Mapping Hidden Karst Pipelines via Electromagnetic Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for exploring hidden karst pipelines are inefficient and costly, as they rely on surface investigations, connectivity tests, and geophysical surveys that often produce false anomalies and are not suitable for large-scale or deep exploration.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing electromagnetic emission and reception to map underground karst water channels, involving the placement of grounding electrodes at upstream and downstream points of karst pipelines, and using air mobile equipment to collect electromagnetic signals and process data to create distribution maps of karst pipelines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If geophysical survey methods (multi-electrode resistivity, seismic method, GPR) are used for surface exploration, then detection capability is improved, but they are not suitable for large depth exploration and produce false anomalies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electromagnetic waves as an intermediary to detect underground karst pipelines. The electromagnetic emission system transmits signals through the ground, and the receiving system captures the reflected or transmitted waves, allowing detection of deep subsurface structures without direct contact or invasive procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical geophysical methods (seismic, multi-electrode resistivity) with an electromagnetic field-based system. This substitution eliminates the need for complex source layouts and reduces false anomalies by using electromagnetic wave propagation characteristics to image underground karst features.
2Length of stationary object
If magnetotelluric method and CSAMT method are used for deep exploration, then detection depth is improved, but field source layout becomes strict and detection blind areas appear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electromagnetic emission and reception processes into separate, mobile components. The emission system can be positioned at specific locations while the receiving system moves along survey lines, eliminating the need for strict, pre-planned source-receiver geometries and reducing detection blind areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs mobile receiving equipment that can dynamically adjust its position and orientation during surveying. This dynamic approach allows flexible adaptation to terrain conditions and eliminates fixed source layout constraints, enabling comprehensive coverage without detection blind spots.
3Area of stationary object
If geophysical exploration is conducted in large exploration areas with unknown target areas, then coverage area is improved, but cost and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces aerial or mobile three-dimensional surveying capabilities, allowing electromagnetic emissions and receptions from multiple heights and angles. This dimensional approach enables rapid coverage of large areas by flying or moving over the survey region, dramatically improving efficiency compared to traditional ground-based methods.
4Reliability
If connectivity test is used to determine karst pipeline connectivity, then connectivity between two points is determined, but location and distribution inference of underground karst pipelines cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electromagnetic wave amplitude, phase, and frequency characteristics as analogous to 'color changes' to map and visualize underground karst pipeline distributions. By analyzing variations in electromagnetic signal properties, the system creates detailed spatial maps showing not only connectivity but also the location, depth, and morphology of karst features.
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
This approach allows for the simple and quick exploration of hidden karst pipeline systems, providing clear diagrams of underground karst water channels without the need for drilling or pumping, thus protecting groundwater and facilitating regional development and environmental protection.
Implementation Method 1
establishing an electromagnetic emission system via hidden karst water channels in a survey area, a transmitter, and a generator; arranging a receiving system through an air mobile equipment towing a receiver as a receiving end; turning on the electromagnetic emission system; controlling the air mobile equipment to move along routes designed according to geological survey results to collect electromagnetic signal continuously above the survey area
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for exploring hidden karst pipelines, mainly comprising: determining an upstream and a downstream of an underground karst pipeline; laying a grounding electrode at the upstream and the downstream respectively; establishing an electromagnetic emission system through underground karst water channels in the underground karst pipeline in a survey area, a transmitter and a generator; arranging a receiving system through an air mobile equipment towing a receiver as a receiving end; turning on the electromagnetic emission system; a generator supplying power to emission circuit; controlling the air mobile equipment to move along routes to collect signal continuously above the survey area, to complete an area-based measurement, and obtain observed data in the whole survey area; processing the observed data; delineating a concrete distribution of the underground karst water channels from the to the, such as a net-shaped path diagram or a tree-shaped path diagram.