Locating Buried Utilities

Abstract

This report describes, in basic language, how to operate buried- utility locators and what the locators' uses and limitations are. Its scope is limited to locators using the principles of magnetometry, induction balance, magnetic induction and radio-frequency tracking. Magnetometry and induction balance work best for near-surface isolated targets such as valve boxes and manhole covers. Magnetic induction will locate all types of metallic utilities, including cast iron and steel pipe, power cables and communication lines. Radio frequency tracking traces unpressurized non-metallic lines that have available access for introducing a floating transmitter into the line (e.g., sewer or storm drains made of plastic or vitreous tile pipe). Keywords: Dipping-needle locators; Ferromagnetic locators; Magnetic-induction locators. (AW)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1985
Accession Number
ADA213084

Entities

People

  • Susan R. Bigl

Organizations

  • Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Cold Regions
  • Control Knobs
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Diameters
  • Drops
  • Electric Current
  • Engineering
  • Frequency
  • Geometry
  • Instructions
  • Joints
  • Magnetic Detectors
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Magnetic Induction
  • Materials
  • Radio Frequency

Readers

  • Facility/Structural Engineering.
  • Sensor Fusion and Tracking Systems.
  • Superconducting Magnet Technology