September 2012, Vol. 67 No. 9
Equipment Spotlight
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR): Equipment Spotlight
Ground penetrating radar options from Sensors & Software, Ditch Witch, Geophysical Survey Systems Inc., US RADAR, Radiodetection and Vermeer.
Sensors & Software
LMX100 is the new, low cost utility locating GPR from Sensors & Software. Ideal for outfitting fleets, the LMX100 is tailored for the locate-and-mark needs of utility locating. The LMX100 is designed to help make identifying targets easier than ever. LMX100 features include a high performance GPR sensor; a lightweight, rugged non-metallic cart; out-of-the-box operation; and a simple, visual user interface 800.267.3013, gprlocates.com
Ditch Witch
The 2450GR Ground Penetrating Radar system uses radar pulses to image the subsurface and detect both metallic and non-metallic pipes and cables to depths of up to 19 feet. An invaluable tool in utility mapping efforts, the 2450GR is effective in a variety of ground conditions, including rock, soil, pavements and other materials. With 5.6 mph survey speed and digitally controlled radar, the 2450GR provides fast, clear images and accurate surveys whether the operator is pushing or pulling it across any surface. When the surface is uneven, the 2450GR’s dual-frequency, earth-engaged antenna helps maintain signal strength. The advantage of the dual-frequency antenna is that it simultaneously sweeps in two frequencies at depths of up to 19 feet, allowing for one-pass locates. 800.654.6481, ditchwitch.com
Geophysical Survey Systems Inc. (GSSI)
The UtilityScan LT is a lower cost ground penetrating radar solution based on GSSI’s standard UtilityScan. The UtilityScan LT is the perfect entry-level utility locating system. The system allows users to quickly identify the location and depth of underground utilities – gas, communications, sewer lines – and other metallic and non-metallic targets including underground storage tanks and PVC pipes in real-time. 603.893.1109, geophysical.com
US RADAR
The Seeker SPR is an easy-to-operate, sub-surface penetrating radar system that is able to infiltrate numerous surfaces such as soil, clay, concrete and brick. The Seeker integrates a complete imaging system into one portable, user-friendly unit. SPR features a touch screen operating system and a variety of antenna frequency options. Parameters including soil settings, algorithms and color palette may be set quickly and easily via the touch screen. The system also can be set to focus on a particular depth range, useful if the approximate depth of an object is known. To accommodate a broad range of detection needs, five antenna frequency options are available and are easily interchangeable for those with multiple antenna needs. 732.566.2035, usradar.com
Radiodetection
Using radar technology, the RD1000 Ground Penetrating Radar displays an image map of underground features. With the RD1000, the technician can see a pipe or cable in its topographical context making it ideal for locating and excavating utilities, including non-conductive materials such as plastic pipes. The RD1000’s DSP core displays the sub-surface map in real-time on a high-contrast LCD. Advanced digital filtering helps the operator to eliminate unwanted signals and provide greater accuracy. Locate Mode is activated simply by reversing the cart for an accurate snapshot of underground conditions and uses a cursor to indicate the depth and location of a buried utility. 877.247.3797, radiodetection.com
Vermeer
The INTERRAGATOR EZ GPR System offers the latest advancements in ground penetrating radar electronics with a simple-to-use operator interface. Data is displayed in real-time during a survey and the reverse cursor allows for immediate and accurate utility marking. The depth calibration feature allows the operator to calibrate the system for specific worksites. By simply entering the known depth to a detected target, the control unit adjusts the system parameters to provide accurate depths to all utilities detected in the survey area. The INTERRAGATOR EZ can identify underground metallic and non-metallic pipes and cables at depths up to 20 feet depending on soil conditions. 888.837.6337, vermeer.com
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