Flexible Conductor Antenna for Non-Metallic Pipe Location
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to accurately and consistently locate buried non-metallic pipes, such as plastic or clay waste drainage or sewer pipes, without trenching, as they are not electrically conductive and traditional location techniques like ground penetrating radar or metal detectors are ineffective in such cases.
Innovation Solution
A device and system using a spool with a flexible, insulated electrical conductor that forms an antenna within the pipe, emitting a signal detectable by a signal detector, allowing for the precise location of non-metallic pipes by transmitting an electrical signal through the conductor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ground penetrating radar or metal detectors are used to locate pipes, then the location of metallic utilities can be detected, but non-metallic pipes such as plastic or clay drainage pipes cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device - a conductive wire or rod that is inserted into the non-metallic pipe. This intermediary element acts as a mediator between the detection system and the non-conductive pipe, allowing electromagnetic signals to be transmitted through it so that the pipe's location can be detected by surface equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical conductivity parameter of the pipe system by introducing a conductive element (wire or rod) into the non-conductive pipe. This parameter change enables the pipe to interact with electromagnetic detection fields, making it detectable by standard utility location equipment.
2Measurement precision
If trenching is used to locate and avoid existing pipes, then the exact location of underground infrastructure can be seen, but the process becomes expensive and disruptive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical trenching system with an electromagnetic detection system. Instead of physically digging to see pipe locations, the method uses electromagnetic signals transmitted through conductive elements in the pipes to locate them non-invasively from the surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection of pipe locations before any installation work begins. By inserting conductive elements and conducting electromagnetic surveys in advance, the exact locations of existing pipes are identified prior to drilling or trenching operations, preventing damage and avoiding the need for exploratory trenching.
3Ease of manufacture
If horizontal drilling is used to install utility lines, then the process is less expensive and less disruptive than trenching, but service personnel cannot see what is beneath the land mass to avoid obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where electromagnetic detectors on the surface continuously monitor the position of conductive elements in existing pipes during horizontal drilling operations. This provides real-time feedback to operators about the location of underground obstacles, enabling them to adjust drilling paths to avoid damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive elements in the existing pipes serve as intermediaries that transmit electromagnetic signals, allowing surface detection equipment to 'see' through the ground and identify pipe locations and orientations that would otherwise be invisible during horizontal drilling operations.
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 accurate and consistent location of non-metallic pipes without the need for trenching, reducing the risk of pipe damage during horizontal drilling and ensuring safe installation of utility lines by providing a method to detect the presence and orientation of these pipes.
Implementation Method 1
A device and system using a spool with a flexible, insulated electrical conductor that forms an antenna within the pipe, emitting a signal detectable by a signal detector
Data Source
AI summary
A device, system and method of locating a target pipe in a pipe system utilizes an electric signal transmitter and an electrical signal detector. A pipe locator signal conductor comprises a spool and a flexible insulated electrical conductor wound around the spool. The exposed end of the conductor is fixed near an entry point in the pipe system, and the spool is fed into the pipe system such that the conductor pays off of the spool and extends at least partially through the target pipe. The signal transmitter is coupled to the exposed end of the conductor, transmitting a signal through the conductor and allowing the pipe to be located by the signal detector.