The RCS-2010-B Video In-Tank Inspection System (VITIS) is designed for detailed, high resolution color TV inspection of the interiors of storage tanks.

The system includes a high resolution (S-Video) color TV camera (RCS-2120-B) equipped with a 10:1 zoom lens, a high intensity pre-focused quartz halogen light source (AL-510), and a variable speed pan and tilt with feedback position encoders on both axes (PTE-500-A).

The RCS-2010-B is designed for installation through tank standpipes which are three inches or larger in diameter. The maximum diameter of any VITIS system component is 2.80 inches. The lighting system is positioned in front of the camera on a spring-loaded parallelogram linkage allowing the light to swing out of the camera field of view when the system exits the tank standpipe. See specifications.

The PTE-500-A pan and tilt, equipped with low voltage variable speed motors and position feedback encoders, has a pan range of 360 degrees (+/- 180), and a tilt range of 150 degrees (from straight down to 60 degrees above horizontal). Variable pan and tilt speed control allows the camera to be rapidly moved into position then slowly scanned during detailed high magnification inspections. Encoders on both axes provide angular reference information that can be recorded together with the TV image. The pan and tilt limit stops can be re-set electrically at the controller, and the VITIS system lends itself well to computer controlled inspection procedures. See specifications.

The RCS-2120-B "MINIZOOM" TV camera is very well suited for this application. It is small (2.8 inches maximum diameter), lightweight, has high resolution and sensitivity, and incorporates a 10:1 zoom lens with auto focus and auto iris, and low light integration capability. The horizontal field of view ranges from 46 degrees to 4.86 degrees. See specifications.

The AL-510 71 Watt low voltage quartz-halogen light source has a lifetime rating of 4000 hours, and intensity of 10,800 candela. The calculated illumination at 50 feet is 46.5 lux, which is approximately 23 times greater than the 2 lux minimum required by the camera. If higher illumination is required for viewing at greater distances, the camera integration time can by increased up to one second for a sensitivity increase of 60 times. See specifications.

For operator safety, all components of the VITIS system are operated at low voltage (less than 30 VDC).