Students scanning the skies Monday night were able to spot a helicopter flying above campus for about an hour as part of a scheduled analysis of the University’s underground steam pipes.
According to University officials, the helicopter was operated by Mid-Atlantic Infrared Services, an independent testing company that surveys high-pressure pipe systems to find possible leaks or areas of structural deterioration.
During its flight, the helicopter made a digital scan of Cornell’s 25-mile pipe system using a camera capable of detecting any infrared radiation coming from underground steam leaks.
The survey required accommodating weather conditions and leafless trees, which gave project managers only a one week window of opportunity to conduct the test.
Original Author: Dennis Liu