InfraMarker underground asset management adds GPS and cloud service functions
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Earlier this month, Berntsen released its latest version, InfraMarker, for pinpointing the exact location of infrastructure such as underground pipelines.The previous version of the scheme only usedRFIDTags, readers and magnetic field positioning, while the latest version introduces GPS technology and cloud real-time communication. The new system brings IoT technology to underlying asset management, said Bill Rushing, Berntsen’s vice president of international research and development.
Underground construction accidents can lead to casualties, economic losses and environmental damage. Excavators dig into underground water pipes and cause urban flooding, and when they dig into natural gas pipes, they cause deadly explosions. In the past, poor asset management was a cumbersome and unreliable process that required a lot of specialized and expensive equipment.
Make excavators more convenient
Currently, the InfraMarke system is used on college campuses, communities, public facilities and private resorts in five states to improve safety and reduce costs. Auburn University’s Geospatial Information Research and Applications Center (GRAC) found that the InfraMarker system can reduce positioning time by 80% compared to simply using GPS technology.
The latest InfraMarker system uses GPS, magnetic location and RFID technology to locate and record information on underground assets. GPS technology allows technicians to find approximate locations. Next, they can use magnetic positioning technology to find the precise location of the asset and confirm it using an RFID reader. All events will be uploaded to the cloud in real time.
equipment
The Juno T41 XRG handheld computer is the key to the InfraMarker system, which includes a built-in RFID reader, antenna, GPS, ThingMagic middleware and InfraMarker software. Of course, users can also use an Android smartphone to run the system, which can effectively reduce the weight of the portable device. Users can download the InfraMarker app on Google Play, after which they can operate the external RFID via BluetoothReader.
The InfraMarker tags made by Omni-ID are made by Omni-ID and have a passive EPC Class 1 Gen 2 RFID chip inside, Rushing said. Users can use the T41 XRG to edit tag data to meet actual needs.
Rushing added: “Other similar systems require large field equipment, specialized training, and cumbersome usage. InfraMarker’s system requires only a smartphone, an RFID antenna smaller than a shoebox, and an easy-to-use software. The data will also be automatically uploaded to the cloud server in real time, everything is so simple.”
trial operation stage
Since 2012, the City of Thiensville has used an earlier version of the InfraMarker system to locate sewer pipes. Sewage requires tools such as gravity pumps, which also makes pipe damage a common occurrence. Therefore, rapid positioning is a key thing. Mike Klonsinski, director of Berntsen, said: “The Thiensville pilot has provided a lot of valuable experience in the operation of the system.” Klonsinski also believes that the pilot has proved the necessity of magnetic positioning technology.
Klonsinski described the university campus project as an “attempt to locate high-pressure steam pipelines.” Customers also know the areas where spills occur most often. At the same time, InfraMarker also extended the use of this technology to other assets.
The use of the system at Auburn University has demonstrated the ease of use of the system, Rushing said. Berntsen also offers a series of training videos. However, Klonsinski points out: “Our hardware and software are designed to eliminate barriers to use, which also eliminates the need for training.” He also said that reliability is also one of the selling points. These labels are IP68 compliant and can be used in any extreme environment.
The location of underground assets is a difficult subject. According to the company, the InfraMarker system is designed for municipalities and utilities to manage underground resources more efficiently. Using this system, the accident probability can be effectively reduced.
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