EMI – Induction For Private Utility Locating In Florida

Electromagnetic Induction – Overview

Need EM Induction For Private Utility Locating in Florida? Let Geotek Services provide you with a robust EM solution! EMI is the most widely used technology for locating buried utilities – and it is very effective in Florida soils. With EMI, you can locate and trace a buried utility, as well as estimate it’s depth.

The need exists for private utility locating services as 811 services often do not locate private utilities. Private utility locating is used extensively on a variety of efforts, including civil and environmental projects. In addition, Electromagnetic Induction is often used along side of Ground Penetrating Radar.

The induction method is accomplished by using a transmitter and receiver. First, a transmitter is used to transfer an alternating electrical current on to the pipe or wire to be located. Next, a receiver is used to analyze the induced signal, and localize the position and depth of the underground utility. The transmitter can apply the signal to the buried line either by a direct connection, or by inducing a signal.

The Direct Connect Method

EMI Receiver

The direct connect method puts an RF signal on the pipe or cable by direct contact. The pipe or cable then re-radiates this signal – making detection and location of the buried utility possible. For example, a metal pipe may be used to complete the ground circuit, and the resulting electromagnetic field generated is used to locate the pipe.

This method requires the utility’s location to be known at some point for the direct connect. And, the utility may need to be accessible at various locations so that the signal can be introduced to the line.
Geotek Services uses the SeekTech SR-20 EMI Locator. The SeekTech is the only line locator that uses omnidirectional antennas and guidance arrows with an easy-to-read mapping display to guide you quickly and accurately to underground utilities.

The Induction Method

The surface-induced method generates a signal at the ground surface that will induce a response in the cable, pipe, or tracer wire underground. For example, the creation of an alternating electromagnetic field into the ground will induce a current onto a buried metal pipe. Unknown metal pipes can also be located using this technique as no direct connection to the metal pipe is required. Electromagnetic Induction and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) are two very complementary technologies – both are highly recommended for utility locating.

Limitations of EMI Technology

EMI is ideal for Private Utility Locating in Florida. There are certain limitations involved with EMI technology. First, EMI cannot induce a signal in a non-metallic pipe. Second, EMI signals generally cannot travel down a broken tracer wire, or if the metal pipe does not have good metal-to-metal contact. Inducing with a high frequency has the potential to jump over a broken tracer wire, but higher frequencies also bring the risk that the signal may jump (or bleed) over to another nearby underground utility.

Contact Us Today for Utility Locating Services!

Need EMI For Private Utility Locating? Don’t leave your project to chance. Discover what lies beneath the surface before you cut, core, or excavate. Our underground utility locating solutions are designed to save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.

With over 16 years’ experience providing Private Utility Locating in Florida, our clients can rest assured they are getting the knowledge and experience their projects require. With advance technologies like georadar and electromagnetic induction, our highly trained technicians will provide expert GPR services keep your job safe and on budget, avoiding unforeseen and costly hidden objects.

Call us today to schedule your service. Accurate and reliable subsurface locating is just a click away!