Moisture and/or thermal resistance monitoring system for insulation-containing conduit and methods of use

Abstract

A flexible or rigid fluid-carrying conduit system has an inner conduit, an outer member, and a space between the inner conduit and outer member, the space including an insulator. Each of the outer surface of the inner conduit and the inner surface of the outer member is electrically conductive. These electrically conductive surfaces are used for detection of moisture in the fluid-carrying conduit by providing either an electrical circuit or a capacitance measuring device. Completion of the electrical circuit provides an indication that moisture has entered the space between the inner conduit and outer member so that remedial action can be taken. Measuring the capacitance between the inner conduit and the outer member also allows for monitoring moisture in this space. The capacitance measuring function can also be used to monitor changes in thermal resistance of the conduit. The fluid-carrying conduit have a liner, bulk insulation, and a vapor barrier.