Water pipe sensor arrangement

Abstract

A sensor 10 for detecting strain and temperature measurements in subterranean pipes (e.g. water pipes) which may be used to assess the health or damage to the pipes. The sensor has a sensor body 11, having a pipe engaging surface, which may be a casted material such as a polymeric material. A first measurement device 15 contacts the surface of the pipe when the pipe engaging surface is in contact with the surface of the pipe. A data conduit 25 (e.g. a wired connection) passes the measurement from the measurement device to an external unit which may be located above ground. An analogue measurement maybe converted to a digital signal via a controller encapsulated within the sensor body. Additional sensors may also be present e.g. a moisture detecting device, a load cell and an accelerometer to detect any acceleration or motion of the sensor which could indicative a seismic activity. A junction box (70, fig 10) may have an analogue to digital convertor (ADC) wherein at least one sensor is attached to the junction box via the data conduits.

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