Apparatus and method for measuring conduits in underwater or underground environments - Patents.com

Abstract

FIG. 1 shows a device (100) for measuring a conduit (10) placed in an underwater or underground environment (E) and surrounded by an insulator layer, comprising a first electrode (120), a mounting unit (110) configured to be placed on the surface of the conduit (10) and to create a housing relative to the surface, said housing being configured to contain the first electrode (120) and form a dielectric between the first electrode (120) and the environment (E), a second electrode (130) configured to be placed at a distance from the surface and from the first electrode (120), the second electrode (130) being intended to be in contact with the environment, and a measuring device (140) configured to determine a value representative of the impedance between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring a conduit, such as an umbilical, located in an underwater or subterranean environment. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for measuring a conduit, such as an umbilical, located in an underwater or subterranean environment. [Background technology]

[0002] For the bulk transport of fluids such as gas or oil, conduits are used through which the fluids are transported. Similarly, conduits, such as electrical conduits or fiber optic cables, are used for the bulk transport of power or signals. Although fluid and power conduits are structurally different, they share a common purpose and are deployed in similar ways and environments. Conduits are typically deployed in underwater and / or underground environments, such as at the bottom of a channel, on the ocean floor, or below ground level. If left untreated, the underwater and / or underground environments typically cause oxidation and damage to the outer surface of the conduit. Also, moisture can infiltrate between the conductors, causing short circuits or more generally damage. To protect the conduits from such corrosion or infiltration, coatings or protective covers are applied to the outside of the conduits. However, the coatings or protective covers are also susceptible to damage, and dents or cuts in the coatings or covers can expose the covered conduit to the environment, which can cause moisture infiltration or corrosion. Additionally, underwater conduits are prone to damage by marine animals, with sharks chewing on electrical conduits being a well-documented example of this problem.

[0003] The conduits must be maintained for these reasons, however, not only are they difficult to reach, but in underwater or underground environments it is difficult to determine if the conduit is corroded or has moisture between it and its protective covering.

[0004] It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method that allows for accurate detection of corrosion and / or moisture, and in part, an apparatus that is easy to use and cost-effective. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect, the invention provides for this purpose a device for measuring a conduit placed in an underwater or underground environment and surrounded by an insulating layer, the device comprising a first electrode, a mounting unit arranged on the surface of the conduit and configured to create a housing relative to the surface, said housing being configured to contain the first electrode and to form a dielectric between the first electrode and the environment, a second electrode arranged to be placed at a distance from the surface and from the first electrode, the second electrode being intended to be in contact with the environment, and a measuring device arranged to determine a value representative of the impedance between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0006] The mounting unit forms a dielectric between the first electrode and the environment and also between the first electrode and the second electrode. In this way, the first and second electrodes and the mounting unit form a capacitor, the first and second electrodes forming the two poles of said capacitor. This advantage is based on the insight that the impedance between the two poles includes a plurality of components. A first impedance component of the plurality of components is substantially determined by the dielectric formed by the mounting unit and / or the surroundings located between the first and second electrodes. In particular, the first impedance component is relatively constant since the resistance and reactance of the mounting unit and / or the surroundings change little or not at all. In other words, the composition of the environment does not change substantially and therefore its resistance and reactance do not change substantially. A similar reasoning is applicable to the mounting unit. The second component is substantially determined by the dielectric formed by the insulator layer and the surroundings. If the conduit is in good condition, the impedance formed by the plurality of components is known. However, when moisture is present under or in the insulation layer or corrosion forms on the surface of the conduit, the impedance of the insulation layer or the impedance of the conduit under the insulation changes. This change in impedance value indicates a deterioration of the surface layer of the conduit, for example due to corrosion, or indicates the presence of moisture within the insulation. Thus, the device allows for accurate detection of corrosion and / or moisture, and is also easy and cost-effective to use.

[0007] The housing preferably comprises at least one peripheral wall having a lower edge intended for sealing contact with the surface, said peripheral wall defining the boundary of the housing containing the first electrode. The lower edge seals the housing from the environment. In this way, a direct short-circuit measurement between the first electrode and the second electrode without any dielectric between them is substantially avoided, further improving the accuracy of the device.

[0008] The housing is further delimited by a top wall joining the peripheral wall, and the first electrode is preferably a plate located against or within the top wall. The top wall completely seals the housing, so that the housing is sealed from the environment to further improve the accuracy of the device. The first electrode being a plate has the advantage that the surface area of ​​the first electrode is substantially large, which facilitates the determination of the impedance value.

[0009] The housing is preferably intended to enclose a part of the environment when the mounting unit is placed on the surface. The conduit is typically cylindrical in shape, but may have different diameters. The curvature of the conduit at its periphery may be different. It is difficult to ensure that the first electrode fits warmly to the periphery. The advantage of enclosing a part of the environment is that the environment, e.g. soil or water, is conductive. Also, the environment, especially the aqueous environment, is malleable. The enclosed part of the environment fills the housing to form a conductive layer in contact between the first electrode and the periphery of the conduit. In this way, the first electrode is electrically connected to substantially the entire part of the conduit that the housing covers.

[0010] The second electrode is preferably integrated into the mounting unit. In this way, the distance between the second electrode and the first electrode is reduced. Thus, the device can be made more compact. Also, when the second electrode is integrated into the mounting unit, the first impedance component of the impedance is no longer affected by the environment, further increasing the accuracy of the device.

[0011] The second electrode is preferably located on a peripheral side of the mounting unit, in this way exposing the second electrode to the environment in a relatively simple manner.

[0012] The housing is preferably made of a resilient compressible material. In this way, the mounting unit as well as the housing can be easily installed in the conduit. The resilient compressible material is correspondingly shaped according to the respective conduit in which it is to be placed. More preferably, the resilient compressible material is an elastomer. More preferably, the elastomer is one or more selected from the group of siloxane-based elastomers, urethane-based elastomers, acrylate-based elastomers.

[0013] The first electrode and / or the second electrode are preferably at least partially manufactured from a corrosion-resistant material such as stainless steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, or graphite, etc. In this way, the first and second electrodes are more resistant to corrosion.

[0014] The mounting unit is preferably further configured to house the meter, thus forming an integrated and easily transportable device.

[0015] Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a controller configured to analyze the presence of moisture and / or condensation in the conduit and / or the progression of corrosion of the conduit based on the values ​​determined by the measuring device. In this manner, the apparatus is further designed to be stand-alone.

[0016] The measuring device is preferably configured to transmit the determined values ​​wirelessly through the environment. This advantage is based on the insight that conduits are often located in difficult to reach locations, for example on the seabed or underground. By comprising a measuring device configured to transmit the determined values ​​wirelessly through the environment, the device can be placed on the conduit, covered by the environment and still transmit the determined values ​​without further effort. The device is for example submerged at the same time when the conduit is placed in the ocean or when the conduit is placed underground.

[0017] The device further comprises a connection interface located above or near the surface of the underwater or subsurface environment, the connection interface preferably comprising a connection cable extending from the connection interface to a measuring device. More preferably, the connection cable is a fiber optic cable for fiber optic communication of the determined values. In this way, the information determined by the device can be measured from outside the environment. For example, a user may arrive at the site, connect a computer to the connection interface, and input values ​​representing the impedance into his computer.

[0018] The connection interface preferably comprises at least one of the following power sources: a wire-fed source, an energy-yield source, and a battery-fed source. With a wire-fed source, very long life measurements can be obtained, while a battery-fed source can be cheap and easy to install. An energy-yield source can be very energy-efficient, autonomous, and advantageous in the case of difficult-to-reach conduits (such as long-distance conduits).

[0019] The connection interface preferably comprises an antenna arranged to wirelessly transmit the determined values, thus increasing convenience of use and allowing for central control.

[0020] The mounting unit is preferably fixed to the surface by fastening means arranged to clamp the mounting unit to the surface or to press the mounting unit against the surface.

[0021] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the technical considerations and advantages discussed hereinabove for the apparatus embodiments also apply mutatis mutandis to the corresponding method embodiments described below.

[0022] According to a second aspect, there is provided a method for measuring a conduit disposed in an underwater or subterranean environment, the method comprising the steps of moving a mounting unit, a first electrode, and a second electrode through the environment, positioning the mounting unit on a surface of the conduit to create a housing relative to the surface, enclosing the first electrode in a first housing such that the housing forms a dielectric between the first electrode and the environment, positioning a second electrode at a distance from the surface and a distance from the first electrode, including positioning the second electrode in contact with the environment, and determining a value representative of an impedance between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0023] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of providing the housing with at least one peripheral wall having a lower edge, said peripheral wall defining a recess containing the first electrode, the lower edge being in sealing engagement on the surface.

[0024] Preferably, the step of positioning the mounting unit includes enclosing a portion of the environment in an enclosure.

[0025] Preferably, the step of positioning the mounting unit includes pressing or clamping the mounting unit against the surface.

[0026] The accompanying drawings are used to illustrate presently preferred, non-limiting, exemplary embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention. These and other advantages of the features and objects of the present invention will become more apparent and the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to a preferred embodiment disposed on a conduit located in a subterranean environment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus having an integrated second electrode according to a further preferred embodiment disposed on a conduit in an underwater environment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus housing a meter and a controller according to a preferred embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus having a remote controller according to a preferred embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus comprising a meter configured for wirelessly transmitting a value according to a preferred embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus with a connection interface located above the surface of a subterranean environment, according to a preferred embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus with multiple mounting units according to a preferred embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating one presently preferred embodiment of the invention, like numbers refer to like features throughout.

[0029] The description and drawings are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various configurations can be devised that embody the principles of the invention and are within the scope of the invention, although not explicitly described or shown herein. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are expressly intended to be merely for educational purposes to help the reader understand the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to advance the art, and should not be construed as being limited to such specifically recited examples and conditions.

[0030] In the present invention, the expressions "comprise," "include," "have," "may comprise," "may include," or "may have" indicate the presence of the corresponding features but do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates generally one exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 100 for measuring a conduit 10 located in a subterranean environment.

[0032] The conduit 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a conduit for transporting a fluid such as water, oil or gas. Such conduits are also called pipelines. The conduit 10 is often located underground as shown in FIG. 1 and is surrounded by an insulator layer 10' to protect the conduit 10 from corrosion. The insulator layer 10' may be a coating applied to the circumference of the conduit 10 or may be another protective surface layer such as cathodic protection. For purposes of illustrating the principles of the present invention, the insulator layer 10' has been substantially enlarged.

[0033] The device 100 for measuring a conduit 10 shown in FIG. 1 comprises a mounting unit 110, a first electrode 120, a second electrode 130, and a measuring device 140. The mounting unit 110 is configured to be placed on a surface of the conduit 10, in particular on the outer surface of the insulating layer 10'. The outer surface of the conduit 10 or the outer surface of the insulating layer are used interchangeably in the context of this specification, unless expressly stated otherwise. The mounting unit 100 is further configured to create a housing for the surface of the conduit 10. In the context of this specification, the housing is the area bounded by the mounting unit 110 and the surface of the conduit 10. However, the housing also refers to a part of the mounting unit 110, as will be detailed with respect to FIG. 3. The mounting unit 110 is configured to contain the first electrode 120 within the housing and to form a dielectric between the first electrode 120 and the environment E. Thus, the mounting unit 110 electrically insulates the first electrode 120 from the environment E, but its electrical permittivity affects the impedance value as will be shown herein below. The second electrode 130 is configured to be disposed at a distance from the surface of the conduit 10' and at a distance from the first electrode 120. The second electrode 130 is intended to be in contact with the environment. In other words, the second electrode 130 is disposed to be at least partially exposed to the environment. The second electrode 130 may also be fully exposed to the environment E, as shown in FIG. 1. The measuring device 140 is configured to determine a value representative of the impedance between the first electrode 120 and the second electrode 130. As explained herein above, the mounting unit 110 forms a dielectric between the first electrode 120 and the environment E, and also between the first electrode 120 and the second electrode 130. Even if the environment E is at least partially conductive due to the presence of moisture and ions, the first electrode 120 and the second electrode 130 form two poles of a capacitor. The impedance between the first electrode 120 and the second electrode 130 includes multiple components. The first of the multiple impedance components C1A+C1B is primarily determined by the dielectric formed by the mounting unit 110 and / or the ambient environment E located between the first electrode 120 and the second electrode 130.The first impedance component is relatively constant because the first impedance component C1A+C1b includes a first impedance sub-component C1A and a second impedance sub-component C1B, which are shown as capacitive symbols in FIG. 1 for illustrative purposes. The first impedance sub-component C1A is determined primarily by the dielectric properties of the mounting unit 110 and does not change substantially. In particular, the resistance and reactance of the mounting unit 110 are constant, thus preventing any wear and tear on the mounting unit 110. The second impedance sub-component C1B is determined by the dielectric constant of the surrounding environment E. The reactance and resistance of the environment E remain substantially constant because the composition of the environment E is limited and, even if there is a change, the composition of the soil surrounding the mounting unit 110 in, for example, an underground environment does not change substantially. The first impedance component C1A remains substantially constant because neither the first nor the second impedance sub-component of the first impedance component C1A+C1B change. The second component C2A+C2B is substantially determined by the dielectric formed by the insulator layer 10' and the surrounding environment E. In particular, the insulator layer 10' determined the first impedance sub-component C2A, and the environment determined the second impedance sub-component C2B of the second component C2A+C2B. The second impedance sub-component C2B of the second component C2A+C2B is similar, if not identical, to the second impedance sub-component C1B of the first impedance component C1A+C1B. ​​When the conduit is in good condition, the impedance formed by the components is known and constant. However, when moisture is present under or in the insulator layer 10' or corrosion is formed on the surface of the conduit 10, the impedance of the insulator layer 10' or the conduit under the insulator changes. In particular, the moisture or corrosion changes the impedance of the insulator layer, and therefore the first impedance sub-component 2CA, which causes a change in the phase measurement and a change in the amplitude measurement. This change in impedance value indicates a deterioration of the surface layer of the conduit, for example due to corrosion, or indicates the presence of moisture within the insulation.Thus, the device 100 allows for accurate detection of corrosion and / or moisture, and is also easy and cost-effective to use. The other impedance sub-components C1A, C1B, C2B (shown in the simplified model of FIG. 1) also affect the measurement, but a change in the measurement represents a deterioration of the surface layer. The measuring device 140 may comprise an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measuring device or any other AC impedance measuring device. Using such a measurement, the phase and amplitude of the impedance are obtained as a function of frequency. Other AC or DC measuring devices are also possible as long as they are capable of determining a value representing the impedance between the first electrode 120 and the second electrode 130 under said portion of the insulator 2.

[0034] The first electrode 120 and / or the second electrode 130 are preferably at least partially fabricated from a corrosion-resistant material such as stainless steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, or graphite, etc. In this way, the first and second electrodes are more resistant to corrosion.

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates generally one exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for measuring a conduit 10 disposed in an underwater environment.

[0036] Conduit 10' is depicted as an undersea communications or power cable which may include groups of conductors and / or optical fibers that carry power, video, and / or data signals between two locations.

[0037] FIG. 2 shows that the measurement device 140 may be placed outside the environment, for example above the surface of the water.

[0038] The device 10 in FIG. 2 further shows that the second electrode 130 is preferably integrated into the mounting unit 110. In this way, the distance between the second electrode 130 and the first electrode 120 is reduced. Thus, the device 100 can be made more compact. Also, when the second electrode 130 is integrated into the mounting unit 110, the first impedance component C1A does not include the second impedance sub-component anymore. Only the known first impedance sub-component C1A is present. In this way, the influence of the surrounding environment is reduced, further improving the accuracy of the device 100.

[0039] Furthermore, FIG. 2 shows that when the mounting unit 110 is placed on the surface of the conduit 10, the housing formed by the mounting unit can be intended to enclose a part of the environment E. The advantage is based on the insight that conduits are available in all shapes and sizes. It is difficult to ensure that the first electrode 120 fits warmly to the circumferential surface of the conduit 10'. The advantage of enclosing a part of the environment E is that the environment, e.g. soil or water, is conductive. Also, the environment, especially the aqueous environment, is malleable. The enclosed part of the environment fills the recess and forms a conductive layer in contact between the first electrode 120 and the circumferential surface of the conduit 10'. In this way, the first electrode 120 is electrically connected to substantially the entire part of the conduit that the housing covers. In other words, the environment enclosed by the housing forms part of the first electrode 120.

[0040] A fastening means may be used to fasten the mounting unit 110 to the surface of the conduit 10'. The fastening means may be a submarine that presses the mounting unit 110 onto the surface of the conduit. The fastening means may also be a clamp configured to clamp the mounting unit to the surface.

[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic of a device 100 having an integrated second electrode 130 and housing, according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0042] The device 100 shown in Fig. 3 comprises at least one peripheral wall 111 having a lower edge 112 intended to be in sealing contact with the surface of a conduit (not shown). The peripheral wall 111 forms a housing containing the first electrode 120. The lower edge 112 seals the housing from the environment. In this way, a direct short-circuit measurement between the first and second electrodes without any dielectric between them is substantially avoided, further improving the accuracy of the device.

[0043] According to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the housing is further delimited by a top wall 114 joining the peripheral wall 111. Furthermore, the first electrode 120 is a plate that is placed against or within the top wall 114. The top wall 114 completely seals the housing, which is then sealed from the environment to further improve the accuracy of the device. The first electrode 120 being a plate has the advantage that the surface area of ​​the first electrode 120 is substantially large. This facilitates the determination of the impedance value. Furthermore, compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the housing containing the first electrode 120 is configured such that the free space 113 is maintained even when the first electrode 120 is contained. In this way, the advantages of a plate electrode and of enclosing the environment are combined.

[0044] Second electrode 130 is preferably located on a circumferential side of mounting unit 110. In this manner, second electrode 130 is exposed to the environment in a relatively simple manner. Second electrode 130 may be located on any circumferential side of mounting unit 110. Figures 2 and 3 show different locations where the second electrode may be located.

[0045] The housing may be made of a resilient compressible material. In this way, the mounting unit 110 as well as the housing can be easily installed in the conduit. The resilient compressible material is correspondingly shaped according to the respective conduit to be placed. According to a preferred embodiment, the mounting unit is made entirely from a resilient compressible material. More preferably, the resilient compressible material is an elastomer. More preferably, the elastomer is one or more selected from the group of siloxane-based elastomers, urethane-based elastomers, and acrylate-based elastomers.

[0046] 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 100 for measuring a conduit, where the mounting unit 110 may be further configured to accommodate a meter 140. In this manner, the apparatus 100 is formed to be integrated and easily transportable.

[0047] The apparatus 100 may further comprise a controller 150 configured to analyze the presence of moisture and / or condensation in the conduit and / or the progression of corrosion of the conduit based on the values ​​determined by the measuring device. In this manner, the apparatus 100 is further designed to be stand-alone. The controller 150 may be integrated into the mounting unit 110 or may be located at a remote location or device, for example, a vessel.

[0048] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a controller 150 located at a remote location.

[0049] In one such exemplary embodiment, the measuring device 140 may be configured to transmit the determined values ​​wirelessly through the environment. This advantage is based on the insight that conduits are often located in difficult to reach locations, for example on the ocean floor or underground beneath roads. By equipping the device 100 with a measuring device 140 configured to transmit the determined values ​​wirelessly through the environment, the device 100 can be placed on the conduit, covered by the environment and still transmit the determined values ​​without substantial effort. The device 100 is, for example, submerged at the same time when the conduit is placed in the ocean or when the conduit is placed underground.

[0050] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the device 100 further comprising a connection interface 160 .

[0051] The connection interface 160 is located above or near the surface of the underwater or underground environment E and comprises a connection cable 161 extending from the connection interface to the measuring device. More preferably, the connection cable 161 is a fiber optic cable for fiber optic communication of the determined values. In this way, the information determined by the device can be measured from outside the environment. For example, a user can arrive at the site, connect a computer to the connection interface and enter the values ​​representing the impedance into his computer. The connection interface can comprise at least one power source of a wire feed source, an energy yield source and a battery source. With the wire feed source, very long life measurements can be obtained, while the battery source can be cheap and easy to install. The energy yield source can be very energy efficient and autonomous, which can be advantageous in the case of difficult to reach conduits (such as long distance conduits). The connection interface 160 can comprise an antenna configured to transmit the determined values ​​wirelessly, for example to a monitoring system. In this way, convenience of use can be increased. Furthermore, central control is possible.

[0052] FIG. 7 illustrates a preferred embodiment in which the apparatus 100 includes multiple mounting units 110. FIG. 7 illustrates two mounting units 110 disposed on a surface layer of a conduit. By disposing multiple mounting units, the amount of area in which moisture or corrosion can be detected can be increased. A similar effect may be achieved by two first electrodes (not shown) disposed on a single mounting unit. Multiple mounting units 110 may share a common second electrode, as shown in FIG. 7. Alternatively, the meter may determine a value representing the impedance between a first electrode of one of the mounting units and another first electrode (not shown) of another mounting unit 110. It will be apparent that more than two mounting units 110 may be disposed on the surface 110.

[0053] Although not shown in the drawings, the present invention further relates to a method for measuring a conduit located in an underwater or underground environment. The method includes moving the mounting unit 110, the first electrode 120, and the second electrode 130 through the environment. This can be done when laying the conduit underground or in the underwater environment. Moving the mounting unit through a soil environment is considered to be similar to moving the mounting unit through an aqueous environment. Moving the mounting unit through an aqueous environment can be done using a submersible or submersible device.

[0054] The mounting unit 110 is disposed on the surface of the conduit, thus creating a housing for the surface. The first electrode is contained in the first housing such that the housing forms a dielectric between the first electrode and the environment. The second electrode is disposed at a distance from the surface and at a distance from the first electrode, and the step of disposing the second electrode includes disposing the second electrode in contact with the environment. Finally, a value representative of the impedance between the first electrode and the second electrode is determined. The step of disposing the mounting unit may include a step of containing a portion of the environment in the housing. This is particularly useful in an underwater environment. Furthermore, the step of disposing the mounting unit may further include a step of pressing or clamping the mounting unit to the surface. This may be performed, for example, using an undersea robot or the like, or by clamping the mounting unit to the conduit when the conduit is disposed underground or underwater.

[0055] It should be noted that while the above illustrated embodiments have been described in conjunction with underwater or underground conduits, the inventors have discovered that the device can also be used to determine moisture ingress in the top insulation. In one such embodiment, the first electrode is disposed on the insulation, e.g., mineral wool. The second electrode can be formed by a grounding system that is typically readily available in a home or building.

[0056] It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments described above illustrate rather than limit the present invention, and that those skilled in the art may design alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claims. The words "comprise" and "include" do not exclude the presence of elements or steps not recited in the claims. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The use of words such as "first", "second", "third", etc. does not indicate any order or priority. These words are to be interpreted as names used for convenience.

[0057] While the principles of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that this description is made purely by way of example and not as a limitation on the scope of protection determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device (100) for measuring a conduit (10) located in an underwater or underground environment (E) and surrounded by an insulating layer, comprising: A first electrode (120); a mounting unit (110) arranged on a surface of the conduit (10) and configured to create a housing for the surface, the housing containing the first electrode (120) and configured to form a dielectric between the first electrode (120) and the environment (E); a second electrode (130) configured to be placed at a distance from said surface and at a distance from said first electrode (120), said second electrode (130) being intended to be in contact with said environment; a meter (140) configured to determine a value representative of an impedance between the first electrode and the second electrode; An apparatus (100) comprising:

2. 2. The device (100) of claim 1, wherein the housing is formed by at least one peripheral wall (111) having a lower edge (112) intended to be in sealing contact with the surface, the peripheral wall (111) defining the boundary of the housing containing the first electrode (120).

3. 3. The apparatus (100) of claim 2, wherein the housing is further defined by a top wall (114) joining the peripheral wall (111), and the first electrode (120) is a plate disposed against or within the top wall.

4. The apparatus (100) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing is intended to enclose a portion of the environment when the mounting unit is placed on the surface.

5. The device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second electrode (130) is integrated into the mounting unit (110).

6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the second electrode is disposed on a peripheral side of the mounting unit (110).

7. The device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the housing is made of a resiliently compressible material.

8. The apparatus (100) of claim 7, wherein the resiliently compressible material is an elastomer.

9. The apparatus (100) of claim 8, wherein the elastomer is one or more selected from the group of siloxane-based elastomers, urethane-based elastomers, and acrylate-based elastomers.

10. The apparatus (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first electrode (120) and / or the second electrode (130) are at least partially manufactured from a corrosion-resistant material, such as stainless steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, or graphite.

11. The apparatus (100) of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the mounting unit is further configured to house the meter.

12. The apparatus (100) of any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a controller (150) configured to analyze the presence of moisture and / or condensation in the conduit and / or the progression of corrosion of the conduit based on the value determined by the measuring device (140).

13. The apparatus (100) of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the measuring device (140) is configured to wirelessly transmit the determined value through the environment.

14. The apparatus (100) of any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a connection interface (160) located above or near the surface of the underwater or subsurface environment (E), the connection interface (160) comprising a connection cable (161) extending from the connection interface to the measuring instrument (140).

15. 15. The apparatus (100) of claim 14, wherein the connecting cable (161) is a fiber optic cable for optical fiber communication of the determined values.

16. 16. The apparatus (100) of claim 14 or 15, wherein the connection interface (160) comprises at least one of a wire supply, an energy yield supply, and a battery supply.

17. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the connection interface comprises an antenna configured to wirelessly transmit the determined value.

18. The apparatus (100) of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the mounting unit (110) is fixed to the surface by a fixing means configured to clamp the mounting unit to the surface or to press the mounting unit against the surface.

19. 1. A method for measuring a conduit located in an underwater or underground environment and surrounded by an insulation layer, comprising: moving the mounting unit, the first electrode, and the second electrode through the environment; placing the mounting unit over a surface of the conduit to create a housing against the surface of the conduit; enclosing the first electrode in a first housing such that the housing forms a dielectric between the first electrode and the environment; disposing the second electrode at a distance from the surface and at a distance from the first electrode, the second electrode being disposed in contact with the environment; determining a value representative of impedance between the first electrode and the second electrode; The method includes:

20. 20. The method of claim 19, comprising providing the housing with at least one peripheral wall having a lower edge, the peripheral wall defining a recess containing the first electrode, the lower edge being in sealing engagement on the surface.

21. 21. The method of claim 19 or 20, wherein the step of positioning the mounting unit comprises enclosing a portion of the environment in the enclosure.

22. The method of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the step of positioning the mounting unit comprises pressing or clamping the mounting unit against the surface.

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