G - Physics
01
R
324/58.01
G01R 31/08 (2006.01) G01V 3/02 (2006.01)
Patent
CA 1052444
FAULT LOCATOR Abstract of the Disclosure A fault locator of the earth potential gradient type for locating faults in underground, unshielded, in- sulated, electrical power cables includes a high voltage pulsing unit for generating and applying high voltage pulses to a faulted power cable. The pulses pass through the power cable, out of the electrical fault, through the earth and back to the pulsing unit. The passage of the pulses through the earth forms potential differences between locations in the earth. These potential differences are monitored by a monitoring unit formed by a fault locator meter and a pair of probes inserted into the earth. The fault locator meter includes a galvanometer for indicating the potential differences and a control circuit that has high gain, auto- matic gain control, automatic needle centering, automatic earth potential offset compensation and a momentary contact switch to reduce the power drain. The fault locator meter is also easily and rapidly physically and electrically connectable to and disconnectable from a meter probe that may be readily driven into the earth using operator foot force and body weight alone. Thus, the need for a cable attachment between the fault locator meter and the meter probe is eliminated. The fault locator meter is used in connection with one or more remote probes that may be inserted into the earth in holes previously made by the meter probe. Using two remote probes can enable the fault locator meter to monitor approximately twice the potential difference in the earth than possible when using a single re- mote probe and the meter probe. The use of the two remote probes automatically electrically disconnects the fault locator meter from the meter probe. Each of the remote probes in- cludes a coiled cable that is fixedly mounted on the remote probe for storage with the remote probe and that may be uncoiled to attach the remote probe to the fault locator meter. The pulsing unit includes a pulse generator having a bank of capacitors and a switching circuit for charging the bank of capacitors in parallel, for discharging the bank of capacitors in series and for isolating the charging circuit from the output circuit of the pulse generator. A pair of remote probes having partially-encapsulated, toroidal electrodes may be used to locate faults in power cables disposed under paved surfaces.
250223
LandOfFree
Fault locator does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Fault locator, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Fault locator will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFCA-PAI-O-998212