​Navigate Municipal Sewer and Water Infrastructure With These 7 Pipe Locators

​Navigate Municipal Sewer and Water Infrastructure With These 7 Pipe Locators

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In the municipal sewer and water industry, the adoption of advanced electronic pipe locators is streamlining operations and enhancing precision. These locators are equipped with features like total field antennas, real-time graphic displays and multi-frequency support, allowing for accurate location of underground utilities and pipes. Some models are integrating with smartphones and tablets for real-time location coordination, while others offer 3D mapping capabilities for detailed underground utility data. These technological advancements are not only boosting efficiency but also improving safety in the field, making them invaluable tools in modern infrastructure maintenance.

MyTana Complete Pipe Locator Package
MyTana bundles the MT 512+ Locator and LineFinder Transmitter in a convenient Complete Pipe Locator Package to give expanded locating capabilities beyond detecting 512 Hz signals from sondes and inspection camera transmitters. The MT 512+ has multi-frequency support and multiple operating modes for a wide range of applications. With the LineFinder Transmitter it can trace signals along buried utilities, cast iron pipes and more with a minimum of interference – while maintaining the ability to continue locating past faults and around conduit bends. The locator/receiver has a large digital display with real-time graphic and audio indicators. Both products are powered by a long-lasting lithium-ion battery. 800-328-8170; www.mytana.com


General Pipe Cleaners Gen-Eye Hot Spot
The Gen-Eye Hot Spot pipe locator and transmitter from General Pipe Cleaners makes locating pipes and utilities easy. The locator’s total field antenna and on-screen icons lead the user right to the target, without a long learning curve. Whether an experienced pro or a first-time user, the user can quickly locate inspection cameras, sondes, active power lines and utility lines with pinpoint accuracy. Rated at IP65, the locator can withstand a 3-foot drop, is dustproof, dirtproof and water-resistant. The powerful 5-watt Hot Spot transmitter, in tandem with the locator, makes finding buried utilities quick and easy. More power means more signal to locate. Choose one of four frequencies to best suit the application. 800-245-6200; www.drainbrain.com 


Hathorn Inspection Cameras Rycom SnapTRACK
To complement their suite of inspection cameras, Hathorn Inspection Cameras distributes the multi-frequency SnapTRACK locator. Made by Rycom, it comes configured with the industry standard 512hz sonde-locating frequency right out of the box. It works in tandem with the camera reels’ built-in 512 Hz high-power sonde. If there is a problem in the pipe, using the locator above ground can help the operator to pinpoint the location of the camera and any issues that it has identified. The locator features weatherproof buttons. Weighing in at only 2.2 pounds, it is easy to handle on the job. 866-428-4676; www.hathorncorp.com


RapidView IBAK North America 3D GeoSense
Included in all IKAS Evolution bundles from RapidView IBAK North America is a system that provides the power to map mainline and lateral pipelines with accuracy and speed. Starting from the mainline sewer, the 3D GeoSense sensor tracks the movement of the camera as it travels through the lateral, capturing distance, position, and depth in three-dimensional space. The XYZ coordinates can be determined when the camera is moving both forwards and backwards, immediately providing the operator a real-life site plan with the width, length and elevation data of the lateral being inspected. This data can then be exported directly into all common sewer data formats and is compatible with other sewer software. The NANO, ORION, POLARIS, and ORPHEUS 2.0 cameras all have the option of having the 3D GeoSense sensor installed. This powerful tool opens up new options for acquiring and using positional data for underground utilities. 800-656-4225; www.rapidview.com


RIDGID SeekTech R-24LE 
The RIDGID SeekTech SR-24LE is a precision utility locating receiver with integrated GPS and Bluetooth Low Energy technology for easy integration with smartphones, tablets and high-precision GPS instruments for real-time location coordination via the RIDGIDtrax App. Its omnidirectional antennas capture the complete signal field, making it easy to acquire the signal and trace its path. The receiver maps the utility’s position and direction on its display for an intuitive locating experience. Audio and visual warnings notify the operator if the shape of the signal field is being distorted so action can be taken to avoid mismarking the utility’s position. Equipped with the 18V battery adapter, it is ready to be powered with a RIDGID 18V battery (not included) for long-lasting power in the field. It also has a foldable mast for easy transport and storage. 800-769-7743; www.ridgid.com


Subsite Electronics UtiliGuard 2 RTK
The UtiliGuard 2 RTK receiver from Subsite Electronics was designed as a simple, easy-to-operate utility locating tool for operators locating, mapping and capturing underground utilities. It utilizes survey-grade technology and features dual-band antennas to provide operators with reliable positioning data with centimeter-grade accuracy. Its precision helps when locating abandoned and untracked utilities that are difficult to pinpoint. By quickly verifying the utilities installed, operators efficiently tailor bids to match a job site needs, as well as gain insight into the underground infrastructure to avoid cross bores during future projects. The receiver provides locate crews with integrated data capture, GPS positioning and an intuitive user interface to improve work quality and maximize locate awareness. By downloading the MyUtiliGuard application, operators simplify and streamline how they capture, map and share data. 800-846-2713; www.subsite.com


Vivax-Metrotech vLoc3 RTK-Pro 
The vLoc3 RTK-Pro receiver from Vivax-Metrotech adds RTK GNSS accuracy to a utility locator. Using the internal cellular module with 4G LTE capabilities, the operator can connect to an NTRIP RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) caster that provides RTCM 3 corrections. By utilizing these corrections, the operator can collect both utility location data and the utility’s geographical location with survey-grade accuracy. It is designed for all operator levels, utilizing user-friendly and intuitive locate screens. Operators confirm the utility data with the press of a button and align the electronic spirit level to store data. All field data is sent to the cloud and retained in the receiver’s onboard storage for review and exporting to mapping programs. 800-446-3392; www.vxmt.com



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