. Plant shutdowns are time-consuming and expensive, and safety is a high priority. The fewer flanges and manways that have to be opened, the netter the reduction in the potential number of leak paths and reinstatements that have to be made. A number of major plant operators are now gaining the benefits of utilizing explosion-proof CCTVs for verifying the internal conditions of production pipework. Pipes are subject to many forms of NDT but only by sending a camera through a line can its fit-for-purpose be proved, in many cases. Construction debris, weld intrusions, and inefficient chemical cleaning can all be identified. UK- based Inspectahire now has a complete range of systems from small-diameter push-rod-based units through to steerable tractors and units with elevators so that a wide range of pipe diameters can be surveyed. The range includes the latest ATEX-approved P600 unit suitable for pipes from 6-18in diameter. Production facilities also incorporate many storage and processing assets, and for these the company provides explosion-proof CCTV for tanks and vessels. These colour camera units, incorporating zoom lenses, can be mounted on pan-and-tilt bases with large lights enabling separators, knockout drums, and fuel and gas tanks to be accessed and inspected. Manipulator arms can be adapted to mount other NDT instruments or retrieval tools, and the whole survey can be controlled from the ground.