Pilot study using fibre optics and corrosion sensors for condition monitoring of water pipes

Abstract

The aging of water infrastructural pipelines and the needs to safely and economically extend the service life are the main drivers for real time monitoring of structural deterioration of water pipelines. Fiber optics sensors provide a means of detecting and monitoring pipeline defects in real time. A common application of fiber optics sensors is to measure the strain and temperature of pipelines by attaching the fiber sensors along the pipelines. Any abnormal change in temperature could be an indication of leak while any excessive change of strain is an indication of tampering or structural damage. This paper presents a pilot study which was aimed to investigate the fibre optics sensors and corrosion sensor as in-situ sensors to provide real time data on corrosion condition of pipelines. Such data would improve the targeting of inspection programs, and allow improved monitoring and decision making for pipe repair or replacement. Furthermore, the data could be used for development of improved deterioration models and thus enhance knowledge of pipe deterioration.