Practical Training for Pipe, Cable & Location Technology

Semperdeal comes directly to you – with targeted training and device orientations for the professional, safe use of modern location and measurement technology.

19+Training Modules
On-siteat your premises
Individual & Groupbookable individually
What to Expect
  • Fundamentals of pipe and cable location
  • Practical applications for indoor and outdoor environments
  • Efficient working with modern location technology
  • Structured modules with a clear learning progression
  • Leak detection, fault finding & drain inspection
  • Separate device orientations for new systems
Why Semperdeal

Training with Real Added Value

No seminar room, no travel costs – we train directly in your familiar working environment.

Our Advantages

  • Directly on-site – no extra effort for travel or relocation
  • Practical exercises with direct operational relevance
  • Combination of theory and real-world application situations
  • Many years of experience in pipe, cable and location technology

What Is Covered

  • Fundamentals of pipe, cable and line location
  • Modern techniques for fault localization
  • Leak detection, pipe break search and drain inspection
  • Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), TDR and acoustic methods
Training Modules

Overview of All Modules

Click on a module to view its contents, learning objectives and details.

Training Module Type Duration Theory Practice Prerequisites Max. Part.
Fundamentals of Pipe and Cable Location Core Module ⏱ 2 hrs None 30

Module Content

Overview of active and passive location methods, signal physics and operational limits. Passive search methods: passive radio and current measurement (50 Hz / radio), CPS/CPC measurement on gas pipes. Systematic large-area search using a grid pattern – first passive pre-location, then targeted active signal injection. Difference between signal injection methods: direct connection (galvanic/clamp) and signal clamp – you know which infrastructure is being traced. Inductive injection with the transmitter placed on the line – you do not know what is being traced. With passive reception there is also no certainty about the type of line. Practical field tips for pipe and cable location.

Learning Objectives

  • Distinguish and correctly apply passive and active methods
  • Understand passive radio and current measurement and CPS/CPC
  • Plan grid search: passive pre-location, then active injection
  • Distinguish direct connection, signal clamp and inductive injection
  • Identify typical sources of error and interference signals
  • Apply safety rules and practical field tips
Required before all advanced modules
Acoustic Pipe Location Advanced ⏱ 2 hrs Core Module: Location 5

Module Content

Location of plastic and cast-iron pipes without their own conductor. Use of geophones and the tap technique (also called “woodpecker”): an electromagnetically driven pin strikes the water column, generating an acoustic signal and structure-borne sound that travels along the pipe and is detectable at the surface with a geophone. Safety notes for different pipe types: with old asbestos cement (AC) pipes an overly strong strike can cause the pipe to break.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand sound propagation in pipelines
  • Apply geophone and tap technique (woodpecker) in practice
  • Safely locate plastic and cast-iron pipes
  • Adjust strike force according to pipe type – handle AC pipes with care
Recommended: Utilities, Civil Engineering
Electromagnetic Pipe Location Advanced ⏱ 2 hrs Core Module: Location 5

Module Content

Direct connection (galvanic) and inductive injection on metallic pipelines. Coupling behaviour of the various methods, injection onto adjacent installations and cross-coupling onto parallel lines. Sources of error and what to watch out for with each method.

Learning Objectives

  • Apply direct connection (clamp) and signal clamp appropriately
  • Assess coupling behaviour and signal strength
  • Identify and account for cross-coupling onto adjacent lines
  • Know sources of error in galvanic and inductive injection
Recommended: Pipe & Water Networks
Sonde Location Advanced ⏱ 2 hrs Core Module: Location 5

Module Content

Use of sondes (drain and drinking-water sondes) for position determination from inside the pipe. Differences between sonde types and their frequencies. Interpretation of the sonde signal and sonde behaviour on gradients and bends. Sources of error and practical tips for sonde location in the field.

Learning Objectives

  • Distinguish sonde types (drain, drinking water, high pressure) and frequencies
  • Correctly interpret the sonde signal and derive position
  • Understand sonde behaviour on gradients, bends and slopes
  • Identify sources of error and apply practical tips
Recommended: Drain & Pipe Networks
Electromagnetic Cable Location Advanced ⏱ 2 hrs Core Module: Location 5

Module Content

Location of power, telecommunications and control cables using the peak, null and guide methods. Correct selection of receiving antenna for different applications (broadband, narrowband, depth antenna). Cable tracing along the route and depth measurement.

Learning Objectives

  • Apply peak, null and guide methods appropriately
  • Select receiving antenna according to application
  • Make appropriate frequency and method choices for the situation
  • Use depth measurement and current measurement correctly
Recommended: Network Operators, Utilities
Line Survey & Documentation New ⏱ 2 hrs Core + EM Pipe Location + EM Cable Location 5

Module Content

GPS-assisted position capture of cables and lines in the field. Introduction to the Radiodetection RD8200SG – cable location and survey in one device. Introduction to various capture programmes: PointMan, RD Map+, Geolantis.360.

Learning Objectives

  • Use RD8200SG for combined location and position capture
  • Record GPS coordinates and transfer to capture programme
  • Introduction to PointMan, RD Map+ and Geolantis.360
New in the Programme
Magnetic Location Advanced ⏱ 2 hrs Core Module: Location 5

Module Content

Difference between magnetometers (measure the earth's magnetic field, detect anomalies) and magnetic locators (active permanent magnet, near-field detection). What can be located: iron pipes, manhole covers, valve boxes, gate valves, buried iron parts and marker stakes. Use of Schonstedt GA-52Cx and GA-72Cd.

Learning Objectives

  • Distinguish and correctly use magnetometer and magnetic locator
  • Know the area of application and locatable objects
  • Correctly calibrate and operate Schonstedt devices
  • Safely locate ferromagnetic objects in the field
New in the Programme
Passive Marker Location (EMS) Advanced ⏱ 2 hrs Core Module: Location 5

Module Content

Location and management of passive markers (Tempo, Kompex) for identifying buried infrastructure points: gate valves, fittings, cable joints.

Learning Objectives

  • Know marker types and frequencies (33/66/83/135 kHz)
  • Set, read and evaluate markers
  • Correctly operate the marker reader
New in the Programme
Route Location & Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Advanced ⏱ 6 hrs Core + EM Location + Sonde Location 3

Module Content

Use of ground penetrating radar (GPR) for the investigation of unknown lines, voids and subsurface structures. Devices from Sensor & Software (Noggin, Conquest 100/200). Signal interpretation and evaluation software EKKO_Project.

Learning Objectives

  • Physical fundamentals of radar wave travel time
  • Antenna selection, grid planning and data acquisition
  • Hyperbola recognition and depth calculation
  • Combination GPR + EM for complete route clarification
  • Evaluation with EKKO_Project
Intensive Module – max. 3 persons
Pipe & Cable Location — 9 Modules
Core
Fundamentals of Pipe and Cable Location
⏱ 2 hrs Theory ✓ max. 30 part.

Module Content

Overview of active and passive location methods, signal physics and operational limits. Passive search methods, CPS/CPC measurement, large-area grid search. Difference between direct connection, signal clamp and inductive injection.

Learning Objectives

  • Distinguish passive and active methods
  • Plan grid search: passive pre-location, then active injection
  • Distinguish direct connection, signal clamp and inductive injection
  • Identify typical sources of error and interference signals
Required before all advanced modules
Adv.
Acoustic Pipe Location
⏱ 2 hrs Theory ✓Practice ✓ max. 5 part. Prereq.: Core Module Location

Module Content

Location of plastic and cast-iron pipes. Geophones and tap technique (woodpecker). Safety notes for AC pipes.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand sound propagation in pipelines
  • Apply geophone and tap technique in practice
  • Safely locate plastic and cast-iron pipes
  • Adjust strike force according to pipe type
Recommended: Utilities, Civil Engineering
Adv.
Electromagnetic Pipe Location
⏱ 2 hrsTheory ✓Practice ✓max. 5 part.Prereq.: Core Module Location

Module Content

Direct and inductive injection on metallic pipelines. Coupling behaviour and cross-coupling onto parallel lines.

Learning Objectives

  • Apply direct connection and signal clamp appropriately
  • Identify cross-coupling onto adjacent lines
  • Know sources of error in galvanic and inductive injection
Recommended: Pipe & Water Networks
Adv.
Sonde Location
⏱ 2 hrsTheory ✓Practice ✓max. 5 part.Prereq.: Core Module Location

Module Content

Sonde use for position determination from inside the pipe. Sonde types, frequencies, signal interpretation on gradients and bends.

Learning Objectives

  • Distinguish sonde types and frequencies
  • Correctly interpret sonde signal
  • Understand behaviour on gradients and bends
  • Identify sources of error
Recommended: Drain & Pipe Networks
Adv.
Electromagnetic Cable Location
⏱ 2 hrsTheory ✓Practice ✓max. 5 part.Prereq.: Core Module Location

Module Content

Location of power, telecom and control cables using peak, null and guide methods. Antenna selection and depth measurement.

Learning Objectives

  • Apply peak, null and guide methods appropriately
  • Select antenna according to application
  • Use depth and current measurement correctly
Recommended: Network Operators, Utilities
New
Line Survey & Documentation
⏱ 2 hrsTheory ✓Practice ✓max. 5 part.Prereq.: Core + EM Pipe + EM Cable

Module Content

GPS-assisted position capture. Introduction to RD8200SG. Introduction to PointMan, RD Map+ and Geolantis.360.

Learning Objectives

  • Use RD8200SG for combined location and position capture
  • Record and transfer GPS coordinates
  • Introduction to PointMan, RD Map+, Geolantis.360
New in the Programme
Adv.
Magnetic Location
⏱ 2 hrsTheory ✓Practice ✓max. 5 part.Prereq.: Core Module Location

Module Content

Difference between magnetometer and magnetic locator. Location of iron pipes, manhole covers, valve boxes and buried iron parts. Use of Schonstedt GA-52Cx and GA-72Cd.

Learning Objectives

  • Distinguish magnetometer and magnetic locator
  • Know application area and locatable objects
  • Calibrate and operate Schonstedt devices
New in the Programme
Adv.
Passive Marker Location (EMS)
⏱ 2 hrsTheory ✓Practice ✓max. 5 part.Prereq.: Core Module Location

Module Content

Location and management of passive markers (Tempo, Kompex) for identifying buried infrastructure points.

Learning Objectives

  • Know marker types and frequencies (33/66/83/135 kHz)
  • Set, read and evaluate markers
  • Correctly operate the marker reader
New in the Programme
Adv.
Route Location & Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
⏱ 6 hrsTheory ✓Practice ✓max. 3 part.Prereq.: Core + EM Location + Sonde

Module Content

GPR for investigation of unknown lines and voids. Devices from Sensor & Software (Noggin, Conquest 100/200). EKKO_Project evaluation software.

Learning Objectives

  • Physical fundamentals of radar wave travel time
  • Antenna selection, grid planning and data acquisition
  • Hyperbola recognition and depth calculation
  • Combination GPR + EM for complete route clarification
  • Evaluation with EKKO_Project
Intensive Module – max. 3 persons
Training Module Type Duration Theory Practice Prerequisites Max. Part.
Fundamentals of Cable Fault Measurement Core Module ⏱ 3 hrs None 10

Module Content

Systematic procedure for cable fault location: fault characterisation, measurement chain setup, insulation testing, overview of all common measurement methods and their areas of application in practice.

Learning Objectives

  • Know cable types and typical fault patterns
  • Measure insulation resistance and loop resistance
  • Select measurement method appropriately for the situation
Required before all advanced modules
Wheatstone Bridge (Murray / Varley) Advanced ⏱ 2 hrs Core Module: Cable Fault Measurement 5

Module Content

Classic resistance bridge method (Murray, Varley) for precise pre-location of low- and high-resistance faults. Calculation of fault position from the bridge ratio and conductor resistance.

Learning Objectives

  • Set up and balance Murray and Varley bridges
  • Calculate fault position from measured value
  • Account for loop resistance and conductor cross-section
Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) Advanced ⏱ 2 hrs Core Module: Cable Fault Measurement 5

Module Content

Pulse reflectometry (TDR) with devices from Springbok, Radiodetection and Elektronika. Evaluation of reflectograms, characteristic impedance matching and cable register management.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the pulse-echo method physically
  • Parameterise the TDR device (VOP, pulse width, range)
  • Interpret reflectogram and measure in faults
  • Identify joints, branches and terminations
Sheath Fault Measurement on Plastic Cables Advanced ⏱ 2 hrs Core Module: Cable Fault Measurement 5

Module Content

Testing the outer protective jacket (PE sheath) of plastic cables for sheath faults. Voltage testing, current-distance measurement and step voltage method for fault isolation.

Learning Objectives

  • Apply sheath test voltage and measure test current
  • Apply step voltage and potential field method
  • Isolate and mark fault location in the field
Cable Identification in Trench & Cable Trough Advanced ⏱ 2 hrs None 5

Module Content

Identification and assignment of individual cables in cable troughs, joints and conduits using the cable identification antenna. Current direction detection: identifying cables in a bundle and determining current directions. Use of cable identification devices with signal evaluation and phase detection.

Learning Objectives

  • Connect and operate cable identification device and antenna
  • Identify individual cables in a bundle using current direction detection
  • Evaluate phase position and current flow direction
  • Observe safety rules when working on live lines
Ley Effect, Twist Method & Surge Current Advanced ⏱ 3 hrs Core Module: Cable Fault Measurement 5

Module Content

High-voltage-assisted methods for pre-location and pinpointing of high-resistance faults. Ley effect (acoustic pinpointing), twist method for screen faults and surge current generator use in combination with TDR.

Learning Objectives

  • Safely operate high-voltage surge generator
  • Locate acoustic Ley signal in the field
  • Apply twist method for screen faults
  • Combine TDR + surge current for difficult faults
Safety Briefing Included
Cable Fault Measurement — 6 Modules
Core
Fundamentals of Cable Fault Measurement
⏱ 3 hrsTheory ✓max. 10 part.

Module Content

Systematic procedure for cable fault location: fault characterisation, measurement chain, insulation testing, overview of all common methods.

Learning Objectives

  • Know cable types and typical fault patterns
  • Measure insulation and loop resistance
  • Select measurement method appropriately
Required before all advanced modules
Adv.
Wheatstone Bridge (Murray / Varley)
⏱ 2 hrsTheory ✓Practice ✓max. 5 part.Prereq.: Core Module Cable Fault

Module Content

Resistance bridge method (Murray, Varley) for precise pre-location of low- and high-resistance faults.

Learning Objectives

  • Set up and balance Murray and Varley bridges
  • Calculate fault position from measured value
  • Account for loop resistance and conductor cross-section
Adv.
Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR)
⏱ 2 hrsTheory ✓Practice ✓max. 5 part.Prereq.: Core Module Cable Fault

Module Content

Pulse reflectometry (TDR) with Springbok, Radiodetection and Elektronika devices. Reflectogram evaluation and characteristic impedance matching.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand pulse-echo method physically
  • Parameterise TDR device (VOP, pulse width, range)
  • Interpret reflectogram and measure in faults
  • Identify joints, branches and terminations
Adv.
Sheath Fault Measurement on Plastic Cables
⏱ 2 hrsTheory ✓Practice ✓max. 5 part.Prereq.: Core Module Cable Fault

Module Content

Testing the outer PE sheath of plastic cables. Voltage testing, current-distance measurement and step voltage method.

Learning Objectives

  • Apply sheath test voltage and measure test current
  • Apply step voltage and potential field method
  • Isolate and mark fault location in the field
Adv.
Cable Identification in Trench & Cable Trough
⏱ 2 hrsTheory ✓Practice ✓max. 5 part.

Module Content

Identification of individual cables using cable identification antenna. Current direction detection in a bundle. Phase detection.

Learning Objectives

  • Connect and operate cable identification device and antenna
  • Identify individual cables using current direction detection
  • Evaluate phase position and current flow direction
Adv.
Ley Effect, Twist Method & Surge Current
⏱ 3 hrsTheory ✓Practice ✓max. 5 part.Prereq.: Core Module Cable Fault

Module Content

High-voltage-assisted methods for pre-location and pinpointing of high-resistance faults. Ley effect, twist method and surge current generator.

Learning Objectives

  • Safely operate high-voltage surge generator
  • Locate acoustic Ley signal in the field
  • Apply twist method for screen faults
  • Combine TDR + surge current for difficult faults
Safety Briefing Included
Training Module Type Duration Theory Practice Prerequisites Max. Part.
Fundamentals of Acoustic Leak Detection Core Module ⏱ 3 hrs None 10

Module Content

Fundamentals of sound propagation in pressure pipes, generation of leakage noise, influencing factors (material, pressure, nominal diameter) and overview of all acoustic search methods.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand sound generation and propagation speed
  • Distinguish ground microphone, geophone and hydrophone
  • Know the operational limits of the various methods
  • Plan and work through a systematic search grid
Recommended: Water Suppliers, Utilities
Geophone Technique & Ground Microphone Advanced ⏱ 2 hrs Core Module: Leak Detection 5

Module Content

Practical use of ground microphones and electronic geophones (Fast). Systematic area search and directional listening for precise localisation.

Learning Objectives

  • Correctly place, listen with and evaluate the geophone
  • Distinguish leakage noise from interference noise
  • Work through an area search grid systematically
  • Isolate leak location to within ±1 m
Correlation Technique Advanced ⏱ 3 hrs Core Module: Leak Detection 5

Module Content

Two-channel cross-correlation with correlators (Fast Aquaphon). Parameterisation of pipe material, nominal diameter and section length for precise leak positioning – including deep plastic pipes.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the correlation principle mathematically
  • Attach sensors to hydrants and gate valves
  • Enter correct sound velocity for pipe material
  • Evaluate correlogram and verify result
Recommended: Larger Pipe Networks
Gas Detection Technology New ⏱ 2 hrs None 5

Module Content

Use of gas detection devices from Fast and Sensitor manufacturers for leak location on buried gas pipes. Device operation, gas detection techniques (surface survey, manhole measurement), device response times, sources of error and handling overload.

Learning Objectives

  • Correctly operate and calibrate gas detection device (Fast, Sensitor)
  • Apply surface survey and manhole measurement techniques
  • Know device response time and response behaviour
  • Recognise device overload and respond correctly
  • Avoid typical sources of error in gas detection
  • Observe safety rules when working on gas-carrying lines
Recommended: Gas Network Operators
Leak Detection — 4 Modules
Core
Fundamentals of Acoustic Leak Detection
⏱ 3 hrsTheory ✓max. 10 part.

Module Content

Sound propagation in pressure pipes, leakage noise generation, influencing factors and overview of all acoustic search methods.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand sound generation and propagation speed
  • Distinguish ground microphone, geophone and hydrophone
  • Know operational limits of the methods
  • Plan systematic search grid
Recommended: Water Suppliers, Utilities
Adv.
Geophone Technique & Ground Microphone
⏱ 2 hrsTheory ✓Practice ✓max. 5 part.Prereq.: Core Module Leak Detection

Module Content

Practical use of ground microphones and electronic geophones. Systematic area search and directional listening.

Learning Objectives

  • Correctly place, listen with and evaluate the geophone
  • Distinguish leakage noise from interference noise
  • Work through area search grid systematically
  • Isolate leak location to within ±1 m
Adv.
Correlation Technique
⏱ 3 hrsTheory ✓Practice ✓max. 5 part.Prereq.: Core Module Leak Detection

Module Content

Two-channel cross-correlation (Fast Aquaphon). Parameterisation of pipe material, nominal diameter and section length.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand correlation principle mathematically
  • Attach sensors to hydrants and gate valves
  • Enter correct sound velocity for pipe material
  • Evaluate correlogram and verify result
Recommended: Larger Pipe Networks
New
Gas Detection Technology
⏱ 2 hrsTheory ✓Practice ✓max. 5 part.

Module Content

Gas detection devices (Fast, Sensitor) for leak location on buried gas pipes. Surface survey, manhole measurement, response times, sources of error.

Learning Objectives

  • Correctly operate and calibrate gas detection device
  • Apply surface survey and manhole measurement techniques
  • Recognise device overload and respond correctly
  • Observe safety rules on gas-carrying lines
Recommended: Gas Network Operators
Device Orientations

Hands-on & Directly On-site

Orientations are handled separately from training programmes – for a safe start with newly acquired systems.

For Which Devices

Orientations for devices from the Semperdeal range, including systems from:

Radiodetection Schonstedt Pearpoint Springbok CamTronics Fast Elektronika Sensor & Software Vaisala RiserBond Zeitler

Benefits of Device Orientation

  • Orientation directly on-site – without extra effort
  • Hands-on demonstration in a familiar environment
  • Fast productive use of new devices
  • Broad experience with a wide variety of device types
Application & Benefit: The team comes directly to you and provides hands-on instruction in the operation, capabilities and typical workflows of the respective device – so the full potential of the equipment can be used and the system is immediately ready for deployment.
Target Groups

Who Is This For?

The programmes are aimed at all professionals working with pipe, cable and location technology.

Construction Companies
Civil Engineering
Municipal Utilities
Network Operators
Municipal Services
Service Teams
Leak Detection
Cable Location

Request Training or Device Orientation

Individual and group training available. Content, dates and details are flexibly tailored to your needs.