Avoiding Interference - New Approaches in dealing with a Common Problem in HDD Installations

Abstract

Interference, both in the form of active and passive, is a common problem with walkover locating systems used with Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) installations. Past methods of dealing with interference included the use of more powerful transmitters or manually selecting between a few discrete frequencies. This paper briefly describes past and current approaches in identifying and contending with interference during HDD locating. It then discusses a unique new approach to dealing with interference which has proven to be significantly more effective than traditionally used. The paper describes the new underlying technology and how it is deployed in the field. It then discusses how this new approach can be used to improve the performance of the locating system in the presence of active and passive interference.

Techniques