Gas Technology Institute

Institute of Gas Technology

Gas Research Institute

Christopher John Ziolkowski

James Emerson Huebler

Albert W Gershman

William F Rush

Daniel Allen Ersoy

Frank Hennessey

Michael Christian Mensinger, Jr

Joe McCarty

Joel Cooper

Joe W McCarty

Nickolas Daniels

Maximillian J Kieba

Arthur Shapiro

A method for underground pipeline monitoring in which a continuous alternating electrical current having a current frequency in a range of about 1 kHZ to about 8 kHz is imparted onto a pipeline, producing an alternating magnetic field at the current frequency along the pipeline. Distributed along the pipeline is a network of RFID tag sensors which absorb an amount of energy from the alternating magnetic field. The impedance of the sensors is modulated, producing a modulated sensor impedance which is detected at a location proximate the location at which the continuous alternating electrical current is imparted onto the pipeline.

Communication method for monitoring pipelines

A method and apparatus for marking the location of a buried object in which the location of the buried object is determined and a barhole driver or plunger bar having a detachable plug element and a marking material for marking the location of the buried object is driven into the ground proximate the location of the buried object. The detachable plug element detaches from the plunger bar as the plunger bar is removed from the ground, leaving a substantially continuous path of the marking material in the ground extending substantially continuously from proximate the detachable plug element to the ground surface.

Device for marking out buried objects

A method and apparatus for detecting contact between an underground electric wire conduit and an underground utility pipeline in which a detectable signal is applied to an electric line wire disposed within the underground electric wire conduit and the underground utility pipeline is monitored for a presence of the detectable signal. When there is a contact between the underground electric wire conduit and the underground utility pipeline, the signal applied to the electric line wire is detected by a suitable signal detector disposed on the surface of the utility pipeline and/or within the utility pipeline.

Method and apparatus for underground line crossing detection

An apparatus for monitoring conditions in subterranean borehole during drilling and pullback operations in real time. The apparatus includes a drill string having a working end. A measurement system suitable for measuring at least one operational characteristic of the apparatus and having a metallic section in direct contact with the drill string is operably connected to the working end of the drill string. At least one toroid is circumferentially disposed around a first portion of the metallic section and has toroidal electrically conductive windings. A non-conductive material is disposed around the toroid whereby contact between the toroid and a subterranean environment during operation of the apparatus is precluded.

Long range data transmitter for horizontal directional drilling

A method for locating gas leaks from underground gas pipelines in which a first acoustic sensor having a first signal output is positioned in ground disposed substantially above or at a distance from the underground gas pipeline. At least one second acoustic sensor having a second signal output is positioned in the ground at a plurality of locations substantially above the underground gas pipeline. The output signals from the acoustic sensors are measured for each location of the second acoustic sensor and the signals are adaptively filtered to remove common noise signal components. The statistical minima of these rms voltages are determined for both the first output signal and the adaptively filtered second output signals and the differences determined. The location of the second acoustic sensor corresponding to the largest positive said difference is the location closest to the leak site.

Enhanced acoustic detection of gas leaks in underground gas pipelines

A valve box having a metallic riser and a metallic lid covering a top of the metallic riser and an electromagnetic resonator coupled to the valve box interior facing side of the metallic lid, whereby, upon generation of an eddy current in the metallic lid, a current is generated in the electromagnetic resonator. This valve box, when buried, is readily locatable and identifiable by an above-ground interrogating device.

Electronic marker for metallic valve box covers

A method and apparatus for controlling a fluid distribution regulator disposed in a fluid distribution system in which an intelligent controller is operatively connected to at least one fluid district regulator for controlling the district regulator. At least one intelligent low-pressure monitor is connected to the distribution system at a distance from the fluid district regulator and monitors ambient temperature and fluid pressure in the distribution system. A computer is operatively connected to the intelligent controller and the intelligent monitor and provides status checks and manual overrides of the intelligent controller and the intelligent monitor. An adaptive algorithm proximate the intelligent controller generates a prediction of fluid demand and a corresponding district regulator fluid outlet pressure setting based upon feedback from the intelligent monitor.

Adaptive system for predictive control of district pressure regulators

A cathodic protection monitoring system for buried metal objects comprising a transponder hard-wire connected to a sacrificial anode and a reference electrode, each of the transponder, the sacrificial anode and the reference electrode being buried underground in close proximity to the buried metal object to be protected, thereby forming a first principal circuit between the sacrificial anode and the buried metal object and forming a second principal circuit between the reference electrode and the buried metal object. The system further comprises a portable transceiver disposed above ground tuned to a frequency of the transponder. Power for operation of the transponder is drawn from the cathodic protection circuit, thereby obviating the need for connections to above ground power supplies.

Remote cathodic protection monitoring system

A method and apparatus for generating and introducing an acoustic signal into a piping system, such as a natural gas distribution system. A first case is sealably secured to a second case to form a diaphragm case. A diaphragm is sealably positioned within the diaphragm case between the first case and the second case. The first case and the diaphragm define a first chamber and the second case and the diaphragm define a second chamber. The first chamber is preferably in communication with the ambient atmosphere and operates at atmospheric pressure. The diaphragm case is one component of a pressure regulator that has an inlet and an outlet for connecting the pressure regulator within a piping system. The pressure regulator regulates fluid pressure within the piping system, downstream from the pressure regulator. The pressure regulator has a valve plug and a valve stem connected to the valve plug. An opposite end of the valve stem is connected to the diaphragm. An acoustic signal is introduced into the first chamber in order to vibrate the diaphragm and produce an acoustic signal, preferably amplified, within the piping system, downstream from the pressure regulator.

Method and apparatus for injecting acoustic signals into live gas mains

A pipe worm comprises radially inflatable toroids spaced along an axially inflatable tubular body. The worm inches through piping through sequential inflation and deflation of the toroids and tubular body. The worm includes a fluid supply source, pipe maintenance instrumentation and automatic, semiautomatic or manual controls which are remote, on-board or trailered, as desired. The worm is inexpensive, reliable, capable of turning 90 degree corners, and further uniquely advantageous.

Growing community of inventors

Elmhurst, IL, United States of America

Christopher John Ziolkowski