Electrically functional water sensing duct tape suitable for detection of indoor pinhole leakages with high spatial and temporal resolution

초록

We propose an electrically functional water sensing duct tape that can be adhered along indoor pipes or walls for continuous spatial and temporal monitoring of pinhole water leaks. Its simple low-cost design consists of a dielectric wick sandwiched between flexible electrodes in a duct tape format. Entire length is powered and monitored from one end via an electronic control unit (ECU). Its electrical impedance changes upon contact with water droplet and is detected by the ECU. Using 10 Hz sinusoidal driving frequency and peak-to-peak voltage of 10 V, 50 µL water droplet could be detected within 5 s and narrowed down to a 100 mm segment. By selecting segment interconnects of appropriate resistance, the response and spatial resolution may be adjusted accordingly. Its unparalleled spatial and temporal monitoring will allow indoor water pipes to be monitored continuously at very low procurement, installation, operation and maintenance costs. It will finally enable us to detect pinhole leakages before it escalates and substantial damage to building occurs. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.

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