Electro Scan, Inc.

Mark J Grabowski

Charles A Hansen

Cory T Peters

Sean T Blottie

Sonja M Hansen

Bianca C Hansen

Charles E G Johnson

Cory Peters

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

Growing community of inventors

Pewaukee, WI, United States of America

Mark J Grabowski