Offers More Cost Effective, Reliable Tracking of Underground Plastic
Pipe
ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
The Electronic Marker System (EMS) Rope 7000 series uses proprietary 3M
path marking technology to deliver more accurate and more reliable
tracking of underground plastic pipe and fiber optic conduit. Designed
as a high performance alternative to the current industry standard
solution, the EMS Rope series will be available for gas, telco and water
utility applications beginning in June 2015.
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The Electronic Marker System (EMS) Rope 7000 series uses propriety 3M path marking technology to deliver more accurate and more reliable tracking of underground plastic pipe and fiber optic It will be available for gas, telco and water utility applications beginning in June 2015. (Photo: Business Wire)
Using breakthrough path marking technology from 3M, the new EMS Rope
7000 Series helps alleviate the detection problems often faced by
utilities. The EMS Rope, which can be easily installed alongside
underground pipes, continues to transmit a signal, even in the event of
a cut or removal of a segment.
Compatible with pipeline installations up to four feet deep, the new EMS
rope is available with a 200 lb. tensile strength (skinny rope) for
applications inside conduit, or a more rugged 500 lb. tensile strength
for direct bury and horizontal directional drilling applications. It has
a long life expectancy, is corrosion-resistant and is virtually
maintenance free.
The 3M path marking technology, available in both the EMS Rope Series
and the EMS Caution Tape Series, was specifically developed to assist
utility customers dealing with unreadable surface markers, bad or poorly
marked facilities, unlocatable plastic pipes, and aging technology. The
location system, which does not require a power source, identifies
underground plastic pipes without installing access points.
According to Ed Scott, business development manager of 3M Electrical
Markets Division, the path marking technology used in both the EMS Rope
and Caution Tape products is a game-changer for utility customers.
“Using the new path marking system, we’re able to mitigate the
challenges that often plague other marking applications, such as fear of
cut lines, unlocatable utilities, bad digs and miss-hits. Over the life
of a project, this may save considerable time, money and provides peace
of mind.”
3M conducted several EMS Rope field tests with customers this past year.
Among the most recent was a Columbia Gas of Virginia installation in
Fredericksburg, Va. “The team from Columbia Gas found the EMS Rope very
easy to install, and the reliability of the product really stood out,”
Scott commented. Based on this initial trial, he said that Columbia Gas
plans to install the EMS Rope in several current and planned projects
totaling nearly 30 miles.
EMS Rope is easily and positively identified with a 3M Dynatel brand EMS
Marker/Tape Locator Model 7420. The locator emits a radio frequency
signal, which is received by the marker inside the rope and reflected
back to the locator, providing path location of the underground utility.
The locator’s screen display identifies the type of utility and its
depth. The locator is able to detect the 3M EMS Rope 7000 Series and
also locate most EMS markers as well as read and write to 3M EMS iD
Markers. For more information about 3M Locating and Marking Solutions,
visit www.3m.com/pathmarking.
Since the invention of vinyl electrical tape in 1946, the 3M
Electrical Markets Division has designed and manufactured reliable
products for some of the world’s leading industries, including energy,
commercial and industrial electrical construction, oil and gas, mining,
water, transportation and manufacturing. Today, the division deploys
technology to create new solutions to help meet energy and
infrastructure challenges.
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With $32 billion in sales, our 90,000 employees connect with customers
all around the world. Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the
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Source: 3M