On a recent project, Geospatial employed a Smart Probe technology, a 3D mapping system, during a 1,200-foot-long, horizontal directional drilling (HDD) bore performed by Sunoco for a 12.75-inch-wide crude oil pipeline in Tyler, Texas.
Geospatial’s Smart Probe technology is used in underground utility industries, including oil and gas, municipal, electrical and power, telecom and industrial facilities. The probe moves through a pipeline, recording all changes in inclination, heading and velocity, and stores the information internally on the probe.
The technology involves two components: an array of instruments for data collection, including accelerometers, gyroscopes and odometers; and a software package that transfers the data into a GIS database. Users accessing the database can obtain a file documenting horizontal coordinates and elevation at regular intervals along the pipeline.
William Chaparro, project manager of western area pipeline relocations at Sunoco Logistics, said: “Sunoco validated its use of the 3D mapping process for trenchless installation and rehabilitation of its crude oil and refined products pipelines, and Geospatial’s Smart Probe produced as-built plans and profiles for the project.”
Mark Smith, CEO of Geospatial Holdings, said: “We view this project as a major inflection point for Geospatial. This project has established Geospatial as a trusted vendor for Sunoco, and helped pave the way for a long-term alliance between the two companies. Moreover, the project’s success gives us a foothold among top-tier oil and gas companies, which we intend to leverage to attract new customers looking for help in managing their pipeline assets and infrastructure data.”
