Millennium Projects
Technical Details
Millennium Project Number: M-2000-002
Project Title: BNL Cast Iron Joint Detector
Project Start Date: 2001
Projected End Date: 2004
Technical Details:
The objective of TEMASU (Terrestrial Magnetic Surveyor) is to provide the ability to locate cast iron joints and other ferrous magnetic metallic pipeline fittings, such as couplings, valves and drip-pots. TEMASU does not employ technologies used by conventional equipment, but it incorporates an entirely new approach to locating metallic substructures. TEMASU measures the perturbations caused in the earth's magnetic field by ferromagnetic objects. The magnetic field, being relatively constant, will compress and deflect as it passes through a buried metallic object. TEMASU will process these measurements using mathematical algorithms and visually display this information on a real-time map. The specific objectives are to: 1. Locate buried cast iron pipe bell joints non-invasively (no direct contact and from the street surface); 2. Provide reliable information on a consistent basis; 3. Determine buried pipe location in real-time; 4. Ruggedize the for field conditions; 5. Make it lightweight and simple to use.
The TEMASU concept was developed by Brookhaven National Laboratory (BLN), Upton, New York. The project (originally funded by Con Edison and KeySpan) was approved by NYGAS for BNL to provide a field proven tool. Although the technology showed promise during the concept phase, it was unable to detect pipe and or joints in a variety of field tests. As a result of this, a decision was made to not continue this development effort.