Patent ID: 6222373
Filing Date: 2001-04-24
Classification: G01M

Abstract:
A method of determining the integrity of a two-dimensional time-domain-reflectometry geomembrane liner and determining the location of a deterioration of the liner, comprising the steps of:providing the liner having a substantially uniform electrically conductive detection layer;generating a first electrical pulse within the detection layer at a first point of generation, whereby a fraction of the first electrical pulse is reflected by a change of impedance in the liner; andreceiving the fraction of the first electrical pulse reflected within the detection layer:measuring the duration of time from the generation of the first electrical pulse to the receipt of the reflected first electrical pulse to determine a first point of reflection for the first electrical pulse;approximating a first radial distance between the first point of generation and the first point of reflection, whereby the approximated first radial distance describes an approximate first arc within the detection layer;generating a second electrical pulse within the detection layer at a second point of generation, whereby a fraction of the second electrical pulse is reflected by the change of impedance in the liner;receiving the fraction of the second electrical pulse reflected within the detection layer;measuring the duration of time from the generation of the second electrical pulse to the receipt of the reflected second electrical pulse to determine a second point of reflection for the second electrical pulse;approximating a second radial distance between the second point of generation and the second point of reflection, whereby the approximated second radial distance describes an approximate second arc within the detection layer;generating a third electrical pulse within the detection layer at a second point of generation, whereby a fraction of the third electrical pulse is reflected by the change of impedance in the liner;receiving the fraction of the third electrical pulse reflected within the detection layer; measuring the duration of time from the generation of the third electrical pulse to the receipt of the reflected third electrical pulse to determine a third point of reflection for the third electrical pulse;approximating a third radial distance between the third point of generation and the third point of reflection, whereby the approximated third radial distance describes an approximate third arc within the detection layer; anddetermining the intersection of the first, second, and third approximated arcs to approximate the location of the deterioration of the liner.