System and method for identification of pipe defects that leak
US9304055B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 15, 2013 |
| Grant date | Apr 5, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 20, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N27/60
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The system utilizes electroscan equipment including a voltage source and current meter with a cable having one end grounded and one end having an electric probe thereon sized to fit within an underground pipe. The probe is able to complete an electric circuit back to ground when the probe is adjacent a defect through which electric currents can pass, thus producing varying electric current. A cable reel is provided with portions of the cable supported thereon and with a cable distance sensor coupled to the reel along with the current meter and voltage source in the form of a battery. The current meter and distance sensor transmit wireless signals to an on-site processor, such as a smartphone, for on-site data evaluation. Such unconditioned data is also transmitted to a remote location for conditioning of the data and retransmission of the conditioned data back to the on-site processor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.