System and methods of mapping buried pipes underwater
US11061160B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 27, 2019 |
| Grant date | Jul 13, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 27, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L1/11
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
It may be difficult to determine the location of objects underwater, especially when they are buried below a seabed. A system for detecting conductive objects underwater may include a long conductive cable in electric communication with a signal generator. When the cable is positioned proximate to the conductive object, its signal may induce a current and a detectible secondary magnetic field in the conductive object. A sensor, preferably positioned distally from any portion of the conductive cable, may detect the secondary magnetic field and thereby determine the location of the conductive object. A method of detecting and mapping the location of a buried underwater pipeline comprising a conductive material may include: sending a predetermined current through a conductive cable attached to a first water vehicle; inducing an induced current in the pipeline; and detecting the location of at least a portion of the pipeline by a sensor attached to a second water vehicle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.