FIELD: machine building.
SUBSTANCE: according to the method electrodes of two electrode spreads are arranged near underground pipeline along two transversely-spaced profiles one of which coincides with the pipeline axis. Direct current electrode common for both electrode spreads is rigidly connected to the underground pipeline providing its electrical insulation. The first and the second pairs of measuring electrodes of both electrode spreads are located on different sides from the direct current electrode, and return current electrode is located at a distance, for example from 1 to 10 metres, from the measuring electrodes. Alternating current is supplied to the circuit of direct and return current electrodes, and potentials difference between electrodes of the first and the second pairs of the measuring electrodes are measured. As a controlled parameter relation of potentials differences of the first pair of measuring electrodes to potentials difference of the second pair for both electrode spreads. Based on dependence of potentials difference relations on movements of measuring electrodes relative to the underground pipeline obtained by means of calculations or by experiment, movement of soil along and across the pipeline, direction and speed of its movement are determined. The device implementing the method includes measuring, direct and return electrodes of two electrode spreads, alternating current generator, potentials difference measuring device, data processing and control unit, switchboard, information transfer channel. The first and the second pairs of measuring electrodes of both electrode spreads are installed on rigid insulating plates and are located on different sides from direct current electrode.
EFFECT: recording direction and speed of soil movement relative to the pipeline in automatic mode to detect emergency timely and to take measures to protect the pipeline.
3 cl, 3 dwg
