Description
System Components
The Pipe Tracer system comprises:
- Protective Tracer Wire
A high-strength steel cable fully encapsulated in polyethylene, providing protection against soil acidity (pH), moisture, stray electrical currents and other environmental influences. - Straight and Tee Connectors
Watertight connectors designed to create secure, continuous electrical connections throughout the tracer network. - Connection Boxes
Durable plastic connection boxes for introducing the electromagnetic locating signal, complete with stainless steel grounding fins. - Connection Jack
A dedicated interface for connecting the signal generator to the network. - Terminal Access Chambers
Compact cast iron chambers designed to house connection boxes in pedestrian and vehicular areas while providing easy access for maintenance. - WBH (Wall Box Holder) Mounting Frames
Plastic mounting frames suitable for fixing to concrete structures, plastic chambers, valve boxes, meter boxes or poles, allowing secure installation of connection boxes and grounding points. - Optional RFID Tags
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags can be incorporated to record and retrieve asset information for individual pipeline sections. These tags can be installed within terminal chambers or mounted on the WBH frame.
How It Works
Once installed, the Pipe Tracer system remains inactive until an electromagnetic signal is introduced via one of the connection boxes using a portable signal generator. The signal travels continuously along the tracer wire, allowing the buried pipeline to be accurately located using compatible electromagnetic detection equipment.
The system enables the generation of precise three-dimensional GPS coordinates for underground assets, supporting accurate mapping and future network management.
Where RFID tags are specified, asset information can be written to and retrieved using dedicated readers or NFC-enabled smartphones, providing a simple and efficient method of recording infrastructure data.
Features & Benefits
- High-Precision Asset Location
Delivers accurate three-dimensional positioning of buried infrastructure, improving network visibility and reducing uncertainty during excavation. - Accurate Underground Mapping
Supports the creation and maintenance of detailed underground asset records, improving long-term infrastructure management. - Improved Site Safety
Reduces the risk of accidental damage to buried utilities, helping to protect construction personnel and minimise service interruptions. - Faster Maintenance and Repairs
Enables rapid identification and location of underground assets, reducing response times and improving operational efficiency. - Installation Quality Assurance
Acts as a deterrent to poor installation practices by enabling precise verification of pipeline location and burial depth. - Long-Term Durability
The polyethylene-coated tracer wire provides excellent resistance to corrosion, chemicals, moisture and stray electrical currents, ensuring reliable long-term performance. - Universal Compatibility
Suitable for virtually any underground utility, including water, gas, electricity, telecommunications, fibre optic and other utility networks, regardless of pipe material, size or profile. - Straightforward Installation
Designed for quick integration during pipeline installation using purpose-designed watertight fittings. - Integrated Asset Referencing
Optional RFID technology enables individual pipeline sections to be uniquely identified and managed, simplifying asset tracking throughout the network lifecycle.
