Acoustic Pipe Detection
Acoustic Pipe Detection
What Types of Devices Are Used for Acoustic Pipe Detection at CNI Locates and How Do They Work?
How Does Acoustic Pipe Detection Work?
Since non-metallic pipes are not electromagnetically locatable, they can’t be located with standard electromagnetic transmitters and receivers. When pipes are not electromagnetically locatable, they must be detected with ground penetrating radar (GPR), inserted with a traceable rod/sonde, video inspected with a locatable camera head, or acoustically detected using devices that transmit a vibrating sound through the pipe that can be identified using amplified subsurface microphones. Acoustic pipe detection is extremely useful when looking for non-metallic water services and mains, non-metallic gas services and mains, pipes with breaks in continuity, empty conduits, fiber conduits with no tracer wire, etc. The possible range of acoustic pipe detection devices depends on many factors such as the material of the pipe, type of soil, depth of the pipe, angles in the pipe, size of the pipe, etc.
Types of Plastic Pipe Locators
Sewerin Combiphon
The Sewerin Combiphon set is the industry’s leading acoustic pipe detection device. It utilizes the CG 155 generator in combination with a Striker or Stopper to send sounds through pipes that can be detected with acoustic listening devices. The CG155 generator has the advantage of being able to control the strength and speed of the pulse/knocking and can use different sound frequencies. These features help increase the efficiency and safe use of the device.
Striker- The Striker can safely tap on pipes up to 4 inches in diameter, using the CG155 Generator and a chain attachment to create vibrations on the pipe that can be acoustically identified.
Stopper- The Stopper uses an intensity-controlled piston to send a safe acoustic pulse through pipes that can be detected for long distances. The stopper is a great option for detecting non-metallic water mains and long water services.
Metrotech & SEBAKMT RSP 3
The Metrotech & SebaKMT RSP 3 is one of the industry leading acoustic pipe detection instruments. The RSP 3 uses a knocking generator, impact cushioning plate, & tight chain to safely connect to pipes and generate vibrations/sounds along the pipe that can be identified with acoustic listening devices.
RD500-Tx & RD510-Tx
The RD 500 Tx and RD 510 Tx are electronic pulse transmitter’s (EPT’s) that generate an acoustic pulse that vibrates the water pipe and in conjunction creates a noise that is detectable with leak locating microphones. These devices are directly connected to the water supply to generate a pulse.
Small Pipe Hound & Large Pipe Hound
The Small and Large Pipe Hounds are electronic pulse transmitters (EPT’s) that directly connect to your water pipes and send a gentle safe water pulse through them. That pulse is then detectable using a ground microphone to pinpoint the loudest location. The Small Pipe Hound is meant for pipes under 2 inches in diameter and the Large Pipe Hound is used on pipes over 2 inches in diameter.
Little Thumpa & Big Thumpa
The Little & Big Thumpa are very similar to the Large and Small Pipe Hound and use an electronic pulse transmitter (EPT) to generate a gentle pulsating noise inside the water pipe that can be detected using a ground microphone. The Little Thumpa is used on water services under 50mm in diameter and the Big Thumpa is used on water mains over 50mm in diameter.
Conclusion
Acoustic pipe detection equipment such as the Sewerin Combiphon, Metrotech RSP 3, SebaKMT RSP 3, RD 500 Tx, RD 510 Tx, Small Pipe Hound, Large Pipe Hound, Little Thumpa, & Big Thumpa are tremendously useful when you are not able to locate a pipe using standard electromagnetic technology. When acoustic pipe detection is utilized in conjunction with electromagnetic transmitters/receivers, ground penetrating radar (GPR), video pipe inspections, traceable rods/sondes, utility mapping, magnetic detection, etc. the information provided, and utilities identified will be abundantly amplified compared to standard electromagnetic locating deliverables. Contact CNI Locates today to schedule an Appointment within 24 hours’ notice Monday through Friday.
