Capacitive Detection System

An apparatus for locating an underground object comprising:

• a drill string having a first end;
• a boring tool, operatively connected to the first end of the drill string, the boring tool having a longitudinal axis;
• a capacitive assembly disposed proximate the boring tool, the capacitive assembly comprising:
• a back plane comprised of copper;
• a first capacitive plate and a second capacitive plate, the first plate secured to a first end of the back plane and the second plated secured to a second end of the back plane;
• and
• an excitation plate;
• and
• a processor adapted to detect the underground object using a capacitance change detected by the capacitive assembly;
• wherein the first plate and the second plate are disposed transverse to the longitudinal axis of the boring tool.

A boring tool for use in horizontal direction drilling, the tool comprising:

• a boring tool body having a longitudinal axis, the body connectable to a drill string;
• a capacitive assembly comprising:
• a back plane comprised of copper;
• a first capacitive plate and a second capacitive plate, the first plate secured to a first end of the back plane and the second plated secured to a second end of the back plane;
• and
• an excitation plate;
• and
• a processor adapted to detect the underground object using a capacitance change detected by the capacitive assembly.