Making invisible joint displacement visible
Displacement measurement devices
Following the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011, significant displacement occurred in many pipeline systems, and numerous joints exceeded their allowable displacement limits.
In response to customer requests for a solution that could monitor the displacement of buried joints without excavation in preparation for future earthquakes, the VIC Sensor II was developed.
By installing sensors on joints in underground and overhead piping systems where on-site inspection is difficult, the system enables displacement monitoring and supports rapid repairs as well as future maintenance planning.
Product Features
Sensors installed on the joints track joint displacement and measure displacement conditions in real time.
Measured data is recorded in a data logger connected to the sensors. Users can either connect a dedicated measurement unit to the data logger on site to review the data, or remotely access the cloud from their own devices to monitor measurement results.
Applications
Pipelines located beneath major roadways and other areas where excavation is difficult
Pipelines installed in soft ground conditions where predicting joint displacement is difficult
Pipelines in overhead or hard-to-access locations where on-site inspection is difficult
Challenges
Concerned about joint displacement conditions after an earthquake
Solutions
Joint displacement conditions can be monitored remotely without conducting on-site inspections
Challenges
Unable to determine the appropriate timing for reinforcement due to unknown joint displacement conditions
Solutions
Optimal reinforcement timing can be planned based on measured displacement values and allowable displacement limits
Challenges
Frequent excavation for inspection of buried pipeline joints is difficult
Solutions
Displacement can be monitored without excavation
| Delivery Record | Several dozen installations from 2016 (year of development) to 2022 |
|---|---|
| Main Installation Sites | Water supply facilities, agricultural water facilities, airport facilities, and more |
Even in locations where excavation would normally be required, displacement conditions can be monitored without excavation by installing sensors on the joints and measuring from ground level.
By understanding current displacement conditions, users can plan future replacement, reinforcement, and maintenance work based on long-term displacement trends.
IoT devices transmit measurement data to the cloud.
Users can access and monitor data anytime, 24 hours a day, from their own devices such as PCs and tablets.
01
1 day
Investigation
Investigation of existing joint dimensions, displacement conditions, and surrounding structures
02
10–20 days
Product Design
Custom design tailored to the shape of the existing joint
03
80-100 days
Product Manufacturing
Handcrafted manufacturing of sensor mounting bands
04
7days
Product Installation
Installation based on the current displacement condition of the joint
qHow durable is the system?
The system is designed to have a service life comparable to that of the joint itself. The sensors used are based on the same technology used in dam water level monitoring systems with a proven track record of approximately 40 years.
qCan it be installed on existing joints?
Installation is possible on our joints. A sensor-mounted band is attached directly to the joint. For joints manufactured by other companies, a repair sleeve is first installed on the joint, and the sensor is then mounted on top of the sleeve.
qCan it be installed in buried pipelines?
Yes, installation in buried pipelines is possible. The sensor is equipped with a protective cover and designed to withstand underground installation environments.
qHow is the system powered
For cloud-based systems, commercial AC 100V power is used. For non-cloud configurations, the system operates on standard batteries.
If you have any questions regarding our products or services, please feel free to contact us.
