Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An apparatus for capacitance or dampness measurement is provided. The apparatus is particularly suitable for continuous determination of dampness over substantially flat surfaces such as roofs, floors, pavements and walls. The apparatus essentially includes a pair of substantially elongate electrodes attached to a casing which has a pair of removable surface engaging wheels a handle for pushing and steering, a pair of grip handles for carrying and maneuvering, and two recesses, one for a power supply and the other for an electronic monitoring apparatus combined with a read-out display means. The electrodes are separated by a gap of approximately 5 cm and are retained on the casing so as not to be taut but to be slightly floppy so as to permit good contact between the electrodes and the surface to be tested. The value of capacitance/unit area of the electrodes in air is preferably in the range 50 pFm.sup.-2 -150 pFm.sup.-2. In use, following the calibration, the apparatus is propelled systematically over the surface to be tested as a manually propelled vehicle. Capacitance readings are taken by observation of the dials of the electronic monitoring apparatus through the opening. When used on walls, the wheels are removed to provide improved contact between the electodes and the wall. In another embodiment, the electrodes also function as tracks, (which are electrically insulated from each other and the casing) for a tracked vehicle. A roller pair for each track, which is endless, is provided.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim