Millennium Projects
Technical Details
Millennium Project Number: M-2001-005
Project Title:Development of Handheld Pipe Locator - Pipehawk PLC
Projected Start Date: 2001
Projected End Date: 2008
Technical Details:
The objective of this project is to develop a low cost, portable pipe locator that can detect all underground gas facilities including plastic and be widely distributed among utility locators and contractors. In order to meet this objective, significant technical challenges must be overcome. The primary challenge is to develop an air-coupled antenna that can collect and process highly sophisticated radar data land display a near-real time image to a locator. Also, a sensor must be developed that will record position and trigger the unit to collect data as it is swung in an arc by an operator. A ground-coupled antenna is also envisioned to accompany the system to provide resolution in depth measurement.
Different from the Lawrence Livermore project, this project is a product development effort that is being led by PipeHawk plc, a leading company in supplying ground penetrating radar systems for underground gas facilities and a former partner with NYGAS. Initially, PipeHawk plc also brought a significant U.S. commercial partner to the project that has a huge business in the construction market, over 6500 distributors worldwide. After successful field testing in 2003, FCC testing and commercial discussions were held in 2004. Also, as a result of FCC emissions rules, PipeHawk plc worked on a different antenna control design. The product is currently undergoing follow-up field testing and will be subject to enhanced FCC testing.