Abstract: A method for changing an activation state of an interruption module for selectively interrupting at least one passive cathodic protection unit from a metallic structure. The method includes enabling a global positioning system (GPS) receiver in data communication with a controller of the interruption module, receiving GPS time via the GPS receiver from at least one global positioning system satellite in data communication therewith, synchronizing a real-time clock time of a real-time clock in data communication with the controller to GPS time, disabling the GPS receiver and changing the activation state of the interruption module if a predetermined activation state change time of the interruption module is between the local real-time clock time and the GPS time.

Abstract: A conduit inspection tool system includes a conduit inspection tool that includes a body that includes one or more wheels configured to move the body through and in contact with a conduit; at least two power generating sub-systems coupled to the body, each of the at least two power generating sub-systems configured to generate electrical power to operate the one or more wheels to move the body through and in contact with the conduit; and at least one energy storage device electrically coupled to the at least two power generating sub-systems, the at least one energy storage device configured to store electrical power generated by the at least two power generating sub-systems; and a control system communicably coupled to the at least two power generating sub-systems and the at least one energy storage device.

Abstract: One aspect provides a method, including: obtaining sensor data from a ground penetrating radar (GPR) unit; analyzing, using a processor, the sensor data to detect a first object and a second object, the second object being associated with the first object based on location; identifying, with the processor, an underground pipe feature based on the analyzing; associating a position of the underground pipe feature with a location in a pipe network; selecting a subset of the pipe network including a pipe segment associated with the position of the underground pipe feature; and providing the subset of the pipe network as displayable data to a display device. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: A probe for a non-excavation guide can include an outer casing and a transmitting antenna. The transmitting antenna can be disposed in the outer casing, with the transmitting antenna including a magnetic core and a coil. The magnetic core can include a plurality of magnetic core segments. The magnetic core segments can be annular in shape and thereby define a hollow segment interior. The magnetic core segments can be sequentially arranged within the outer casing, with the coil located around an outside of the plurality of magnetic core segments. The probe assembly can facilitate the manufacture of the magnetic cores, reduce the disposition of insulating members, facilitate the assembly of the transmitting antenna, and/or reduce production costs.

Abstract: A detection apparatus and method arranged to detect defects within a flexible pipe at least partially surrounded by seawater. The detection apparatus comprises a seawater electrode, an impedance monitor and a processor. The seawater electrode is arranged to be in contact with seawater surrounding at least part of a flexible pipe. The impedance monitor is arranged to measure the impedance between a metallic structural component of the flexible pipe extending at least partially along the length of the flexible pipe and the seawater electrode in response to an electrical test signal applied to the seawater electrode. The processor is arranged to determine the distance from the seawater electrode to a pipe defect electrically connecting the metallic structural component to seawater using the measured impedance.

Abstract: The system utilizes conductivity equipment as well as a camera, pressure sensor, and acoustic hydrophone within a probe deployed via cable into a pipe to be inspected. The probe completes an electric circuit back to ground when the probe is adjacent a defect through which electric currents can pass, thus producing varying electric current. The camera, incorporated into the electric probe, is utilized for both inspection and navigation through the pipe by providing a close-circuit video data feed. The pressure sensor detects alterations in the pressure and flow field of the fluidic region in the area of a leak. The acoustic hydrophone listens for the sound leaks in a pressurized pipeline. The inspection device is tethered to a cable and inserted a measured distance into the pipeline, typically with the pipeline under pressure, via a launch tube. Multi-sensor data versus pipeline position is thus obtained.

Abstract: Embodiments of the described system are related to detecting and locating liquids. The system comprises at least one sensor tile, wherein each sensor tile includes a first plurality of conductive lines attached to a first side of a substrate and a second plurality of lines attached to a second side of a substrate. In a preferred embodiment, the first plurality of conductive lines is arranged to be offset 90 degrees with respect to the second plurality of conductive lines. The system also contains at least one processor operably connected to the first and second plurality of conductive lines by at least two multiplexer pieces. The sensor tiles, multiplexer pieces, and processor are interconnected by conductive connectors.

Abstract: The system utilizes conductivity equipment as well as a camera, pressure sensor, and acoustic hydrophone within a probe deployed via cable into a pipe to be inspected. The probe completes an electric circuit back to ground when the probe is adjacent a defect through which electric currents can pass, thus producing varying electric current. The camera, incorporated into the electric probe, is utilized for both inspection and navigation through the pipe by providing a close-circuit video data feed. The pressure sensor detects alterations in the pressure and flow field of the fluidic region in the area of a leak. The acoustic hydrophone listens for the sound leaks in a pressurized pipeline. The inspection device is tethered to a cable and inserted a measured distance into the pipeline, typically with the pipeline under pressure, via a launch tube. Multi-sensor data versus pipeline position is thus obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a pipe length in an air conditioning system includes a detector to detect a signal traveled through a pipe; and a processor to determine a pipe length based on the detected signal.

Abstract: A robotic holiday testing apparatus for detecting and marking holidays in the protective coating atop a metal base plate of a storage tank, including: a. a vehicle, b. a power drive unit selectively coupled to a first set of wheels to move the vehicle in the forward or backward direction, and to a second set of wheels to move the vehicle and the right or left direction, c. a holiday detection apparatus having a wettable sponge electrical contact element for establishing an electric circuit with the base plate through each of the holidays, d. a tank for containing an electrolytic fluid supplied into the wettable sponge, and e. a controller which selectively operates the power drive unit to: move the vehicle in the forward direction for selected distance, and f. to move the vehicle in the left or right direction for selected distance, the vehicle thus being movable along a path while the holiday testing apparatus thereon detects and marks holidays for subsequent repair.

Abstract: A geomembrane liner for a containment system including liner panels and connected by a seam at overlapped edges, with the top panel having a conductive lower surface which is non-conductive across the seam. Heat welding of the seams is accomplished by a welder having a heating unit with a projection which interrupts the conductive lower surface of the top panel before forming the seam. Such seams may be used separately or selectively with a lined containment system having a plurality of liner panels covering at least a portion of the containment system bottom. The liner panels have a conductive lower surface and overlap with adjacent panels, and conductive members underlie adjacent panels and contact the conductive lower surface of both adjacent panels to provide an electrical connection between the conductive lower surfaces of the adjacent panels.

Abstract: An automated EL CID inspection technique for the stator core of an electrical machine is provided. The inspection device includes a rail, a pickup coil and a coil support assembly. The coil support assembly includes a first part movable along the rail, and a second part where the pickup coil is actually installed. The second part is movable jointly with the first part along the rail, while also being movable relative to the first part in a direction towards or away from the stator core. A motor actuates a motion of the coil support assembly. During inspection, the motor is activated, upon which the coil support assembly moves along the rail while a specified distance is maintained between the stator core and the pickup coil by the relative motion between the first and second parts. The technique is particularly applicable in a step-iron portion of the stator core.

Abstract: A system for detecting and locating a leak through a membrane that includes a detector array and computer. The detector array includes a boundary wire loop, sensors, and leads. The boundary wire loop surrounds the area to be tested and generates electrical tension on the surface of the membrane. The sensors are laid out in a sensor array and are placed on top of a membrane and within the boundary wire loop. The sensors are encased in a plastic covered cable or individual wires which have open ends for their terminations forming a cable so that the sensors made by the open terminations form a chain. Each sensor communicates individually with the computer and the signals from the sensors are used by the computer to perform vector mapping that detects and locates leaks through the membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for detecting a conductive object (5). The apparatus comprises at least one transmitting device (2), which is operative to generate a first changing magnetic flux (11, 12), and at least one receiving device (10), which is operative, in use, to receive a second changing magnetic flux (9) generated by the conductive object (5) in dependence upon the first changing magnetic flux. In addition, the at least one transmitting device and the at least one receiving device are disposed in relation to each other so as to attenuate the first changing magnetic flux (11, 12) received directly by the at least one receiving device (10) from the at least one transmitting device (2).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described wherein a charged beam in an enclosed conducting cavity in an accelerator is monitored for position, current, and energy. One method uses induced electric signals on non-intercepting conducting electrodes. Another method uses an intercepting and moving electrode than can be moved into the beam to different degrees to monitor the beam current and vertical profile at different radial positions. Non-intercepting electrodes are also used as part of a moving diagnostic probe to monitor properties of the beam at different radial positions. Another method uses the current in the leads to a power supply, a portion of this current being equal to the beam current. Another method uses the magnetic and electric fields from the beam that penetrates a non-conducting portion of the conducting cavity. Yet another method uses the radiation emitted during acceleration of the beam by the deflecting magnets that guide the beam.

Abstract: A multi-scanner device having a detection unit and an outlet tester that can be selectively connected together for convenient use and easy storage. Preferably, a plug on the outlet tester is inserted into a non-functional socket located on the detection unit to form a multi-scanner device with a detachable outlet tester.

Abstract: Systems, methods and program products of instructions stored on a computer readable medium related to a tether free piggable inspection tool capable of detecting holidays and able to read and store non-conductive internal coating thickness values in very long conductive pipes, along with distance values for further off-line analysis, are provided. The inspection tool includes a plurality of thickness probes, a data storage unit, a control unit, a plurality of navigation wheels and a holiday detector that uses an electrical conductive medium, such as a gas or fluid, as the ground connection. A closed loop configuration is adopted allowing the system to autocorrect itself for different coating thicknesses along the pipe.

Abstract: A multi-scanner device having a detection unit and an outlet tester that can be selectively connected together for convenient use and easy storage. Preferably, a plug on the outlet tester is inserted into a non-functional socket located on the detection unit to form a multi-scanner device with a detachable outlet tester.

Abstract: Systems, methods and program products related to a tether free pigable inspection tool capable of detecting holidays and able to read and store non-conductive internal coating thickness values in very long conductive pipes, along with distance values for further off-line analysis, are provided. The inspection tool includes a plurality of thickness probes, a data storage unit, a control unit, a plurality of navigation wheels and a holiday detector that uses an electrical conductive medium, such as a gas or fluid, as the ground connection. A closed loop configuration is adopted allowing the system to autocorrect itself for different coating thicknesses along the pipe.

Abstract: This is an electronic scanning probe, preferably made up of at least two sensing elements, each sensing element substantially surrounded by reference electrodes. These sensing elements are separated at a distance that causes little or no cross-interference to take place between these sensing elements when positioned in concert with a surface of interest. Ideally, this probe is used in electrostatic marking systems where an electrostatic charge is placed onto a receiving surface.

Abstract: A method and system for locating leaks of conductive fluids from non-conductive pipes and other structures or for locating non-conductive pipes or structures having conductive fluid contained therein, employ a charge generator to apply a time varying charge to the conductive fluid, and a capacitive type detector that can detect the variable charge that is induced in the fluid. The capacitive detector, which preferably includes a handheld housing, employs a large conductive pickup plate that is used to locate the pipe or leak by scanning the plate over the ground and detecting the induced charge that is generated when the plate comes in close proximity to the pipe or leak. If a leak is encountered, the resulting signal will appear over an area larger than expected for a buried pipe, assuming the leak provides an electrically conductive path between the flow and the wet surrounding ground.

Abstract: A syringe subassembly comprised of a tubular syringe body having a front end provided with a forwardly projecting needle and fitted over the needle with a cap of a dielectric material is tested by juxtaposing an outer electrode with the cap, juxtaposing an inner electrode with the needle, applying a high electrical voltage across the electrodes, monitoring current flow between the electrodes, and rejecting the syringe subassembly if the monitored current flow exceeds a predetermined level. The cap is normally made of a plastic and has a higher dielectric constant than the gas surrounding the subassembly in the test station, normally air.

Abstract: A condom testing apparatus utilizing an arcing electrical current to detect holes and excessively thin wall areas in a condom mounted on a conductive testing mandrel, where the condom is passed across a conductive fabric member to test the main body and transition portion of the condom, and is passed through the bristles of a conductive brush member to test the nipple end of the condom. In alternative embodiments, the apparatus may utilize only conductive fabric or only conductive brushes.

Abstract: A coating fault locating technique transmits a base electric signal from a power source to a buried metal pipe. A location of a coating fault in the buried pipe is detected by detecting a gradient of a changing magnetic field between two points spaced along the buried pipe. The gradient is detected based upon the output differential of at least one pair of search coils. The gradient is caused by a leakage of current that occurs at the coating fault. In particular, the at least one pair of search coils are provided in a mobile unit that is located above ground. The at least one pair of search coils are spaced apart from one another and have their axes arranged so as to have a low sensitivity to a magnetic field generated by the base electric signal running through the buried pipe. The at least one pair of coils are spaced apart from each other such that a line drawn between midpoints of the search coils' axes crosses a plane normal to the axis of the buried pipe.

Abstract: A testing device for detecting defects in insulation of electrosurgical instruments that includes an implement or wand having a distal end, an electrode for generating a spark adapted to detect a defect in the insulation, and mounting means for removably mounting the electrode to the distal end of the implement. The removable mounting means includes a shank that is received in a socket or bore defined in the distal end of the wand and is engageable with the wand within the socket so the shank can easily be removed from the socket after use. The wand is releasably engageable with the housing by a flexible bracket that extends from the housing. The device may include a pad having a reflective top surface with ridges upon which the surgical instrument to be tested is placed.

Abstract: A leak-testable, fluid-impervious membrane is formed as a laminate of a conductive mesh scrim between upper and lower insulative polymeric resin layers. The scrim is preferably a screen formed of a metallic wire, such as aluminum. The polymeric resin is preferably a thermoplastic, such as HDPE, PVC, or polypropylene. The membrane, when installed as a liner for a liquid receptacle or a roof, has an exposed surface on the upper insulative layer. When so installed, the membrane is testable for pinhole openings by an electrical leak survey method, in which an electrical potential is applied between the scrim and a conductive probe. The probe is passed over the exposed surface, so that the electrical potential creates an electric spark between the probe and the scrim at the location of a pinhole opening. An RF signal is generated in response to the spark, and an alarm is actuated in response to the RF signal.

Abstract: A wet/dry hot stick tester designed to provide a dry test of a hot stick by applying a voltage equivalent to 100 KV/ft to the hot stick, and to provide a wet test of a hot stick by applying a voltage equivalent to 75 KV/ft thereto. Output electrodes are positioned along a reading aperture provided in a housing of the hot stick tester, in which a hot stick being tested is positioned. A two tap transformer has a first input tap for providing a first voltage equivalent to 100 KV/ft to a hot stick positioned in the reading aperture during a dry test thereof, and has a second input tap for providing a second voltage equivalent to 75 KV/ft to a hot stick during a wet test thereof. An ammeter measures the leakage current through the hot stick during an applied voltage. A wet/dry switch switches the two tap transformer between the first and second input taps.

Abstract: A testing device for detecting defects in insulation of electrosurgical instruments that includes an implement or wand having a distal end, an electrode for generating a spark adapted to detect a defect in the insulation, and mounting means for removably mounting the electrode to the distal end of the implement. The removable mounting means includes a shank that is received in a socket or bore defined in the distal end of the wand and is engageable with the wand within the socket so the shank can easily be removed from the socket after use. The wand is releasably engageable with the housing by a flexible bracket that extends from the housing. The device may include a pad having a reflective top surface with ridges upon which the surgical instrument to be tested is placed.

Abstract: Portable apparatus for inducing an alternating electrical gradient into an impounded liquid media and including, directionally sensitive, sensing apparatus for monitoring gradients established in the liquid to detect leaks at a liquid impermeable membrane. A conductive electrode floated on the liquid directs an amplified square wave signal into the liquid at a 5 to 15 hertz frequency relative to a ground reference established outside the membrane. First and second recessed sensors in a portable, hollow tubular probe are manipulated within the liquid. A portable signal processor monitors a changing signal between the sensors as the probe is moved in the liquid. The sensed and source signals are snychronously sampled, integrated, subtracted in a positive correlation arrangement, and amplified to reject common mode signals within the liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for detecting defects in a condom, protective glove or other similar product during manufacture. The product to be tested is situated on an electrically conductive mandrel, the shape of the mandrel corresponding to the shape of the product. Ions of air are generated and driven toward the mandrel. The flow of ions of air into the mandrel through any holes or tears in the product is detected by measuring the constant current flow through the mandrel. Thickness variations in the product are detected by measuring the duration of the transient current flow through the mandrel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying the condition of an electrical insulator which is placed between two live conducting elements which are separated by the insulator. The insulator has a continuous electrically insulating core that may be covered with other types of insulating material. The insulator may also be a lightening arrester consisting of stacked insulating discs. An electric field detecting apparatus is positioned at a plurality of locations along the insulator to measure the intensity of an electric field created along the insulator. At each location a detected signal value of the electric field is stored within the apparatus and all of these signals are analyzed to detect deviations from expected values of the electric field and indicative of a fault(s) along the insulator.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for waterproofing soil utilizing a flexible plastic sheet for providing a water barrier provides a system for readily detecting the presence of holes in the plastic material. The sheet includes a plastic layer which may be rendered electrically conductive by embedding conductive particles within it. The integrity of the sheet may then be monitored by establishing an electric field across the sheet and monitoring for sparks between the conductive plastic layer and a probe. Reliable and economical testing is possible, even in situation where electrical leak testing was not previously feasible.

Abstract: A device for positioning a first and second conductive elements and, in particular, detecting contact at a gap therebetween without causing damage to either element. A pulse voltage, having a low duty, is applied to the gap. The occurrence of a contact is identified by a voltage drop at the gap, which is detected by comparing the gap voltage to a reference. A control circuit, comprising a flip-flop or one-shot operative in synchronism with the source of pulse voltage, generates a contact identification signal in response to the detection of a voltage drop at the gap.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting leaks in rubber or plastic articles such as surgical or examination gloves that, in general, are insulators against an electric current. The apparatus comprises a power source, first and second electrical leads, and structure for measuring the electrical properties between the leads. In the method of the invention the apparatus, together with an ion-containing liquid, complete an electrical circuit between the inside and the outside of the article when a hole in the article permits ions in the liquid to carry electrons through the hole. When used to test for holes in surgical or examination gloves during the use thereof or between such us as in the case of examination gloves, the test can be conveniently carried out while the practitioner washes or rinses his gloved hands under a non-recirculated stream of running tap water or flowing sterile saline solution.

Abstract: A system of leak detection in an impoundment including a first impoundment layer containing a brine solution, a second impoundment layer positioned beneath the first impoundment layer and having a brine-filled space therebetween, a first electrode positioned in the brine-filled space, an injection electrode positioned in the brine solution on the first impoundment layer, a plurality of sensor elements extending outwardly from the injection electrode for measuring electrical potentials at points distal the injection electrode, and a source of power electrically connected to the first electrode and to the injection electrode for passing a current between the electrodes. A probe assembly is connected to the injection electrode for supporting the injection electrode above the first impoundment layer. The sensor elements are arranged generally coplanar to the injection electrode. Each of the sensor elements are separated by an equal distance from an adjacent sensor element.

Abstract: A method for detecting exposed steel in the surface of reinforced concrete, comprising the steps of: moving an electrode across an exposed surface of said concrete; connecting said electrode to one terminal of a power source; connecting the other terminal of said power source to the reinforcement of said concrete; said power source providing a high voltage current effective to produce a spark across an air gap occurring when exposed steel is detected, said spark initiating a means to signal the occurrence of said exposed steel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the integrity of the dielectric coating on an elongated member. The apparatus includes a pair of opposing, conducting surfaces that can be biased against the dielectric surface, a source of high voltge that can be switchably imposed on the conducting surfaces, a ground for completing an electrical circuit between the elongated member and the source of high voltage, and an electrical circuit for detecting the passage of current through the electrical ground. A first visible indicator on the apparatus shows when the high voltage is applied to the conducting surfaces and a second visible indicator shows when a current is detected through the electrical ground. This apparatus allows the conducting surfaces to be moved longitudinally along the elongated member to test the dielectric integrity of virtually the entire dielectric surface in a single pass.

Abstract: In order to detect interlamination shorts (8 ) in the case of laminated core stacks, the core stack (1) is magnetized with an auxiliary winding. The iron surface (15) is scanned with a measuring coil arrangement (5) comprising two electrically separated, mechanically interlinked coils (6, 7). The output signals from the coils are compared with each other in a downstream measuring instrument (9); in the case of an interlamination short, the fault current through the short-circuited laminations will induce in the coils different, phase-shifted voltages which make it possible to infer the position and size of the interlamination shorts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the determination of the condition of the insulation of an object (1) made of an electrically conducting material, coated with an electrical insulation (2) and positioned in an electrically conducting medium. According to the invention, the determination of the condition of the insulation is carried out without any electric contact with the object to be monitored in such a way that a first electromagnetic field (6) is created in the conducting medium (3), which field induces eddy currents (7, 8) both in the medium (3) and in the conducting object (1) positioned therein, a second electromagnetic field created by the eddy currents (7, 8) passing both in the conducting medium (3) and in the conducting object (1) is measured in the form of electrical information, essentially excluding the effect of the first electromagnetic field, and said electrical information is analyzed for detecting any changes in the condition of the insulation.

Abstract: A sensor for electrochemical measurement is disclosed which includes a chamber made of an electrically insulative material and having an open end portion, a super absorbent polymer material filled in the chamber and absorbing at a selected rate a liquid electrolyte, an electrode disposed in the chamber, and a screen which covers the open end portion of the chamber and which prevents the super absorbent polymer material from dropping out from the chamber but permits the liquid electrolyte to transmit through the screen. A method is also disclosed which uses the sensor to measure the degree of degradation of a coating film on metal or the corrosion protective properties of a rust film created on the surface of steel.

Abstract: A process for detecting a poorly coated portion of an inside surface of a pipe coated with an insulation coat comprises the steps of providing a plurality of pigs on a conductor at predetermined intervals, preparing a running element provided with many electrode needles radially between these pigs, inserting the running element into the pipe while measuring the insulation resistance between the pipe and the conductor, and moving the running element inside the pipe by adjusting the pressure inside the pipe. From the above process, when the electrode needles make contact with a poorly coated portion of the inside surface while the running element is moving inside the pipe, the insulation resistance between the pipe and the conductor is decreased, thereby enabling easy detection of the presence of a poorly coated portion and its position.

Abstract: A method and a measuring device for localizing a damage in a dielectric corrosion resistant layer of a pipe line are described, especially for an enameled pipe line, through which an electrolytically conducting fluid is passed. Localization is achieved by performing a potential difference measurement between two electrodes arranged at the begining and at the end of a supervised region along the length of the pipe line, to which preferably a constant current source is connected, the positive terminal of which is connected with the carrier material of the pipe line and the negative terminal of which is connected with the two electrodes. Preverably a calibration is performed by means of an additional electrode, which can be connected to the measurement region.

Abstract: A test fixture is provided for contacting selected terminals (10, 10') of an electrical assembly for testing by a test device (28). The fixture includes spaced-apart upper platen (2), middle platen (4), and lower platen (6) that are selectively movable according to a selected one of: (a) platen (6) being secured against movement relative platens (2) and (4) and platens (2) and (4) being concurrently and/or independently movable towards and away from platen (6) and; (b) platens (2) and (4) are being secured against movement relative platen (6) and platen (6) being movable towards and away therefrom and; (c) platen (4) being secured against movement relative platens (2) and (6) and platens (2) and (6) being concurrently and/or independently movable relative platen (4). The assembly to be tested is mounted on platen (2) and slected electrical contacts (24, 24') extending towards platen (4) are respectively mounted on platen ( 6).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for measuring the metal exposure in a resin covering area of a metal container or a constituent member thereof, which comprises contacting the resin covering area of the metal container or the constituent member thereof with a measuring electrode through an electrolytic solution, relatively moving the resin covering area and the measuring electrode in a certain direction while always holding the electrolytic solution between the measuring electrode and the resin covering area, measuring a leak current between the metal substrate of the metal container or constituent member at predetermined pitches and detecting the metal exposure of the resin covering area as leak currents at respective parts discriminately.According to this measuring method, the degree of the metal exposure can be easily measured as the leak current at respective parts discriminately, and statistical processing of the measured leak current values can be easily performed.

Abstract: An electrical detection system for locating a position of interest in a medium which is electrically conductive includes a signal generator, a source, a sink and at least two probes. The probes are disposed in the medium equidistantly spaced from either the sink or the source. A signal generated by the generator flow from the sink and to the source and will also flow to the probes. The probes are connected to input terminals of a comparator to thereby compare the signal strengths at the probes. The probes are movable to different positions in the medium to determine a cross-over position such that, at the cross-over position, the perpendicular bi-sector of the line joining the probes indicates the point of interest by pointing in the general direction thereof.

Abstract: A system for determining the location of a leak in a pond liner made of electrically insulating material supported by a medium which is electrically conductive consists of a movable nozzle for directing a stream of an electrically conductive liquid against the liner, a ground electrode connected to the electrically conductive supporting medium exterior of the pond and liner, a current source connected between the nozzle and the ground electrode, and a galvanometer located in the electrical circuit comprising the nozzle, current source and ground electrode for monitoring at least one electrical property in the circuit when a change in an electrical property occurs as a result of the stream of electrically conductive liquid completing the circuit by contacting the supporting medium through a hole in the liner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting defective insulators in an insulating column supporting an electrical conductor in a power line. The column is made of a plurality of serially connected insulator members. Voltage present on the conductor supported by the column generates an electric field about it. The presence of faulty insulators within the column causes field redistribution and discontinuities in it. A specially configured electric field probe is provided to measure at predetermined distance and locations, this electric field. A displacement device is provided whereby to displace the probe along an axis substantially parallel along the length of the column to automatically obtain measurements. Means to analyze the measurements are provided and allow to identify the defective insulators whose positions correspond to the locations of the discontinuities in the electric field surrounding the column. The main advantage of this method is that no electrical contact need to be made to the insulators.

Abstract: A method is provided for utilizing a nonintrusive, noncontacting electric field sensing device to detect faults in high voltage transmission line insulators. The electric field surrounding an unfaulted insulator is mapped using a spherical dipole to obtain a characteristic reference curve. The field of a suspect insulator is then mapped to obtain a test curve which is compared with the reference curve to determine the existence of and location of a fault.

Abstract: A leak detection and location method and apparatus for detection of perforations in a obscure geomembrane liner is set forth. In a typical application, upper and lower liners are positioned contiguous to one another and a conducting liquid is placed between them. In the event a tear or perforation is formed in the lower liner, a current flow path is established from a power supply and conductors connected to the power supply. The current flow path extends through the liquid to the leak. Because of the liquid path through the liner, electric current will flow through the perforation and establish an associated magnetic field in the near vicinity of the leak. Magnetic sensors are then swept across the surface of or through the impounded liquid above the liners to indicate such magnetic field variations and the locations of such perturbations correspond to the locations of the leak perforations.

Abstract: A directional potential analyzer method and apparatus using a non-intrusive electrical measurement technique to obtain a precise location of a leak in a geomembrane liner. The method and apparatus can be used for detecting leaks in either a single layer or a two layer geomembrane liner. The directional potential analyzer comprises a differential voltage detection probe which is moved through the liquid with the potential difference between the electrodes on the probe being measured and recorded as a function of azimuthal position of the probe. An initial scan of the liquid impoundment is used as a reference trace showing all of the anomalies of an unfaulted liner. Subsequent traces obtained by rotating the analyzer probe at a later date are processed and compared with the reference trace to determine the occurrence of new anomalies representing leaks in the liner.