Mobile detection apparatus for magnetic plugs in pipework systems

摘要

The invention relates to a mobile appliance (3) and a corresponding method for locating at least partially magnetic plugs (1) with an unknown position in a pipe system having a sensing head (4), comprising a sensing head body (41) and at least two contact elements (42a, 42b) with one contact area (43a, 43b) each, provided for coming into contact with an outer surface (21) of the pipe (2) of the pipe system, wherein each of the contact elements (42a, 42b) is rotatably mounted on the sensing head body (41) by means of suitable mounting means (44) and at least one of the contact areas (43a, 43b), preferably all the contact areas (43a, 43b), comprises at least one proximity switch (45a, 45b) for detecting a local magnetic field (M) produced by the plug (1), wherein the mounting means (44) are configured such that the contact of the contact areas (43a, 43b) puts the proximity switch(es) (45a, 45b) a minimum distance (Am) from the surface (21) of the pipe (2) regardless of the pipe diameter, provided that the pipe diameter is greater than a first distance (A1) between the contact areas (43a, 43b) of adjacent contact elements (42a, 42b) in a position of the contact elements (42a, 42b) at which the contact areas (43a, 43b) of these contact elements (42a, 42b) are oriented opposite one another, and wherein the contact elements (42a, 42b) are shaped such that the contact elements (42a, 42b) allow a self-stabilising contact position (SAP) for the contact areas (42a, 42b) on the surface (21) of the pipe (2). This allows plugs (1) that have incorrectly remained in a pipe system to be located for subsequent removal as quickly and reliably as possible with little complexity.