Electro-magnetic location (EML) Survey Level 3

Equipment type

Stratascan use the tried and tested locators from Radiodetection Ltd. A typical equipment set would be a multi-frequency locator and a signal generator / transmitter together with sondes, tracer cable and induction clamps. This technique works well with metallic pipes and  conductors as well as drains and ducts open for access.

This equipment can be deployed in two modes – active and passive.    

Active mode

There are several ways of using the equipment in active mode.

Direct connection

Here a signal from the signal generator is applied onto metallic pipe or conductor. This normally involves attaching a wire directly onto the metalwork of an associated fitting such as a valve stem. The signal ‘lluminates’ the pipe so that the locator can follow it route on the ground surface.     

Sonding / Tracer Cable

When working with gravity drainage systems or ducts where access is available via manholes a tracer cable can be inserted to allow the route to be traced. The tracer cable is connected to the signal generator allowing its position to be followed on the ground surface. A sonde has its own internal transmitter, has stronger signal output and so is more suited for deeper utilities.

Induction

If no direct connection nor access for a tracer cable / sonde is possible then a signal can be induced from the surface onto a metallic pipe or cable. This assumes that the position the utility is known at least one point so that the transmitter can be placed over it to allow the best level of induction to take place. This process can be repeated to allow long lengths of pipe or conductor be traced         

Passive mode

Two types of ‘naturally occurring’ signals are found on buried utilities. These signals can be used as a final check after the active search has been completed  

Power

Conductors carrying an electrical load generate electro-magnetic fields around them which can be detected at ground level

Radio

Metal pipes and conductors at least 10 metre in length re-radiate low frequency radio waves. These signals can be picked up with the detector set in the appropriate mode.