GPS Control of Drainage Equipment

Satellite Technology Set to Replace Lasers for Control of Drainage Equipment

With backfill stone accounting for half the cost of a drainage job, pipeline equipment importer Mastenbroek UK believes 20 per cent savings on the material can be made using the latest GPS technology.

Based in Boston, Lincolnshire, the company began working with precision farming specialists Trimble in 2009. Since then, the partners have been gradually developing software for use in surveying existing drainage schemes, analysing survey data, designing and installing new and improved systems.

Trimble's James Szabo says: "Using GPS systems, contractors can automatically set the trencher to the required depth and map the work in a way which is both reliable and repeatable. They could then return to the same place 10-20 years later and know exactly where the drains are."

Currently, the locations of old drains may not be recorded accurately, he says, and new works to find them can easily cause costly damage to the existing pipes or simply fail to tackle drainage issues in the field.

Using Trimble's FmX terminal in a tractor or UTV cab, 3D field data can be collected by taking readings every 10-15 metres (32-50ft) across the field, mapping high and low spots and watershed zones.

Real time kinematic correction gives the required level of accuracy and the ability to map in 3D and it can link to either an existing base station or the mobile phone network.

"Surveying can be carried out at the same time as other field operations, such as slug pellet application, to save time and labour," Mr Szabo says.

A handheld terminal is available for use in growing crops or sites which are not accessible to a vehicle, such as ditches.

Surveying

Trimble is also developing an alternative surveying solution - its UX5 drone which can map 100 hectares (247 acres) in an hour, producing a 3D map with a resolution of 2cm (0.8in).

Costing £40,000 it is a hefty investment, but it can also be used for crop health sensing and may offer new business opportunities for contractors interested in surveying work.

Mastenbroek's Fred Clarke says: "Surveying time is considerably reduced. It can take six to eight hours for a laser survey of a 16ha field compared to just 15 minutes with the UAV.

"As it is easier to take the survey, contractors have time to capture more data and make a better terrain model.

"Another benefit is GPS is not affected by weather conditions. Laser systems use light refraction, meaning snow, fog or rain can interrupt these surveys."

Once the survey is complete, Farm Works Surface software is used for analysis and drainage design. This uses 3D modelling to create a drainage map and design a suitable scheme according to the natural surface water flow and topography, with the Autoslope system determining optimum depths for the pipers to allow for undulations.

The survey data can also be integrated with information from the farmer or any existing maps which help to pinpoint drainage features, such as manholes. Ordnance survey data and the location of services can also be mapped where such information is available.

The software can suggest suitable pipe sizes, create a bill of materials and confirm whether the pipe network will drain to the main outlet.

Installation

The map, including guidance lines which follow terraces and natural boundaries, is then uploaded to the trencher.

Mr Clarke says: "Drainage plans are fine-tuned to the field topography, with pipes laid at optimal depths.

"Using a laser-controlled machine, the operator needs to measure the levels and adjust installation depth manually.

"With a 3D, GPS controlled system, this is done automatically with the trencher constantly adjusting to maintain optimum depth, so the drains follow undulating land much better."

All Mastenbroek trenchers are now supplied ‘Trimble ready' so it is simply a matter of installing the FmX terminal and 3D machine control, says the manufacturer. This can be done either when it is bought or as the contractor adopts the system - some are currently trialling the surveying equipment before investing in the full range.

GPS receivers are located on the body of the machine to control the steering and on the trenching arm to govern drain installation position and depth, with both relaying information to the FmX console.

Mr Szabo says: "It is the same system used for tractor and implement steer systems, so it is easy for operators to get used to and can be swapped between machines if necessary."

Autopilot

Using GPS Autopilot, the trencher is automatically steered along the planned lines, or it can be adjusted on-the-move via the FmX terminal to take account of any unexpected obstructions.

The installation map can then be uploaded to the office PC and used for future maintenance projects or new drainage plans as well as creating accurate records for invoicing.

Source: FarmersGuardian

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