Appreciation post: A simple trick for clearing silt in zero viz

Working on a pipeline inspection in the Mobile River last month, we hit a patch of zero visibility from stirred-up silt. The job was to find a specific weld, but you couldn't see your hand in front of your face. I remembered an old-timer telling me about using a small, cheap bilge pump. I had a Rule 500 GPH pump in my kit. I rigged it on a short pole, pointed the discharge hose downstream, and turned it on. It created a small, clear cone of water right in front of me, just enough to read the weld numbers. It wasn't perfect, but it got the job done without waiting hours for the current to clear things. Has anyone else tried something like this, or have a better method for working in soup?

2 comments

2 Comments

jasonp309d ago

Ever try a small water jet nozzle on a surface air supply hose? We used to tape one to the camera sled, and the bubble stream would push the silt away for a few seconds of clear view. Your pump idea is smarter for battery ops though, less gear to drag down. What did you use for power, just a small boat battery?

mark6768d ago

Actually used a big power tool battery pack, @jasonp30, since it's waterproof and lasts forever! The bubble trick sounds messy but clever for quick peeks.