Sound waves enhance pipeline safety at State Grid Changzhou

The State Grid Changzhou Power Supply Company recently piloted the use of a sound wave locator to accurately detect gas pipelines near the 110-kilovolt Gangluo cable channel, providing technical support for the safety management of underground pipelines.

Urban underground infrastructure is often diverse and complex. To minimize the risk of pipeline damage during construction, and in line with the directives of the State Grid Corporation of China, the company collaborated with local gas providers, surveying institutions, and other stakeholders to launch a comprehensive survey of gas pipelines near the city's cable channels. This initiative combined data verification with on-site detection.

"In recent years, newly installed gas pipelines have typically used non-metallic materials such as polyethylene, rendering traditional electromagnetic induction detection methods ineffective," explained Liu Chang, the on-site manager. To address this challenge, the company introduced a sound wave locator capable of emitting wide-frequency sound signals between 100 and 999.99 hertz. The device can detect pipelines at depths of up to 10 meters with positioning accuracy within 10 centimeters. During the pilot test, 18 valid data points were collected, identifying three high-risk intersection areas.

After initial data verification, 19 gas-related cable channels were identified in Xinbei district of Changzhou. On-site inspections are expected to be completed by mid-August. Based on the results, a three-dimensional spatial database will be developed to optimize operational procedures and protection strategies. The company also plans to expand the application of sound wave detection technology to additional key cable channels across the main urban area by the end of the year.