Casing/push bore monitor technique

• US 6,515,480 B1
• Filed: 08/31/2001
• Issued: 02/04/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 08/31/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: AT&T Corporation (AT&T, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: AT&T Corporation (AT&T, Inc.)
• Inventors: Huffman, John Sinclair, Eslambolchi, Hossein, Belew, Michael Shane
• Primary Examiner(s): Snow, Walter E.
• Application Number:
  US09/944,031
• Time in Patent Office: 522 Days
• Field of Search: 324/334, 324/332, 324/326, 324/327, 324/329, 175/40, 175/45
• US Class Current: 324/326
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 3/12 operating with electromagnetic waves operating with millimetre waves G01V8/005

Abstract

The location of a casing (10) as it is pushed through the earth during installation is monitored by transmitting a locating signal into a water reservoir (24) that supplies water into an auxiliary water pipe (18) that runs substantially the length of the casing for the purpose of monitoring the level of the casing. The water carries the signal into the pipe so that the signal radiates above the ground along the length of the casing. By detecting the signal via a cable locator (30), the location of the casing can be monitored during installation.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring location of an electrically non-conductive casing as the casing is pushed through the earth during installation by a contractor, comprising the steps of:

placing an oscillator in a water reservoir that feeds water into a pipe that runs the length of the casing so that oscillator transmits a locating signal into the water carried by the pipe causing the locating signal to radiate above the earth substantially along the casing; and

monitoring the locating signal to locate the casing as it is pushed through the earth.

2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the frequency of the locating signal generated by the oscillator is assigned to contractor undertaking such installation.

3. The method according to claim 2 wherein the frequency of the locating signal differs from a locating signal on an adjacent buried conveyance to avoid interference therebetween.

4. The method according to claim 1 wherein the water level in the reservoir is monitored to monitor orientation of the casing.

5. A method for monitoring location of an electrically non-conductive casing as the casing is pushed through the earth during installation by a contractor, comprising the steps of:

attaching a fluid-carrying pipe to the casing so as to run substantially the length thereof;

feeding water from a water reservoir into the pipe so that the water runs along the pipe substantially the length of the casing;

placing an oscillator in the water reservoir for generating a locating signal carried by the water in the pipe so as to radiate from the pipe above the earth; and

monitoring the locating signal above ground to locate the casing as it is pushed through the earth.

6. The method according to claim 5 wherein the frequency of the locating signal generated by the oscillator is assigned to contractor undertaking such installation.

7. The method according to claim 6 wherein the frequency of the locating signal differs from a locating signal on an adjacent buried conveyance to avoid interference therebetween.

8. The method according to claim 5 wherein the water level in the reservoir is monitored to monitor orientation of the casing.