Millennium Projects
Technical Details
Millennium Project Number: M-2004-003
Project Title: Harris Cast Iron Joint Pipe Locator
Project Start Date: 2004
Projected End Date: 2008
Technical Details:
The objective of this project is to test the ability of an innovative technology to locate cast iron joints and plastic pipes in a dense urban environment. The technology incorporates an entirely new approach to locating cast iron joints using very low frequencies and a totally different approach to signal analysis.
The objective of the program is to advance the design and system prototype to demonstrate the functional capabilities of the technology. Initial field tests in an urban environment pointed to specific improvements to address problems found. The two key challenges were the ability to detect pipes in dense areas with multiple subsurface structures and the ability to function in confined spaces with a small modified antenna. The propriety material that is being used for the dielectric medium on the antenna allows an unusual advantage in terms of required physical size of the antenna to meet the antenna's electrical requirements. This project will design, develop and field-test and advanced, miniaturized antenna and a prototype tool.