October 2014, Vol. 69, No. 10
Equipment Spotlight
Equipment Spotlight: Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
Ditch Witch
Designed for contractors and utility engineers, the Ditch Witch 2450GR ground penetrating radar system is instrumental in utility mapping efforts. Ideal for urban planning, void and sinkhole detection, concrete detection and locating underground storage tanks – the 2450GR locates cables and metallic and non-metallic pipes in one pass at depths of up to 19.7 feet and provides fast, clear images with its 5.6 mph survey speed and digitally controlled radar. 800.654.6481, ditchwitch.com
Vermeer
Featuring the latest advancements in ground-penetrating radar, the Interragator EZ locates many types of buried pipes – including PVC and other non-metallic products. The Interragator EZ can locate targets up to 6.1 feet underground depending on soil type, surface conditions and other factors. Easily transported thanks to a lightweight, compact design, the Interragator EZ delivers quick results – simply push a button and move the unit along the survey path for real-time data. Use in addition to conventional locating and vacuum excavation methods for a clearer picture of the subsurface. 888.837.6337, vermeer.com
Sensors & Software
LMX100 now operates in multiple languages: English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Italian, Arabic, Dutch, Polish, Czech, Turkish and Russian. Sensors & Software has specifically developed LMX100 to make locating and marking utilities with GPR simple and easy. Locate & Mark mode provides a real-time image in the field to identify utilities and mark their locations, allowing construction crews to clear sites quickly and completely prior to excavating. Portable and affordable, LMX100 is easy to deploy across multiple crews. LMX100 offers the perfect balance of depth penetration and resolution for accurate locating. LMX100 is just one of the many utility locating GPR solutions offered by Sensors & Software. The other solutions offer extended functionality including mapping, SUM/SUE reporting capabilities and flexible configurations. 800.267.6013, sensoft.ca
McLaughlin
The McLaughlin Verifier G2 uses “Smart” transmitter technology along with improved noise reduction to achieve extreme accuracy in utility line location and depth calculation. Additional features include Peak and Null locating modes, four active frequencies, depth readout and Current Measurement Index (CMI), unique inductive method, passive radio search, increased depth capacity to 30 feet and a completely weatherproof receiver. 864.277.5870, mclaughlinunderground.com
US Radar
The new Quantum Imager uses triple-frequency radar technology for locating and imaging objects at greater depths and with higher resolution than single- or dual-frequency systems. It excels in a wide variety of applications, from bridge deck analysis to locating and imaging utilities at depths up to 30 feet. Patent-pending technology applies ultra-wideband pulses that combine the advantages of pulse radar and stepped frequency radar. The system is especially effective in locating objects such as conduit and rebar, and rendering high-resolution imagery of those objects. The four-wheeled, walk-behind Quantum Imager incorporates a Panasonic Toughpad tablet computer that enables the operator to run a suite of Windows-based applications, including GPS, 3D imaging, Google Earth integration and report generation. The tablet computer features a 10.1-inch high-definition screen, readable in all lighting conditions, and incorporates connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and optional 3G and 4G direct internet service. 732.566.2035, usradar.com
Geophysical Survey Systems Inc. (GSSI)
With the UtilityScan, users can efficiently identify and mark the location and depth of subsurface utilities such as gas, sewer and communication lines, as well as perform a variety of tasks beyond utility location. The UtilityScan family of GPR solutions is configurable to the needs of specific applications, such as utility detection, environmental remediation, road inspection, concrete scanning and geological, archaeological and forensic investigations. With 10 different cart, antenna and control unit configurations, the UtilityScan can be tailored to meet a wide range of needs. The easy-to-transport system offers real-time data collection, with a back-up cursor and cross-hair cursor to allow users to accurately identify targets. It also has the ability to store and replay data. 603.893.1109, geophysical.com
Comments