For Detecting Naturally Occurring Fields, Currents, Or Potentials Patents (Class 324/348)
  • Patent number: 4258323
    Abstract: An apparatus for locating an electrical leakage fault path relative to a cathodically protected buried pipe utilizes a conductor wire having a first end connected to the pipe and a second end wound on a reel including a level winding and distance measuring mechanism and connected to electrical signal monitoring components. An electrode in an earth cutting blade is also connected to the monitoring components and is mounted to a drafting structure for moving the blade through the earth generally over the buried pipe a sufficient depth to continuously encounter and sense electrical current indicating a flow or break in the cathodic protection of the pipe. The drafting structure includes a hitch for connection to a suitable vehicle and a regulating mechanism for controlling the depth of the blade into the earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1981
    Assignee: Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company
    Inventors: Larry A. Andrews, Thomas N. Tietze