Downhole Cameras for Water Well and Borehole Inspection

Push cameras are typically designed for shallow horizontal pipe runs, which is why they tend to fail quickly in deep vertical water wells. When you lower them straight down, the flexible push rods can buckle and twist, getting stuck against the casing walls. Their low-pressure seals also struggle under the pressure of deep water, which can lead to flooding in the electronics. In contrast, dedicated borehole cameras tackle these challenges by using sturdy, high-pressure-rated housings connected to armored winch cables. This allows for smooth, controlled deployments to depths of several thousand feet without worrying about coiling or water complications.

Moreover, dedicated borehole systems are equipped with the specialized optics and relevant data needed for accurate well diagnostics. Fixed push-camera lenses only look forward and often bump against slimy casing walls, causing them to miss any structural issues along the sides. Borehole cameras, on the other hand, use spring centralizers to keep the lens centered and have built-in optical encoders that display real-time depth data. They also feature dual-view motorized optics that rotate 360 degrees, making it much easier to closely inspect casing perforations, clogged screens, and rust buildup. This technology really enhances the effectiveness of well inspections.

Choose cable length from the deepest accessible interval you need to inspect, then add a sensible handling margin at the wellhead. Confirm the pressure or working-depth rating for the complete camera assembly. Total drilled depth may not equal accessible depth when pumps, restrictions, sediment, or changes in casing reduce clearance. Our portable well inspection systems can reach depths of up to 984 ft. If you need to inspect deeper wells, please contact us, and we will help find a suitable option.

They answer different questions. Down-view helps during descent and is useful for the bottom, obstructions, and major changes in the bore. A rotating dual-view camera shows casing walls, joints, corrosion, buildup, and fractures more directly. Choose dual-view when you need both descent awareness and detailed wall inspection. Our systems with a dual-view camera head also feature a manual focus function to detail an exact spot during a survey.

Only when the actual clearance and recovery path have been verified. A camera can become trapped between the pump column, wiring and casing. Check the smallest free opening, centralizers, and known restrictions first. When clearance is uncertain, removing the pump by qualified personnel is usually the safer option.

A borehole camera can document visible casing joints, corrosion, holes, deformation, deposits, sediment, obstructions, and open-hole features. It cannot see through opaque casing or replace water-quality testing, pumping tests or geophysical logging. Turbidity and suspended material can also limit how far the camera sees. Thanks to enhanced image quality and powerful illumination, our systems deliver better output than most CCTV cameras on the market.

A depth counter links the image to a location in the well, making repair decisions and reports more useful. Set a consistent zero point at the wellhead and record it. Cable stretch, reel calibration, and bore deviation can affect the displayed reading, so repeat critical intervals and note the reference method.