Electro Scan, Inc.

Tri-tech Corporation

Charles A Hansen

Mark J Grabowski

Robert Jackson Harris

Bianca C Hansen

Janine Mullinix

Morgan Hansen

Matthew Campos

Sean T Blottie

Thomas VanBergen

Sonja M Hansen

Cory T Peters

Valeri Zaharie

Roy Cooper

Sonja Hansen

Mark Grabowski

Sean Blottie

Charles E G Johnson

Bianca Hansen

Cory Peters

A probe provides one end of an electrically conductive path with a ground stake defining a second end. The probe is supported on a tip of a cable rotatably supported by a snake, with the snake including a conductor routed toward the ground stake. A spool can optionally be located between the conductor and the ground stake. A voltage source and a current sensor are located upon said electrically conductive path. The probe is fed by action of the snake along an underground pipe to be scanned. The current sensor senses current flow between the probe within the underground pipe and the ground stake. Analysis of the current flowing in this electric circuit allows for determining if underground pipe material includes lead, based at least partially on electrical conductivity of pipe segments through which the probe passes.

Lead detection system for underground pipes

An electrically conductive probe, such as a probe similar to those utilized in other electric leak detection systems, is positioned electrically adjacent to different regions of a wall of an underground access chamber, for detection of leaks therein. In one embodiment, the probe is positioned at an elevation and circumferential position which is sequentially adjusted so that the probe can scan regions of the wall for leaks. In another embodiment, a modified probe remains centrally located within the underground access chamber and only moved vertically. The modified probe is fitted with whiskers extending radially. The modified probe includes sectors circumferentially spaced from each other and with each whisker associated with one of the sectors. A selector switch electrically connects one sector to the electrically conductive cable. Data collected by either probe can be graphed or otherwise analyzed with regions of high conductivity correlating with leaks in the underground access chamber.

Leak detection system for underground access chambers using conductivity

The system utilizes conductivity equipment as well as a camera, pressure sensor, and acoustic hydrophone within a probe deployed via cable into a pipe to be inspected. The probe completes an electric circuit back to ground when the probe is adjacent a defect through which electric currents can pass, thus producing varying electric current. The camera, incorporated into the electric probe, is utilized for both inspection and navigation through the pipe by providing a close-circuit video data feed. The pressure sensor detects alterations in the pressure and flow field of the fluidic region in the area of a leak. The acoustic hydrophone listens for the sound leaks in a pressurized pipeline. The inspection device is tethered to a cable and inserted a measured distance into the pipeline, typically with the pipeline under pressure, via a launch tube. Multi-sensor data versus pipeline position is thus obtained.

Multi-sensor inspection for identification of pressurized pipe defects that leak

Extensions exited from electrodes of an electroscan probe, allowing for operation in a wide range of pipe sizes, particularly large diameter pipes, by extending the maximum effective distance of the electric fields generated by the probe. The extensions preferably extend radially from each of the electrodes, and are sized to bring tips of the extensions close to the pipe wall. The extensions can be joined by lanyards to assist in keeping them spaced apart. At least some extensions preferably have bulbous tips, preferably at least partially formed of non-conductive material to keep adjacent extensions from touching each other, especially extensions coupled to different electrodes. The extensions, in one embodiment, are threaded into collars adjacent to each electrode and selected to have a length appropriate for the pipe diameter.

Electric field expansion system for low voltage conductivity inspection

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.

System and method for identification of pipe defects that leak

A camera based sewer evaluation vehicle has an electro-scan pipe defect detection system integrated therein. A cable and winch of the camera based system are utilized to support either a camera or an electro-scan probe. A signal transmitted through the cable is passed along for processing of signals received through the cable for final output and analysis, such as on a common computer. To facilitate electro-scan probe based pipe defect detection, a ground rod is utilized. The system can include a funnel plug downstream of the electro-scan probe for interconnection to a haul line and to assist in maintaining a liquid filled status in the pipe adjacent the electro-scan probe. A downstream bypass funnel plug or a blockade of some form can operate within and past a downstream manhole adjacent the pipe to keep the pipe filled with liquid.

Electro-scan integration into video pipe inspection vehicle

Growing community of inventors

Carmichael, CA, United States of America

Charles A Hansen