The objective: Continuous monitoring of the strain
The objective was to continuously monitor the strain on specific points of the external contour of the adduction pipeline, within the scope of monitoring the structure’s behaviour.
The testing of a structure can detect behavior anomalies in advance, enabling the implementation of corrective actions and minimizing downtimes.
The pipeline was instrumented in three different sections spread far apart. The installation included the following items:
- Custom FBG Measurement System - BraggMETER based, with contact relays module for alarming and a dedicated GUI interface.
- Three arrays of four strain sensors OPTIMET-PKF-OTC-1 type, evenly spaced, and one temperature sensor for thermal compensation.
The strain and temperature sensors were delivered in an array configuration to the construction site and installed on the outer surface of the steel pipeline.
The sensors and the long lead in/out cables were then spliced in situ and connected to one FS22 Industrial BraggMETER interrogator placed in a control room hundreds of meters away from the pipeline.
The sensors and cables were waterproofed and protected with X120 glue and waterproof tapes. The system was designed for 24/7 operation with configured triggered alarms and the measurements are still being recorded.