GPS Excavation Encroachment Notification System (GPS EENS)

Under Development

Gas Technology Institute More »

California Energy Commission

Damage Prevention and Mitigation -- Excavation Damage Prevention

The GPS EENS system consists of sensors unit box installed in the excavation equipment. The unit includes a GPS system with instrumentation to characterize the excavator’s movement and operation. The unit connects to the satellite system and communicates with a dashboard to notify the utilities and operators of excavation encroachment at the location of the pipeline.

The device implements a GPS-based excavation encroachment notification system and technology which enhances the real-time situational awareness of excavators and reduces the risk of third-party damage to utility infrastructure. The system augments emergency response and provides information and alerts to utility operators and first responders when excavation equipment operate at or near pipelines. Increase safety: According to U.S. Department of Transportation records, excavation damage causes about 25% of pipeline incidents. The project reduces the risk of excavation damage to buried gas facilities. It characterizes excavators’ behavior by analyzing and transferring data from a low cost sensors unit installed in excavators and increases the awareness of construction equipment activity.

Increased Safety - this is test 1

Reduced Operations Cost - this is test 2

GPS Excavation Encroachment Notification System (GPS EENS), California Energy Commission, Project PIR-15-015.