Method and apparatus for measuring water content
First Claim
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1. A method of measuring a water content of a soil, comprising the steps of:
- (a) arranging a temperature detection unit in the soil, the temperature detection unit including a heater, a heat sensor and heat conductive accommodating means for accommodating in a spaced manner both the heater and the heat sensor therein;
(b) energizing the heater;
(c) the heat sensor receiving heat from the heater to provide temperature signals;
(d) obtaining a thermal conductivity of the soil on the basis of the difference between temperature signals provided from the heat sensor at a time interval;
(e) calculating the water content from the thermal conductivity obtained in the step (d) in accordance with previously obtained data representing a correlation between thermal conductivity and water content of the soil.
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Abstract
According to a method and an apparatus for measuring a water content, a thermal conductivity of a measurement target is measured, and a water content of the measurement target is calculated from the thermal conductivity in accordance with prepared data which represents correlation between a thermal conductivity and a water content of the measurement target. A water content management system controls the water content in accordance with the actual water content. If the water content is excessive, it is informed by an alarm system.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. A method of measuring a water content of a soil, comprising the steps of:
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(a) arranging a temperature detection unit in the soil, the temperature detection unit including a heater, a heat sensor and heat conductive accommodating means for accommodating in a spaced manner both the heater and the heat sensor therein; (b) energizing the heater; (c) the heat sensor receiving heat from the heater to provide temperature signals; (d) obtaining a thermal conductivity of the soil on the basis of the difference between temperature signals provided from the heat sensor at a time interval; (e) calculating the water content from the thermal conductivity obtained in the step (d) in accordance with previously obtained data representing a correlation between thermal conductivity and water content of the soil. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A measuring apparatus for measuring a water content of a soil, comprising:
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(a) a heater adapted for electrical connection to a constant current supply means; (b) a heat sensor for outputting temperature signals; (c) heat conductive accommodating means, adapted to be arranged within the soil, for accommodating in a spaced manner both the heater and the heat sensor therein so that the heat sensor receives heat from the heater; (d) thermal conductivity measuring means for measuring a thermal conductivity of the soil on the basis of the difference between temperature signals supplied from the temperature sensor at a time interval; (e) water content calculating means for calculating the water content of the soil on the basis of the thermal conductivity, measured by the thermal conductivity measuring means, and in accordance with previously obtained data representing the correlation between thermal conductivity and water content of the soil. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification