Disclosed are methods and apparatus for identifying non-metallic subterranean structures using amorphous metal markers associated with the structures. Some examples will include the amorphous metal in the form of one or more sections of an amorphous metal foil within a protective enclosure sufficient to physically isolate the amorphous metal foil from the surrounding Earth. The amorphous metal foil and enclosure may be in the form of a tape which either will be secured to, or placed proximate the subterranean structure, which may be, for example, a pipe or conduit, or other non-metallic structure.

A method and apparatus for installing a monitoring cable or other utility near an existing pipeline. An electromagnetic signal may be induced on the pipeline. Sensors disposed on an installation vehicle communicate with a processor to determine a distance and orientation of the vehicle relative to the pipeline. A plow or other digging tool opens a trench and installs the cable along a path disposed next to the pipeline within an acceptable distance range from the pipeline. The vehicle may be remotely or automatically operated.

Apparatus and method contemplating plowing with a plow blade having a subsurface cutting edge and an opposing trailing edge. A tow link is supported by the plow blade at the trailing edge. A source of pressurized fluid is connected to a discharge conduit supported by the plow blade. The discharge conduit is supplied with pressurized fluid by the source and the discharge conduit has a discharge opening positioned to discharge the pressurized fluid adjacent the link.

Apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided for cutting a trench in soil or earth by driving a cutter tube member through the soil or earth, injecting compressed fluid into the tube member to break up the soil and drive it through the tube member along the flow of compressed fluid, imparting dynamic vibrational forces to the tube member to assist the flow of soil therethrough, ejecting the soil from the tube member, guiding and releasing media and/or filler material into the trench, and backfilling the trench with the ejected soil.

The present invention provides apparatus (10) and method for entrenching a flexible elongate member (18) in the ground (11). The apparatus comprises a downwardly extending blade (12) having a forward facing edge for parting the ground, the apparatus thereby forming a trench in the ground as the apparatus is moved forwards. It also comprises an aggregate dispenser (14) having an opening (15) located rearwardly of the blade, the apparatus thereby filling the trench with aggregate as the apparatus moves forward. A guide (16, 22) for the flexible elongate member (18) extends through the apparatus such that the member exits the apparatus rearwardly at or near a lower end of the blade. The apparatus thereby embeds the member in the aggregate in the trench as the apparatus is moved forwards along the ground in use.

Apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided for cutting a trench in soil or earth by driving a cutter tube member through the soil or earth, injecting compressed fluid into the tube member to break up the soil and drive it through the tube member along the flow of compressed fluid, imparting dynamic vibrational forces to the tube member to assist the flow of soil therethrough, ejecting the soil from the tube member, guiding and releasing media and/or filler material into the trench, and backfilling the trench with the ejected soil.

Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for cutting a trench in soil or earth by driving a cutter tube member through the soil or earth, injecting compressed fluid into the tube member to break up the soil and drive it through the tube member along the flow of compressed fluid, imparting dynamic vibrational forces to the tube member to assist the flow of soil therethrough, ejecting the soil from the tube member, guiding and releasing media and/or filler material into the trench, and backfilling the trench with the ejected soil.

A method and apparatus for installing a monitoring cable or other utility near an existing pipeline. An electromagnetic signal may be induced on the pipeline, either directly, or by transmitting a signal from a vehicle carrying a sensor array. The sensors disposed on the vehicle communicate with a processor to determine a distance and orientation of the vehicle relative to the pipeline. The signal may be electromagnetic, acoustic, capacitive, or the like. A plow or other digging tool may be on the vehicle or a secondary vehicle. Such a digging tool opens a trench and installs the cable along a path disposed next to the pipeline within an acceptable distance range from the pipeline. The vehicle may be remotely or automatically operated.