Capstone

Pipe-Mapping-Project

Executive Summary

The problem that we wish to solve is a simple one. Underground PVC piping is often necessary to fix but difficult to locate. Methods currently exist for the detection of large industrial pipes, but there is a distinct lack of such technology for small, residential PVC pipes. This project proposes a new way of mapping pipe networks by using a small probe to record positional data while harmlessly traversing the pipe. The team’s objective is to create a probe based system to traverse and map variable sized underground pipe networks in 3D space, within an acceptable margin of error. While developing a mechanical pipe traversal method for the probe is part of this project, the primary goal consists of setting up the base technology for 3D mapping and real time information collection inside of 2"-4" PVC pipe.

Current Version Capabilities

The current version of our design is still in the testing phase. While we have developed a functional testing system including a probe casing, pulley system and PVC network our current probe cannot fit inside the PVC pipe. The probe is using an arduino nano to pole data points and connect to the laptop which runs the mapping software. This probe can collect data while being powered by a set of 3 AA batteries and transmit said data to the PC. We have designed an improved system that would fit inside the 2" pipe but we have not yet implemented it. Our current mapping software can get data points within a relativiely similar shape to the physical path but still has a large margin of error. Further develpment of the mapping software is required to get within our original specification of 1" margin of error.

Salient Outcomes

Our main successes came in the form of the mechanical testing system shown below and the preliminary maps created during testing.

• Mechanical Testing

Testing Video

• Probe Testing

Project Photos

About Us

Developers

Adison Heathcott

I am a computer engineering senior at Tennessee Technological University. I am originally from Knoxville, TN and graduated from Bearden High School.

Ben Ask

I am a computer engineering senior at Tennessee Technological University. I am originally from Greensboro, NC and graduated from Ravenwood High School.

Caleb Thorne

I am an electrical engineering senior at Tennessee Technological University. I am originally from Pulaski, TN and graduated from Giles County High School.

Elizabeth Russell

I am an electrical engineering senior at Tennessee Technological University. I am originally from Tullahoma, TN and graduated from Family Christian Academy.

Faculty Supervisor

Jesse Roberts

Customer

Pipe locating services

Description of Repository

The main file of the repository contains the lisence, readme, planned software file, reports folder, and project documentation folder. Inside of the reports folder are the original project proposal, the design phase 1 document, and the final report. Inside the project documentation folder is the bill of materials, project schematic and the folders for each of the subsystems that have been designed. Each of the subsystem folders contains schematics and readme descriptions of the design process.