Amorphous Metal Markers for Locating Non-Metallic Buried Pipes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods fail to reliably identify the location of subterranean non-metallic structures, such as PVC or polyethylene pipes, as they do not have a magnetic signature or conductive properties, making it difficult to detect them without disturbing the earth or requiring complex detection systems.

Innovation Solution

The use of amorphous metal markers, specifically amorphous metal foil tapes with high magnetic permeability, placed either attached to or proximate to the structures, which create a localized variation in the Earth's magnetic field detectable by a magnetic gradiometer, allowing for real-time location identification without the need for electrical currents or complex signal matching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional metal film tape is used for marking, then visual indication is provided, but detection requires complex electrical current introduction or magnetic field generation systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection simplicityVSAvoiddetection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the magnetic parameter of the marking material by using amorphous metal with extremely high magnetic permeability (greater than 100,000) compared to conventional metals. This parameter change allows the marker to be detected through simple magnetic field measurement without requiring electrical current introduction or complex inductive systems, thus improving ease of operation while reducing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The amorphous metal marking tape is designed as a simple, inexpensive marker that provides its function through its inherent magnetic properties. The tape is easily detectable and serves its purpose without requiring complex embedded electronics or power sources, aligning with the concept of simple disposable marking objects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If non-metallic structures are used, then corrosion resistance is improved, but magnetic detection capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidmagnetic signature detectability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary amorphous metal marker that couples the non-metallic structure to the detection system. The marker is attached to or placed near the non-metallic structure, serving as a magnetic intermediary that translates the presence of the non-corrosive structure into a detectable magnetic signal, thus maintaining both corrosion resistance and detectability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution uses a composite approach by combining the non-metallic structure (for corrosion resistance) with an amorphous metal marker (for magnetic detectability). This composite system leverages the advantages of both materials: the non-metallic structure provides chemical stability while the amorphous metal marker provides the necessary magnetic signature for easy detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If colored plastic sheet or tape is used for marking, then visual indication is provided, but earth disturbance is required for installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidearth disturbance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical installation method (digging to place visual markers) with a method that uses the magnetic properties of amorphous metal. The marker can be installed minimally invasively and detected through magnetic measurement, eliminating the need for significant earth disturbance and reducing manual installation effort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables reliable and efficient detection of non-metallic structures using a simple magnetic gradiometer, reducing the need for complex detection systems and allowing for real-time location identification with improved sensitivity and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

amorphous metal foil tapes with high magnetic permeability, placed either attached to or proximate to the structures, which create a localized variation in the Earth's magnetic field detectable by a magnetic gradiometer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic permeability: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS10989834B2Identifying subterranean structures using amorphous metal markers

Publication Date: 2021.04.27 ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER FOUNDATION

AI summary

Disclosed are methods and apparatus for identifying non-metallic subterranean structures using amorphous metal markers associated with the structures. Some examples will include the amorphous metal in the form of one or more sections of an amorphous metal foil within a protective enclosure sufficient to physically isolate the amorphous metal foil from the surrounding Earth. The amorphous metal foil and enclosure may be in the form of a tape which either will be secured to, or placed proximate the subterranean structure, which may be, for example, a pipe or conduit, or other non-metallic structure.