September / October 2007
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RFID MARKER SYSTEM FOR UNDERGROUND FACILITIES EXPANDED
3M is expanding the product family for RFID-enabled electronic utility markers by releasing 3M Near-Surface Marker and 3M Full-Range Marker to address the broad range of permanent marking needs.
3M RFID markers locate specific underground facilities precisely and efficiently. The new markers are designed for both shallow markings two feet (60 centimetres) below the surface, and deeply-buried applications at eight feet (2.4 metres). Both are available as active (programmable) or passive (non-programmable).
When placing underground pipelines or cables, durable, anti-freeze fluid-filled marker balls containing an electronically tuned circuit and electronic marker RFID (tags) are buried above key underground elements. These markers use the new RFID technology (custom RFID chip inside), programmable in the field, which stores specific details of that marking tailored to a specific company’s needs. RFID tag information ranges from marker identification number and installer’s name to the purpose and date of installation.
GPS coordinates indicate where the elements are, making companies safer and more productive. The hand-held 3M Dynatel 2200M-ID Series Receiver, pinpoints the location of these markers by using industry established utility marker frequencies, even when diverse utility markers are adjacent to one another. The RFID tags are located with a utility-spe-cific radio frequency signal and respond to the locator with the programmed details.
3M’s RFID marker system is the first of its kind in the industry and is designed to outlast the life of the facility it marks. This system is useful in oil fields.
3M Canada Company
RRC #5006
RRC #5006
