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Principle of Operation
The Ultra-Trac® APL is set on the ground. The manner the
operator uses the device will create good coupling with
the ground. A button is pushed to send a signal (pings).
The pings will last approximately 2 seconds. This is called
a slice. The operator then moves 6-12” either to the right
or left and perform another slice. After numerous slices a
button is pressed to map pipe. A series of at least 5 slices
followed by mapping the pipe creates a display result called
a scan. Multiple scans create the nal result for locating
the piping system.
The Ultra-Trac® APL locates the voids in the ground created
by a pipe through the science of impedance mismatch.
The speed of sound through ground materials versus the
internal portion of a pipe (even when lled with liquid) is
detectable using the Ultra-Trac® APL. The acoustic wave
pattern of specic timing and frequency is monitored and
processed using the accelerometers. Based on the return
signature the instrument will determine if a void is present
within the minimum requirements as set in the software.
Review:
1. APL is placed on the ground.
2. Good ground contact (coupling) is required
3. Transmitter (Actuator) sends a set of “pings”
4. Receivers (Accelerometers) listens to reected ping.
5. Strength, speed and duration of the reected pings are monitored.
6. Each activation of the transmitter and receiver device is a “slice”
7. A series of at least 5 slices, followed by mapping the pipe creates a display result called a scan.
8. A single scan is not a full search
Detection Specications:
• 1/2” ID pipe ≤30”
• 2” ID pipe ≤ 48”
• 4” ID pipe ≤96”
• Accuracy: better than ±18” of marking plus selected slice distance
• Multiple pipes close together can cause inaccurate readings for target pipe
• Does not measure depth
• Detects any pipe material
• Detects one, three or ve pipes, as selected on the pipe map screen
Obstacle (Pipe)
Reective Wave Transmitted Wave
Ground Surface
