Abstract: A transmitter for inground use controls a depth signal transmit power in relation to a data signal transmit power such that one reception range of the depth signal at least approximately matches another, different reception range of the data signal. A portable device can form a system with the transmitter in which the portable device scans a plurality of frequencies within at least one low frequency depth signal range to measure the electromagnetic noise at each one of the plurality of frequencies and identify at least one of the frequencies as a potential depth frequency for the transmitter. The portable device can include a dual mode filter having a rebar mode and a normal mode filter. The depth signal frequency is dynamically positionable in relation to low frequency noise.

Abstract: A flexible wafer probe for testing the level of dissolved solids in a water source and a method of use are provided. The probe may have an adhesive coating so that the probe may be affixed to a surface, such as the interior of a conduit. The flexibility of the probe may allow the probe to be affixed to surfaces of various shapes. The probe may have a low profile such that it does not impede water flow through the conduit. The probe may be provided in the form of a flexible, thin circular pad composed of three layers. The first and third layers may compose the outside surfaces of the probe and may render the probe waterproof. The measuring instruments of the probe may be affixed to the second layer and exposed to the water through apertures that extend through the first layer of the probe.

Abstract: System, methods, and apparatus for obtaining repair or replacement related information are described. For example, a mobile device is configured to scan RFID tags or other identifiers located on or in studs behind a wall of a house, obtain an identifier of at least one RFID tag of the plurality of RFID tags, determine a number of RFID tags scanned, generate and send, to a server, a message comprising the identifier of the at least one RFID tag, the number of RFID tags scanned, and an account identifier. The server can be configured to receive the message, determine a distance between two adjacent studs based on the identifier of the at least one RFID tag, determine a total distance of a scanned region of the wall based on the number of RFID tags scanned and the distance between the two adjacent studs, and determine an estimate of a cost of replace or repair based at least on the total distance.

Abstract: A sensor includes three structures, a measurer to measure a resistance value, an analyzer to identify the type of a corrosive gas present in an environment based on the resistance value and corrosion resistance information of the three structures, and a notification device. The three structures include a first structure, a second structure, and a third structure. The magnitude relation in corrosion resistance between the three structures differs between a first environment, a second environment, and a third environment. The corrosive gas of the first type is present and the corrosive gas of the second type is not present in the first environment. The corrosive gas of the second type is present and the corrosive gas of the first type is not present in the second environment. The corrosive gas of the first type and the corrosive gas of the second type are both present in the third environment.

Abstract: A test sample is extracted from a hydrogen induced cracking (HIC) resistant material candidate. A control sample is extracted from a prequalified HIC susceptible material that is known to suffer predetermined HIC damage when subjected to preset test conditions of a standardized HIC test (e.g., NACE TM0284). The HIC test is performed on the test and control samples. A value of a predetermined cracking criteria is calculated for the control sample. It is determined whether the calculated value of the predetermined cracking criteria is at least equal to a predetermined minimum threshold value. If yes, respective values of a plurality of predetermined HIC resistance criteria for the test sample are calculated. It is determined whether the calculated respective values of the plurality of predetermined HIC resistance criteria for the test sample are not greater than corresponding predetermined maximum threshold values.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensor system and methods for detecting the presence of water in an insulating material surrounding plant equipment and/or pipe work. The sensor system comprises a plurality of sensors located in and spatially distributed over the insulating material, each sensor being operable to provide a sensor output indicative of the presence of water in an insulating material. The system also comprises at least one reference sensor operable to provide a reference sensor output indicative of the presence of water in an ambient environment in the vicinity of the plurality of sensors. In addition, the system comprises a processor configured to receive the sensor outputs from the plurality of sensors and the reference sensor output. The processor is configured to correlate the sensor outputs from the plurality of sensors and the reference sensor output to provide a correlation data output for use in evaluating a corrosion condition.

Abstract: Hundreds of thousands of concrete bridges and hundreds of billions of tons of concrete require characterization with time for corrosion. Accordingly, protocols for rapid testing and improved field characterization systems that automatically triangulate electrical resistivity and half-cell corrosion potential measurements would be beneficial allowing discrete/periodic mapping of a structure to be performed as well as addressing testing for asphalt covered concrete. Further, it is the low frequency impedance of rebar in concrete that correlates to corrosion state but these are normally time consuming vulnerable to noise. Hence, it would be beneficial to provide a means of making low frequency electrical resistivity measurements rapidly. Further, prior art techniques for electrical rebar measurements require electrical connection be made to the rebar which increases measurement complexity/disruption/repair/cost even when no corrosion is identified.

Abstract: An electrospray ionization system used in mass spectrometry provides for improved current measurement. The system includes a fluid union, a fluid column coupled with a first port of the fluid union, a power source coupled with the fluid union and configured to apply a voltage potential to the fluid union, and an electrospray emitter coupled with a second port of the fluid union. The power source is coupled with the first port and configured to apply the voltage potential to the first port to restrict current leakage from the fluid union. The current sensing circuit is configured to determine an electrical current flow between the power source and the at least one of the fluid union and the first port.

Abstract: An electrochemical measurement system for monitoring a concrete structure having a reinforcement bar, including: at least six electrodes to contact the concrete structure's surface, including at least two emitting electrodes to inject electrical signals into the structure and at least four receiving electrodes combined in pairs, each pair receiving electrical signals, originating from an explored zone of the structure located beneath an axis connecting the electrode pairs with its depth depending on the distance between the two electrodes in the pair; an acquisition module to (i) control the electrodes and (ii) acquire and store in a memory the electrical signals; a processing module to calculate, for the electrical signals, induced polarization potential response value(s) and one apparent resistivity value; from these values, process output characteristic(s) of each explored zone; an image reconstruction module to generate an image of the distribution of the output characteristic(s) in the explored zones.

Abstract: The present application provides an isolation testing unit for a pipeline segment having an isolation junction is provided. The isolation testing unit includes, among other things, an isolation monitoring device that allows for constant monitoring of an isolation parameter at a display with a graphical user interface. The isolation testing unit may include a potentiometer for measuring a potential on an upstream portion of a pipe and a downstream portion of a pipe. The effectiveness of the isolation is determined by the difference between the potentials.

Abstract: A transmitter for inground use controls a depth signal transmit power in relation to a data signal transmit power such that one reception range of the depth signal at least approximately matches another, different reception range of the data signal. A portable device can form a system with the transmitter in which the portable device scans a plurality of frequencies within at least one low frequency depth signal range to measure the electromagnetic noise at each one of the plurality of frequencies and identify at least one of the frequencies as a potential depth frequency for the transmitter. The portable device can include a dual mode filter having a rebar mode and a normal mode filter. The depth signal frequency is dynamically positionable in relation to low frequency noise.

Abstract: A sensor device includes a housing having a hole allowing substances to pass from an exterior of the housing to an interior of the housing, and a printed circuit board having a humidity sensor and at least one electronic component. The sensor device also includes a tube comprising a waterproof material, wherein a first end of the tube surrounds the humidity sensor, wherein a first seal is formed by between the first end of the tube and the printed circuit board, wherein a second end of the tube is located proximate the hole. The sensor device also includes a waterproof, breathable material layer disposed between the second end of the tube and the hole, wherein a second seal is formed between the material layer and the housing, wherein a third seal is formed between the material layer and the second end of the tube. The hole and the material layer allow water vapor to pass from the exterior to the humidity sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for more efficient utilization of comminution mills. Sensors are provided in the liners placed within the mill shell. The sensors may include RFID tags, liner wear profile sensors (e.g., such as an ultrasonic sensor), an inertial sensor (preferably included both an inclinometer and an accelerometer, and an acoustic sensor, among others. When the liners are installed in the shell, the RFID tag is used to register the location of the liner within the shell. In operation, the information provided by the sensors is collected by a data transmission unit and sent by transmitter over the air to a computer having an antenna and receiver for such data. The data is correlated and the data is reviewable in real time while the mill is in running.

Abstract: A test sample is extracted from a hydrogen induced cracking (HIC) resistant material candidate. A control sample is extracted from a prequalified HIC susceptible material that is known to suffer predetermined HIC damage when subjected to preset test conditions of a standardized HIC test (e.g., NACE TM0284). The HIC test is performed on the test and control samples. A value of a predetermined cracking criteria is calculated for the control sample. It is determined whether the calculated value of the predetermined cracking criteria is at least equal to a predetermined minimum threshold value. If yes, respective values of a plurality of predetermined HIC resistance criteria for the test sample are calculated. It is determined whether the calculated respective values of the plurality of predetermined HIC resistance criteria for the test sample are not greater than corresponding predetermined maximum threshold values.

Abstract: Embodiments are described herein for a sensor device created for determining and monitoring quality and strength developments in concrete and other materials using temperature and electrical resistivity parameters. The embodiments described herein may be utilized in the construction industry for real-time monitoring of concrete and cement structures or for monitoring the strength and quality of soils, polymers, and liquid additives as well. According to various embodiments, alternating current (AC) electrical and temperature measurements may be performed to correlate to the quality and performance of the concrete, polymers, treated soils, and other materials. These measurements may be made by compact sensor devices that are configured to read both temperature and AC electrical measurements continuously to quantify the performance of materials.

Abstract: A transmitter for inground use controls a depth signal transmit power in relation to a data signal transmit power such that one reception range of the depth signal at least approximately matches another, different reception range of the data signal. A portable device can form a system with the transmitter in which the portable device scans a plurality of frequencies within at least one low frequency depth signal range to measure the electromagnetic noise at each one of the plurality of frequencies and identify at least one of the frequencies as a potential depth frequency for the transmitter. The portable device can include a dual mode filter having a rebar mode and a normal mode filter. The depth signal frequency is dynamically positionable in relation to low frequency noise.

Abstract: A ventilation system with: (i) a volumetric enclosure having an inlet and an outlet and for coupling to an interior of a building habitable by human occupants; (ii) a fan located within the volumetric enclosure and for drawing air exterior to the building and supplying the air to the interior of the building; (iii) a programmable control apparatus for enabling and disabling the fan in response to a plurality of parameters, at least some of the parameters relating to quality of air to me moved in response to the fan; and (iv) circuitry coupled between the inlet and the outlet for measuring a signal representative of a volume of air passing through the volumetric enclosure over a period of time.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a high-flux sensor suitable for corrosion big data monitoring and a method of manufacturing the same. The sensor includes a first metal sheet, a second metal sheet and an insulating sheet therebetween. The two metal sheets are laminated. The metal sheets and the insulating sheet form a test piece group. A through hole is drilled in the test piece group.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a concentration of a corrosive gas including at least observing at least one gas fuse, the gas fuse having at least one metal wire, which is configured for breaking due to corrosion if exposed to the corrosive gas in a way that a time-integrated concentration of the corrosive gas exceeds a critical value.

Abstract: A state determination apparatus 100 determines the state of a structure 200. The state determination apparatus 100 includes a measurement unit 10 configured to measure a deflection amount and a surface displacement amount in each of a plurality of target regions that are preset on the structure 200, a feature value calculation unit 20 configured to calculate, for the respective target regions, feature values each indicating a relationship between the deflection amount and the surface displacement amount, using the measured deflection amount and surface displacement amount, a spatial distribution calculation unit 30 configured to calculate a spatial distribution of the feature values using the feature values calculated for each of the target regions, and a degradation state determination unit 40 configured to determine a degradation state of the structure 200 based on the spatial distribution of the feature value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for estimating deterioration of a steel support structure (180) supporting an offshore wind turbine (181). The steel support structure (180) being made of a first type of steel, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a first sensor (111) having one or more sensor elements, wherein a first sensor element of the one or more sensor elements is made of a type of steel corresponding to the first type of steel; (b) arranging the first sensor (111) in connection with said steel support structure (180); (c) inducing an electrical current through at least one of the one or more sensor elements; (d) monitoring the deterioration of a part of the first sensor (111) by in a first time interval measuring electrical properties of the first sensor (111) and storing the measurements as first data; (e) estimating the deterioration of the steel support structure (180) from the first data.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method, system and electrode for evaluating a condition of steel reinforcements in concrete structures. A reference electrode is positioned on a first area on a concrete structure. An electromagnetic survey is performed to estimate a reference voltage for the reference electrode. A measurement electrode is positioned on a second area on the concrete structure. A difference of potential between the reference electrode and the measurement electrode is determined. A voltage at the measurement electrode is determined based on the reference voltage and on the difference of potential. A corrosion probability at the second area is determined based on the voltage at the measurement electrode. Several electrodes may be placed in an array. Any one of the electrodes may be moved to various areas on the concrete structure.

Abstract: A corrosion monitoring device includes a sensor assembly and a detector circuit. The sensor assembly includes at least one sensor portion disposed in an interior of a pipe in a fire sprinkler system for sensing corrosion of a wall of the pipe. The detector circuit transmits an electrical signal through the at least one sensor portion, monitors an electrical characteristic of the at least one sensor portion based on the electrical signal, compares at least one of the monitored electrical characteristic and a change in the electrical characteristic of the at least one sensor portion to at least one of a predetermined value and a previously monitored electrical characteristic, determines a corrosion status indicative of at least one of a corrosion level and a rate of corrosion of the pipe wall based on the comparison, and outputs an indication of the corrosion status.

Abstract: A measurement system may include an electrical signal source; a plurality of electrical contacts electrically coupled to a tested material; a respective resistor associated with each electrical contact; a common node to which the respective resistors are electrically connected; and a control module. The control module may cause the electrical signal source to be electrically connected to a selected electrical contact as an input electrical contact. The remaining electrical contacts are electrically connected to a return node of the electrical signal source as extraction electrical contacts. The control module also may cause the electrical signal source to output an electrical signal to an input electrical contact; cause a respective electrical signal parameter to be determined at the respective resistor associated with each respective extraction electrical contact; and determine whether the tested material includes a crack or other defect based on the respective electrical signal parameters.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a novel continuous or semi-continuous process which results in the partial or total improvement of heavy oil. The improvement of the heavy oil is a result of thermally heating the oil at an interval where visbreaking occurs, thereby reducing a viscosity of the heavy oil. The core of the heating step occurs through a heating apparatus of the packed bed type including superparamagnetic, paramagnetic, and/or magnetic materials.

Abstract: A computer-based corrosion/erosion module, communicatively coupled with a probe, estimates corrosion/erosion rates in a pipeline based on metal loss measurements. A High Integrity Protection System (HIPS), upstream of the corrosion/erosion module, includes at least two pressure-sensing elements, connected to the pipeline, for capturing pressure readings associated with inside pressures of the pipeline. The HIPS also includes at least two final elements configured to stop a flow of fluid through the pipeline. A logic solver, coupled with the corrosion/erosion module and the HIPS, is configured to automatically monitor mechanical integrity of the pipeline in real time using the captured pressure readings and estimated metal loss measurements. The logic solver determines a trip set point adjustment using the estimated metal loss measurements and provides the trip set point adjustment to the final elements.

Abstract: Corrosion sensors are described. The corrosion sensors may include components formed from carbon nanotube structures and a corroding element formed of a material which corrodes more quickly than a target material being monitored by the corrosion sensor. The corroding material may be exposed to the environment to which the target material being monitored is exposed. The corrosion sensor may be passive, thus consuming little power.

Abstract: A corrosion monitoring system includes at least one corrosion sensor. The corrosion sensor includes a metallic plug having at least one opening, at least one ceramic sheath in the opening of the metallic plug, and a plurality of probes. Each probe has a central portion with a predetermined cross sectional area extending from the metallic plug. The ceramic sheath electrically isolates each first end and each second end of the probes from the metallic plug and the other first ends and second ends. The probes are sized to provide a distribution of predetermined cross sectional areas of the central portions. The corrosion monitoring system also includes a resistance meter measuring an ohmic resistance for at least one of the probes and a computer determining a corrosion rate by correlating a rate of change of the ohmic resistance to the corrosion rate of the probe.

Abstract: A corrosion detection circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an insulating board; a test chip having a corrodible metal, mounted on the surface of the insulating board; a plurality of resistors each having a higher resistance value than the test chip after a change due to an environment including contact with the test chip and the adhesion of dust to the test chip; and a voltage detection circuit for detecting the output voltage of a divided voltage output point, when a voltage is applied to the test chip and a voltage dividing circuit using the plurality of resistors. The voltage detection circuit detects a break in the test chip by corrosion based on a variation in the output voltage.

Abstract: Ultrasonic transducers are imbedded into sacrificial metal coupons which are located in the vicinity of underground or aboveground structures, such as a pipe or tank, which allow for the measurement of the effectiveness of impressed current cathodic protection systems and can be used to determine the corrosion rate of the structure that is being protected. When excited by a pulser-receiver excitation pulse, the ultrasonic transducers can be used to determine the thickness of the coupon and its rate of change over time. The sacrificial metal coupon ultrasonic transducer assembly can be located in the vicinity of underground piping, under or inside of a tank, underground or underwater, or inserted into structures where absolute material loss values or material loss rate of change is being monitored.

Abstract: A sacrificial metal coupon is provided with one or more ultrasonic transducers which, when excited by a pulser-receiver excitation pulse, determines the thickness of the coupon and its rate of change over time. The sacrificial metal coupon ultrasonic transducer assembly can be inserted into the liquid stream of a pipe, under or inside of a tank, underground or underwater, or inserted into structures where absolute material loss values or material loss rate of change is being monitored.

Abstract: A device for improving the accuracy and precision of measuring equipment changes due to corrosion, erosion, build-up of material, and combinations thereof. Increased control over the placement and removal of a coupon within the equipment is provided. Embodiments of the coupon provide multiple approaches for such measurements such as e.g., weight changes, thickness changes, inspection and analysis of the contacting surface of the coupon, and combination. Improved measurements with coupons using probes such as e.g., ultrasonic transducers is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a measuring device using an electrical conductivity and having a function of informing electrode contamination. The measuring device includes a main body on which a display part is disposed on a surface thereof, and a control module controlling an operation of the measuring device is mounted therein, and a sensor unit disposed on one side of the main body and dipped into the object to measure electrical characteristics of the object to be measured. The sensor unit is driven by the control of the control module, and at least includes a first sensor electrode and a second sensor electrode for measuring electrical characteristics of the object to be measured. The sensor unit further includes a reference electrode disposed between the first and second electrodes at the same distance from each other.

Abstract: Methods of extracting complex impedance from selected subsurface volumes of a material under test (MUT) using various embodiments of electrode sensor pairs are provided. The electrode pairs can penetrate into a subsurface of the MUT, and operate below the surface of the MUT. Configurations of electrode pair sensors provide measured data of complex impedance of selected subsurface volumes of the MUT using electromagnetic spectrographic signals over a frequency range. The complex impedance characteristics of the subsurface volumes may be used to identify variations in the properties of the MUT, or be correlated to physical properties of the MUT.

Abstract: A technique enables simulation of a process performed on an underground formation. The technique comprises forming a cut-out portion in a rock sample and placing a jacket around the rock sample. A sealing collar is inserted into the cut-out portion, and the rock sample is capped between the sealing collar and the jacket. Simulation testing can then be performed on the rock sample through the sealing collar while applying pressure to the rock sample. The sealing collar may be affixed in the cut-out portion.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for testing a cathodic protection system that protects a metallic structure with one or more DC power sources electrically connected to the metallic structure and an associated reference electrode. The metallic structure may be cathodically protected at multiple locations. A Cathodic Protection Waveform Monitoring Unit (CPWMU) operates independently from power cycling by the cathodic protection system to measure cathodic protection voltage levels by measuring, over one or more measurement time periods, a voltage differential between the metallic structure and its associated reference electrode, a plurality of times when power provided to the metallic structure is cycled on and off. The CPWMU includes digital storage to store values indicative of the measured voltage differentials over the measurement time period.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for monitoring a substratum (1) with regard to damage and/or for protecting a substratum (1) from damage. The system comprises: an electrolytically active layer (4), which has a moisture-dependent electrical resistance; at least one electrode pair, the spaced-apart electrodes (3a, 3b) of which are connected to each other by means of the electrolytically active layer (4); and a measuring device, by means of which a property, in particular an electrical quantity of the electrolytically active layer (4) or of the electrodes (3a, 3b), can be measured by using electrodes (3a, 3b) of at least one electrode pair, in particular of each electrode pair, and/or a control device, by means of which a voltage can be applied to the electrodes (3a, 3b) of at least one electrode pair, in particular of each electrode pair.

Abstract: A method of making a hoist cable capable of continuous resistance monitoring includes applying an electrically-insulating material to at least one strand of a wire rope such that a length of the strand is electrically insulated and an end of the strand is electrically conductive. The end of the at least one strand is joined to other strands of the wire rope such that at least two strands are electrically connected at a free end of the wire rope. A method of inspecting the hoist cable includes transmitting a first electrical signal through a first strand from a hoist drum to a free end of the wire rope and receiving the first electrical signal through a second strand at the hoist drum, the first and second strands being electrically connected at the free end. Using the first electrical signal, the resistance of the wire rope is calculated.

Abstract: A method of wear detection of a coated belt or rope includes measuring an initial electrical resistance of one or more cords, strands or wires of the coated belt or rope. The initial electrical resistance is calibrated by repeating the measuring of initial electrical resistance and populating a database with the measured initial electrical resistance values. A true initial resistance is determined from the population of initial electrical resistances and subsequent measured values of electrical resistance of the one or more cords, strands or wires of the coated belt or rope.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a time reference device is provided. In the embodiment, the time reference device, includes a corrodible element, wherein a corrosion of the corrodible element advances with advancing time, and a sensor configured for providing a sensor signal, the sensor signal depending on a physical property of the corrodible element; wherein the physical property of the corrodible element changes with a corrosion of the corrodible element and the physical property of the corrodible element is at least one of an electrical property, a magnetic property, and an optical property. A barrier may be provided for defining a permeability for a corrosive substance to the corrodible element.

Abstract: An under-deposit corrosion (UDC) sensor includes a probe body with a curved concave probe surface that may have pre-deposited or in-situ formed thereon a material that accelerates the process of under deposit corrosion. The UDC sensor uses electrochemically-based localized monitoring techniques for assessing under-deposit pitting corrosion and the effectiveness of chemical treatment programs that mitigate under-deposit corrosion in well tubing, pipelines, vessels, and/or tanks.

Abstract: A measuring and assessing method for the AC corrosion risk of a pipeline wherein the coupon is connected to a metallic pipeline buried in the earth and the AC corrosion risk of the pipeline is assessed on the basis of coupon DC current density and coupon AC current density that are acquired from a measured value of a coupon current, wherein the measuring and assessing method includes: a step of specifying frequency to specify a source of AC corrosion from a waveform of the measured value of the coupon current; and a step of calculating a coupon current density whereby a pair of coupon DC current density and coupon AC current density is acquired from the measured value of the coupon current in one time unit by defining one cycle of a specified frequency as one time unit.

Abstract: A method of non-destructive evaluation of stress corrosion cracking of structural components made of metal alloys, and a method of evaluation of the remaining lifetime of the structural component made of metal alloys are provided, in which a change in properties of the structural components made of metal alloys being used in operating nuclear power plants is measured according to the degree of atomic ordering (or short range ordering) of alloying atoms, and stress corrosion cracking of the structural components made of metal alloys is thus evaluated. The properties to be measured may be one or more selected from a group consisting of hardness, electrical resistivity and thermal conductivity.

Abstract: Corrosion effects in a solar cell are measured by means of a conduit with electrolytic fluid. The rim of an open end of the conduit is placed against the surface of the solar cell to expose a selected area of the solar cell to the electrolytic fluid, leaving a free part of the planar surface of the solar cell outside the exposed area. Current and/or voltage fluctuations are measured in an electric circuit that contains the electrolytic fluid, an interface between the electrolytic fluid on the exposed area and a conductor layer on the planar surface, and a contact to the conductor layer in the free part.

Abstract: A system including: a cable including: a core capable of transporting at least one useful electric signal; a sheath surrounding said core; at least one conductive wear detection strand embedded in the sheath and substantially extending along the entire length of the cable; and at least one reference conductive element which is not connected to said at least one wear detection strand and substantially extends along the entire cable length; and a control unit capable of measuring the capacitance or the resistance formed between said at least one strand and the reference conductive element.

Abstract: A wear indication device comprises an outer body exhibiting at least one opening extending at least partially therethrough, and at least one sensor within the at least one opening. The at least one sensor comprises at least one probe, and at least one electronic device operatively associated with the at least one probe. The at least one electronic device comprises at least one power supply and at least one output device. An assembly, and a method of detecting wear to a component of an assembly are also described.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for monitoring a conductive fluid conduit arranged to carry a fluid stream. The apparatus comprises a power supply, a plurality of electrical contact points connected to the fluid conduit, a voltage measurement device, and a processor. The power supply has a reference mode of operation and a sample mode of operation. In the reference mode of operation the power supply is operable to supply an alternating electric current through the fluid conduit at a high frequency such that the current is confined near the surface of the fluid conduit due to the skin effect. In the sample mode of operation the power supply is operable to supply an electric current through a full thickness of the fluid conduit.

Abstract: Corrosion sensor apparatus for detection of contamination affecting metal based components and devices. For example, an apparatus includes: a set of corrosion sensor elements, wherein a width of a first corrosion sensor element is different than a width of a second corrosion sensor element, wherein each corrosion sensor element is susceptible to corrosion caused by an operating environment of the corrosion sensor elements; and a set of reference elements wherein a width of a first reference sensor element is substantially equal to the width of the first corrosion sensor element and a width of a second reference sensor element is substantially equal to the width of the second corrosion sensor element, wherein each reference sensor element is not substantially susceptible to corrosion caused by the operating environment of the corrosion sensor elements.

Abstract: A method for embedded failure detection includes embedding radio frequency identification (RFID) tags at varying depths within a composite material comprising a polymer, an epoxy or an aggregate bonded with a fluid. Each RFID tag is attached with an insulated wire loop and configured to communicate tag identification and resistance on each insulated wire loop upon being energized by an RFID reader. The RFID tags are read with an RFID reader after initial curing of the composite material for reference information. The RFID reader reads the RFID tags after a particular time period for current information. The current information is compared to the reference information. It is determined whether a change information has occurred for any of the RFID tags to detect a possible failure of the composite material.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a current internal corrosion level at a current time is read from an internal corrosion sensor that is internal to a computer. An internal corrosion difference is calculated between the current internal corrosion level and a previous internal corrosion level. If the internal corrosion difference is more than a first threshold amount, a first action is performed that decreases an internal temperature of the computer.