• Locate
  Accurately find buried pipes, establish centerline depth, then troubleshoot coating defects.

• Record
  Store up to 1000 measured PCM and location data points in memory in the receiver.

• Upload
  Upload saved data in real time from the received to a PDA or PC via Bluetooth® for GPS synchronization.

• Review
  Display  uploaded data in graphical format for immediate or post-survey analysis.

• Pipeline Current Mapper
  Fast location with accurate mapping minimizes unnecessary excavations.

• Data Upload
  Bluetooth® link to PDA or PC for real-time logging with GPS into Radiodetection GML software.

• Interference Rejection
  DSP based algorithms enable filtering signals even where there is contact with other metallic structures.

• High-Power Transmitter
  30 km (19 miles) . Fewer connection points speed up survey time over long distances.

The PCM+ Pipeline Current Mapper System by Radiodection consists of a portable transmitter and a hand-held receiver. The transmitter is connected at the CPS station and applies a special signal to the pipeline. The receiver locates this signal at distances up to 30 km (19 miles) to identify the position and depth of the pipe.

Once the pipe has been located, the technician can map the leakage currents along the pipe both in magnitude and direction, and quickly identify coating defects. Once the segment of pipeline with the fault has been identified, the fault position and depth can be further pinpointed to within 1 meter (3 feet) by using an A-frame.

The PCM+ uses a powerful feature set consisting of Automatic Signal Attenuation (ASA), Advanced Current Direction (ACD) and Adaptive Ground Compensation (AGC). This allows the PCM+ to accurately and easily map the pipeline even in areas where there is contact with other metallic structures, electrical interference, or congestion, also to perform simultaneous measurement of PCM current (ACCA) and Voltage Gradient (ACVG). The PCM+ eliminates the need for the operator to make a direct connection and  perform "current spans" and manual calculations to determine CP currents along the pipeline.

In addition to being displayed on the receiver, all of the gathered data can be sent via Bluetooth® to either a PC or an optional PDA (with GPS), and then be displayed in a number of graphical formats for fast analysis. The PCM+ and its accessory equipment provide any pipeline technician with the latest in accurate, fast and reliable pipeline current mapping tools.

The location and measurement of pipeline corrosion using electromagnetic detection devices (Locators) must be linked with GIS systems and GPS to provide an accurate record of the condition of pipes and the position and time coordinates for post-mapping analysis. This requirement is the basis of the PCM+, which enables the pipeline technician to identify corrosion at an earlier stage and carry out preventative maintenance on pipelines to give them a longer life.

PCM Plus™ Pipeline Current Mapper Data Sheet

 
PCM+ Receiver

The hand-held PCM+ receiver unit is used to locate the pipeline, even in heavily congested areas such as conduits, and then provides the operator with a measurement of depth current strength and signal direction applied by the transmitter to quickly pinpoint corrosion related problems.

The receiver makes the required calculations and instantaneously displays the results. This provides the operator with an improved method that accurately troubleshoots the CP system by pinpointing metallic contacts and locating areas of coating defects.

Receiver Features

• Multi-function tactile keypad
• High-contrast display
• Choice of batteries: dry cell or rechargeable
• Ergonomic, robust, all-weather housing
• Weather-sealed earphone & accessory ports

To provide faster analysis of mapped information, the PCM+ connects wirelessly with a PDA or PC, uploading all the information immediately and linking it with GPS into a database using the Radiodetection GML Survey software. The database is updated after each mapping and can be seen immediately on the PC or PDA in either a database or a choice of graphical formats. The information can then be imported into most of the standard post-processing software programs available.

The GML software incorporates GPS information and shows the mapped data in a variety of formats as well as allowing comparisons between new and old mapping surveys.

The PCM+ system’s specialized constant current high-power transmitter allows for long range signal detection of up to 30 km (19 miles). Significantly fewer pipeline connection points are needed, thereby reducing the time required to evaluate a section of pipeline. The transmitter has three operating modes that enable both distribution and transmission pipeline systems to be effectively mapped. Connecting the PCM+ is straightforward. The transmitter’s current reading display and power indicating LED’s help the operator to choose the best settings for the pipeline application.

A-frame

The accessory A-Frame is used with the PCM+ receiver to precisely pinpoint coating defects and isolation faults. The PCM+ receiver display indicates direction to the fault, using the CD arrows, and this makes fault position easy to locate. The PCM+ also displays the dB microvolts reading across the A-Frame spikes, and this allows a comparison to be made between different faults to determine the most severe. This numeric value is stored in the PCM’s datalogging facility, and uploaded via Bluetooth® to a PDA or PC.

PCM+ Receiver
 

Mapping Modes

ELF Extra Low Frequency, 4 Hz + 128 Hz / 98 Hz

LF Low Frequency, 640 Hz / 512 Hz

8 kHz standard locate frequency from battery powered Radiodetection transmitters.

Locate Modes

Detects 50 Hz / 60 Hz from power cables.

CPS detects 100 Hz / 120 Hz ripple from CP transformer rectifier.

8 kHz standard locate frequency from battery powered Radiodetection transmitters.

Dynamic Range

140 dB

Selectivity

120 dB/Hz

Range from Tx

30 km (19 miles)

Current Accuracy

± 2.5%

Locate Accuracy

± 2.5% of depth

Peak/Null

Used to pinpoint target line. n Simultaneous peak & null response.
Gain control via keypad. auto & manual.

Weight

3.3 kg (7.2 lbs)

Batteries

Two D cells (alkaline or NiMH)

Environmental

IP54

Approvals

CE, Bluetooth® compliant

Frequency Select

Current Direction (CD) provides a positive identification of the outgoing current and provides a method of locating pipe faults using the A-Frame. Three-position switch selects the following mapping frequencies:

ELF: Maximum range for current logging, 4 Hz + 98 Hz / 128 Hz

ELCD: Standard current logging with CD (4 Hz + 8 Hz) CD + 98 Hz /128 Hz

LFCD: Improved depth, position and current logging accuracy with respect to ELCD. Shorter range operation (4 Hz + 8 Hz) CD + 512 Hz / 640 Hz

Current Select

Six-position (current select) rotary switch selects the following 4 Hz current settings: 100 mA, 300 mA, 600 mA, 1A, 2A, 3A. When the PCM Transmitter is in operation, the selected current will remain at a constant level unless the input power supply limit is reached.

Case Construction

High-impact engineered plastics

Weight

15.2 kg (34 lbs)

Dimensions

47 x 37 x 19 cm (18.5" x 14.5" x 7.5")

Environmental

NEMA 3R and IP55 with lid open, NEMA 6 and IP67 with lid closed.

Approvals

CE

Environmental

IP54

Approvals

CE, Bluetooth® compliant

Function

Detects sheath faults on buried pipes and cables.

Connection

PCM+ connection cable

Weight

1.55 kg (3.4 lbs)

Dimensions

8.5 x 59 x 4.5 cm (33" x 39.3" x 1.7")