, manager Willi Geiger decided to go with the compact version of the new eCUTTER to have it installed as a turnkey solution in one of his company’s existing rehabilitation trucks. The new robot system will put to use at the branch in Wendlingen, which mainly provides services to customers based in the German federal state Baden-Württemberg. “We are very pleased with this new technology. The 4th axis makes the job so much easier,” said Willi Geiger. His crew and he are also very impressed with the “smart functionalities”, such as e.g. the new humidity sensors or the remote service and maintenance features. According to Willi Geiger, the feedback he is receiving from employees who have worked with the new system is very positive. He also highlighted
Contact and Additional Information
Geiger Kanaltechnik GmbH & Co. KG
Bleicherstrasse 8
87437 Kempten, Germany
www.geigergruppe.de/kanaltechnik
Pipetronics GmbH & Co. KG
Central Headquarters
Große Ahlmühle 31
76865 Rohrbach, Germany
info@pipetronics.com
www.pipetronics.com