SUMMER MAINTENANCE TIPS - HOW CLIMATE AFFECTS YOUR BOREHOLE CAMERA
When it comes to borehole camera maintenance and taking surveys, people often fail to take into account the environment or regional climates. As we get into the summer months in the northern hemisphere, there are certain factors to be aware of when out in the field.
Here in California’s Central Valley, we have seen temperatures reach up to 120℉ in the summer. If your regional climate is similar, then you have likely experienced hot, dry heat. This could cause the cameras to get very hot quickly in or out of wells. Our cameras are built to withstand temperatures of up to 122-150℉ downhole, but as with any piece of technology, being exposed to extreme heat for long periods of time can cause damage. Additionally, that dry heat can wreak havoc on cables as well, causing breakage if not cared for properly. Dust is also a huge issue here, so if you live in a similar climate, making sure equipment is wiped off is very important.
Many of our customers live in more hot and humid climates where typical humidity levels could reach 70-75%. Obviously, our cameras are designed to withstand moisture, but constant moisture from the environment could have an effect on the cameras, so it’s important to be wary of that. If the environment is damper, it is important to take care to wipe the camera of any moisture after use and store it in a drier location. In more tropical or coastal climates, not only is moisture a factor, but salt is as well. This is important to note because salt can potentially build up on cables and damage them over time if they are not properly cleaned. We have had customers ask if there are certain oils that could be used to prevent this, but we don’t have that. It really is important to use a light soap and water periodically to get off any materials that could possibly cause corrosion over time.
We have a number of customers who live in climates that are typically cool and damp. Again, constant moisture could affect cameras over time, so using towels to wipe down the camera systems when out in the field and storing equipment in drier locations is very important.Â
With any camera system, regular maintenance is crucial. It is important to periodically wash off any sediment or grime the cameras were exposed to downhole. You can do this by using a light soap, like dawn dish soap, and proper drying techniques.
The summer sun can be damaging everywhere, but by avoiding long sun exposure, utilizing proper shading, cleaning and drying, and safely storing your equipment, you could extend the life of your camera systems by many years. Â
