AU2010201152A1 - A System, Apparatus and Method for Monitoring Wear Rate and Predicting Failure of Hoses - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A system for monitoring wear rate and predicting failure of hoses, including a primary hose portion and a secondary hose portion, electrically conductive means located between the primary and secondary hose portions, a plurality of 5 detection means for detecting a change in the electrically conductive means and communication means associated with the detection means for transmitting a signal to a remote location, the signal including a unique identifier relating to a location of each detection means

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: A System, Apparatus and Method for Monitoring Wear Rate and Predicting Failure of Hoses Applicant: ARCNET PTY LTD The invention is described in the following statement: 2 A SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MONITORING WEAR RATE AND PREDICTING FAILURE OF HOSES Field of the Invention. The present invention relates generally to the field of materials 5 transport and more particularly to an apparatus for monitoring the wear rate of a hose and in turn, predicting of the length of useful life remaining for the hose before replacement will be required. Background Art. Hoses used to transfer abrasive or aggressive material can suffer a high 10 degree of wear, particularly in the position of curves or bends in the hose or at a position where any obstruction or occlusion causes turbulence in the hose . Typically, an operator is not aware that a hose is coming to the end of its usable life until the hose ruptures due to the wear. This causes not only leakage or loss of the material which is dangerous to personnel typically due to the pressure and 15 potentially hazardous chemical nature of the material within the hose, but the material itself can also be an environmental hazard. A potential solution has been identified in the past or through the provision of an electrically conductive wire being provided within the hose wall with the conductive characteristics of the wire being related to the integrity of the hose 20 wall. A detection means is provided such that when the hose's liner wears away to a degree as to wear through the electrically conductive wire, the detection means is triggered, setting off a coded radio frequency transmitted signal to a base station which, via a coded receiving device, identifies the source of the signal. The signal is being monitored by the operator to advise the operator that wear has taken place and 25 that there is a limited life expectancy before the hose fails completely. This solution also provides that the detector wires can be inserted in the hose at different depths and that each wire can be monitored separately such that as the first wire is broken, an alarm is given. As subsequent wires are broken, the operator can monitor the deterioration of the hose. 30 Whilst the above potential solution works to a degree, the receiver unit and operator is required to be within close proximity, that is to approximately one kilometer, of the hose being monitored to be able to receive the alarms provided via the coded radio frequency signals transmitted due to actual breakage of the 3 electrically conductive wires. It is also a requirement that the receiver device be powered from a 240 volt source. It would therefore be a clear advantage if the hose was provided with the electrically conductive path or wire and also a communication device that is not 5 restricted by the distance between the hose and the receiver unit. Another advantage would be if remote and off-site people can access the information directly to start the process of procurement and preventative maintenance scheduling and putting safety measures and environmental protection precautions in place without having to rely on the operator to advise them of imminent failures. Another advantage would be to 10 remove the need for a 240 volt power receiver unit to allow the system still to operate even during periods of power failures. Additional advantages would be gained if a more quantitative rather than qualitative calculation of the end of the useful life of the hose is provided. It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to 15 herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. Summary of the Invention. The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for monitoring wear rate and predicting failure of hoses, which may at least partially 20 overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a system for monitoring wear rate and predicting failure of hoses, including a primary hose portion and a secondary hose portion, electrically conductive means 25 located between the primary and secondary hose portions, a plurality of detection means for detecting a change in the electrically conductive means and communication means associated with the detection means for transmitting a signal to a remote location, the signal including a unique identifier relating to a location of each detection means. 30 According to an alternative, the present invention resides in a material transport hose including a primary hose portion and a secondary hose portion, electrically conductive means located between the primary and secondary hose 4 portions wherein at least the portion of the electrically conductive means extends outside either the primary or secondary hose portions. In still a further embodiment, the present invention resides in a method of managing the useful life of a hose using a system for monitoring wear rate and 5 predicting failure of hoses, the method including the steps of maintaining a database of the installation dates of a plurality of hoses, monitoring each hose for detecting a change in the electrically conductive means, calculating using a data processor, the period of time between the installation date and the change, and based on the position of the electrically conductive means within the hose, calculating the rate of loss of 10 hose integrity between installation and the time at which the change in the electrically conductive means was detected in order to predict the remaining useful life of the hose. The primary hose portion and secondary hose portion are preferably an inner and an outer hose portion. Normally, the primary or inner hose portion is 15 formed, the conductive means or material then wrapped about the exterior of the primary hose portion and the secondary or outer hose portion ,is then formed concentrically about the primary hose portion. More than two layers can be provided with a layer of conductive means may provided between respective layers in order to provide more alert signals if 20 required. Normally, each of the hose portions will have a uniform thickness although not necessarily be equal in thickness. It is important however that the thickness of each of the respective portions is known. There may further be an outer sheath provided on the hose outside the 25 secondary hose portion. Typically, the inner and outer hose portions are formed from the same material. If not the same material, then the preferred calculation of the wear rate will need to be adjusted or a factor will be used in order to adjust for the different wear rates of different materials used. 30 Therefore, the primary and secondary hose portions will preferably be formed as two layers of hose liner, one concentrically about the other. The invention typically includes electrically conductive means located between the primary and secondary hose portions. Typically, a continuous conductive 5 path is defined by the electrically conductive means over at least a portion, and typically the entire length of hose. Normally, a conductive wire or sheet or layer will be used as the electrically conductive means, with a spirally or helically wound conductive wire 5 being preferred. Preferably, the electrically conductive means is located about the primary or inner hose portion and beneath the secondary or outer hose portion. Typically, both ends of the preferred conductive wire will extend outside the outermost layer of the hose, normally adjacent one another. The detector means will be more simply located and connected in this case. 10 Typically, the electrically conductive means will be of a relatively small dimension such that the wire or layer will be breached or disrupted if the material transported in the hose abrades the wire or layer. Normally, a single length of wire is provided for each detection means used, such that each detection means monitors a single length of wire or conductive 15 means. Typically, the length of hose is provided between hose flanges or fittings. The invention also includes a plurality of detection means each for detecting a change in a respective electrically conductive means. As mentioned above, normally one detection means is provided for each length of hose. Typically, the "change" detected is a break or breach in the conductive 20 means. Each detection means preferably has associated with it, a unique identifier which will preferably form part of any transmission made from the detection means, in order to identify the particular detector means. The unique identifier will preferably be stored in a database with an associated physical location and preferably 25 a record of data collected from each detection means. The detection means may be simple in order to monitor for loss of conductivity over a given length of conductive means or more complex functionality may be provided. There are many methods for monitoring loss of conductivity over a length of conductive means, the simplest being monitoring for a closed-circuit defined 30 by the conductive means. If there is no closed-circuit, then an alert signal is preferably generated by the detection means. This alert signal is then preferably transmitted via a communication means to a remote location.

6 The present invention therefore preferably includes telecommunication means associated with each detection means for transmitting a signal to a remote location, the signal including a unique identifier relating to the location of the detection means. Any communication means can be used. Possible types include radio 5 frequency, infrared, mobile and satellite telephony or the like but any wireless communication means may be used. Mobile and satellite telephony networks are likely to be the most prolific and available for use with the present invention. The signal is preferably generated periodically and the status of the conductive means is reported and transmitted to a remote location where the signal is 10 received and communicated to a computer processor or other mobile device. The computer processor preferably uses the signal to accomplish at least two tasks, namely to identify the particular detection means from which the signal was sent and therefore, the particular length of hose and location corresponding to the detection means, and secondly, to use the issuance of the signal 15 to calculate the approximate span of time remaining in the useful life of the particular length of hose , based on the time elapsed between the installation date of the hose and the issue of the first "fail' signal, as this time will typically be the time taken to wear the inner layer of the hose pipe away. Alternatively or in addition, the signal may be sent to a mobile 20 communications device of the operator of the hose and/or to a system administrator for actioning. Typically all of the communication within the system is through the system administrator and central server located on a network of computers, with the possibility for direct alert signals to the hose operator or site supervisor or any other person, if necessary or desired. 25 Preferably, the computer processor will apply an algorithm which calculates the rate at which the inner layer has worn and then use this rate to calculate the remaining useful life of the hose, based on the thickness of the hose wall remaining. One simple example of this algorithm is as follows: r2 - r1 Rate of W'Vear per unit time = t 30 Where r2= radius from the centre of the hose to the conductive means; r1 = initial radius from the centre of the hose or pipe to the inner wall of the inner layer; and 7 t = time from installation to the issue of the first "fail" signal. A factor may be included to account for the difference between r2 and the minimum safe wall thickness of the hose before replacement is required. The algorithm can be adjusted to account for the differences in the diameter of the opening 5 through the hose as the hose wears also. Obviously, the entire hose cannot be allowed to wear so a minimum safe wall thickness is preferably determined and calculation of the radius to that minimum safe wall thickness is then used in the calculation. The computer processor will preferably store the calculated remaining 10 time in the useful life of the portion of hose or pipe. The computer processor will also typically have an associated reminder system embodied in a computer program to police the end of the calculated remaining time period. Preferably, reminder notices or alerts are produced on a periodic basis with the location of each portion of hose monitored by the system and the time remaining before replacement of the particular 15 portion of hose as required. Preferably, a "replace" flag may be produced in order to notify the user or a system administrator that a length of pipe or hose should be replaced. This will typically assist with planning of maintenance schedules. The system of the present invention therefore may be particularly advantageous to use in association with a maintenance schedule and a maintenance schedule may be 20 produced as a product of the system. Preferably, each detection means will either have a unique identifier or the signal generated by the detector means includes a unique identifier. Preferably, the detection means may not be "awake" at all times and normal operation will include the detection means spending the majority of its time in 25 the "sleep" mode in which the detection means is inactive. The detection means may periodically switch to an "active" mode in order to undertake testing and then re-enter the "sleep" mode. Typically therefore the detection means will cycle through a number of stages namely "sleep, active, test, report, sleep". By spending a majority of time in the sleep mode, the battery of the 30 detection means is maintained. When in the "test" mode, the detection means may test a number of parameters including parameters in relation to the detection means itself. Preferably, 8 the detection means will test the integrity of the conductive means as well as the battery life in the detection means in order to report battery status. As the detection means will therefore preferably report on the integrity or otherwise of the conductive means and also the battery status in each "report" 5 stage. The detection means will therefore preferably send a signal each testing cycle indicating that the conductive means is in "good" condition or whether it has failed, together with an indication of battery status. As the detection means will preferably warn of a low battery as well as a "replace" battery warning as well. 10 Preferably, the system of the invention will also calculate remaining life in the battery in a manner similar to the calculation used to predict the end of the useful life of the hose itself by a comparison of the charge remaining in the battery as a function of time. There will normally be a hierarchy of escalating warnings provided for 15 the hose integrity and/or remaining battery life. Failure of the conductive means will preferably lead to a first level of alerts and there will preferably be a plurality of levels of alerts thereafter based on the estimate of useful life remaining for the hose and/or battery culminating in a "critical/replace" warning when the calculated end of useful life is reached. 20 The system of the present invention will typically be operated by a system administrator. The system administrator will normally operate the computer processor as well as the membership to the system. Normally, membership to the system will be required in order to take advantage of the monitoring functions of the present invention. 25 There will normally be a number of levels of access to the system including customer access for customers whose hoses are being monitored, the system administrator access with corresponding "superuser" rights and also preferably hose retailers or manufacturers which may be members of the system in order to provide cost estimates and an integrated online ordering function for the replacement of hoses 30 and/or batteries. Normally the access will be through a network of computers such as the World Wide Web or Internet. Typically, all of the members will access the system through an entry interface on the network with access controlled by login details.

9 Entry to the system and also the access level and privileges will preferably be determined according to the login details with different levels of user, having different abilities and restrictions in relation to the data contained in the system. The system of the invention will preferably store data relating to use of 5 the hose as well as data relating to the life of the hoses and/or batteries and this data will preferably be available through a reporting module used to produce reports from the information contained in the database. The database will preferably contain a list of all monitored hoses/detection means with corresponding data in individual entries for identification 10 and reporting purposes. The database may be accessible and searchable for this information. In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "hose" and its derivatives includes hoses, pipes, conduits or any other materials transport component whether rigid or flexible or a combination. 15 In still a further form the present invention resides broadly in a system for monitoring wear rate and predicting failure of a deteriorating process equipment component, including a primary component portion and a secondary component portion, electrically conductive means located between the primary and secondary component portions, a detection means for detecting a change in the electrically 20 conductive means and communication means associated with the detection means for transmitting a signal to a remote location, the signal including a unique identifier relating to a location of each detection means. The system of the present invention can be used to monitor the status and predict the end of the useful life of any deteriorating process equipment 25 component. It is particularly well adapted to use with process equipment which wear through the action of the material transported or processed. For example, the system of the present invention can be used to monitor the status and integrity of valve sleeves, cyclone liners, vessel liners or vessels themselves. Simply put, the system of the invention can be used to monitor status of any deteriorating component. 30 Brief Description of the Drawings. Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic view of a hose according to an embodiment of 10 the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hose or pipe according to an aspect of the present invention. Figure 3 is a schematic view of information movement in a system 5 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus, system and method for monitoring wear rate and predicting failure of a hose is provided. 10 The preferred system for monitoring wear rate and predicting failure of hoses, includes at least one material transport hose 10 including a primary, inner hose portion 11 and a secondary outer hose portion 12, an electrically conductive wire 13 located between the primary 11 and secondary hose portions 12 wherein at least a portion of the electrically conductive wire extends outside either the primary I1 or 15 secondary hose portions 12, a detector 14 for detecting a change in the condition of the electrically conductive wire 13 and communication means associated with the detector 14 for transmitting a signal to a remote location, the signal including a unique identifier relating to a location of each detector 14. A preferred embodiment of the hose 10 and detector 14 configuration is illustrated in Figure 1. 20 Normally, there will be a plurality of hoses each having the abovementioned configuration and each with a detection means, all of the detection means operating to send a signal upon the change in the electrically conductive means of any of the hoses to the remote location, normally a central system administration. A preferred embodiment of the system as a whole is illustrated in Figure 3. 25 In a further preferred embodiment, a method of managing the useful life of a hose using a system for monitoring wear rate and predicting failure of hoses, is provided including the steps of maintaining a database of the installation dates of a plurality of hoses including a primary hose portion and a secondary hose portion, electrically conductive means located between the primary and secondary hose 30 portions, monitoring each hose for detecting a change in the electrically conductive means, calculating the period of time between the installation date and the change using a data processor, and based on the position of the electrically conductive means within the hose, calculating the rate of loss of hose integrity between installation and 111 the time at which the change in the electrically conductive means was detected in order to predict the remaining useful life of the hose. This will typically be accomplished by using the calculation of the rate of loss of hose integrity and applying that calculated rate of loss to a thickness of hose 5 wall remaining at any time in the life of the hose and prior to the hose thinning to a minimum safe wall thickness. According to the preferred embodiment, the primary hose portion 11 and secondary hose portion 12 are an inner and an outer hose portion. Normally, the primary or inner hose portion 11 is formed, the conductive wire 13 then wrapped 10 about the exterior of the primary hose portion 11 and the secondary or outer hose portion 12 is then formed concentrically about the primary hose portion 11. Each of the hose portions will have a uniform thickness although not necessarily be equal in thickness. It is important however that the thickness of each of the respective portions is known. 15 There may further be an outer sheath 15 provided on the hose outside the secondary hose portion 12. According to the preferred embodiment, a continuous conductive path is defined by the electrically conductive wire 13 over the entire length of hose provided between flanges 17. 20 The conductive wire is spirally or helical wound about the primary hose portion 11. As illustrated, both ends 16 of the conductive wire 13 extend outside the outermost layer of the hose adjacent one another. Each detector 14 has associated with it a unique identifier which will form part of any transmission made from the detector 14 in order to identify the 25 particular detector 14. The unique identifier is also stored in a database with an associated physical location of the detector 14 and an accompanying record of data collected from each detector 14. In order to monitor for loss of conductivity over a given length of conductive wire 13, the simplest method is monitoring for a closed-circuit defined by 30 the conductive wire 13. If there is no closed-circuit, then an alert signal is generated by the detector 14. This alert signal is then transmitted via a communication means or pathway to a remote location.

12 The preferred embodiment therefore includes a communication means associated with each detector 14 for transmitting a signal to a remote location, the signal including a unique identifier relating to the location of the detector 14. Any communication means can be used. Possible types include radio frequency, infrared, 5 mobile and satellite telephony or the like but any wireless communication means may be used. Mobile and satellite telephony networks are likely to be the most prolific and available for use with the present invention. The signal is generated when the conductive wire 13 is disrupted and the signal is then transmitted to a remote location where the signal is received and 10 communicated to a computer processor 18. The computer processor 18 uses the signal to accomplish at least two tasks, namely to identify the particular detector 14 from which the signal was sent and therefore, the particular length of hose or pipe corresponding to the detector 14 and secondly, to use the issuance of the signal to calculate the approximate span of time 15 remaining in the useful life of the particular length of hose based on the time elapsed between the installation of the hose and the issue of the first "fail" signal as this time will typically be the time taken to wear the inner layer of the hose pipe away. Normally, all of the hoses in a particular venue 19 are monitored and all of the detectors 14 for a venue feed information to the central data processor 18. 20 All venues will typically share a central system control room 20 which can receive alerts or signals directly from the relevant detectors, from the central computer processor 18 or system administrator or both. Typically all of the communication within the system is through the system administrator and central server located on a network of computers, with the 25 possibility for direct alert signals to the control centre 20 of the hose operator if necessary or desired. Preferably, the computer processor 18 will apply an algorithm which calculates the rate at which the inner layer has worn. One simple example of this algorithm is as follows: r2 - r1 30 Rate of W'Vear per unit time = t Where r2 = radius from the centre of the hose or pipe to the conductive means; 13 rl = initial radius from the centre of the hose or pipe to the inner wall of the inner layer; and t = time from installation to the issue of the first "fail" signal. Obviously, the entire hose wall cannot be allowed to wear so a 5 minimum safe wall thickness 21 is preferably determined and calculation of the radius of the hose to that minimum safe wall thickness (r3) is then used in the calculation predicting the useful life remaining The computer processor 18 also stores the calculated remaining time in the useful life of the hose. 10 The computer processor 18 will also typically have an associated reminder system embodied in a computer program to police the end of the calculated remaining time period. Preferably, reminder notices or alerts are produced on a periodic basis with the location of each portion of hose monitored by the system and the time remaining before replacement of the particular portion of hose is required. 15 Preferably, a "replace" flag may be produced in order to notify the user or a system administrator that a length of pipe or hose should be replaced. This will typically assist with planning of maintenance. The system of the present invention therefore maybe particularly advantageous to a maintenance schedule and a maintenance schedule may be produced as a product of the system. 20 Typically, the detectors are not "awake" at all times and normal operation include the detectors spending the majority of its time in a "sleep" mode in which the detector is inactive. The detector is programmed to periodically switch to an "active" mode in order to undertake testing and then re-enter the "sleep" mode. Typically therefore each detector will cycle through a number of stages namely 25 "sleep, active, test, report, sleep". By spending a majority of time in the sleep mode, the battery of the detector is maintained. When in the "test" mode, the detectors will usually test a number of parameters including parameters in relation to the detector itself. Usually, the detector 30 will test the integrity of the conductive wire as well as the battery life in the conductive means and report both in each "report" stage. The detectors therefore send a signal each testing cycle indicating that the conductive wire is in "good" or operating condition or whether the conductive 14 wire has failed, together with an indication of battery status. The detection means will preferably warn of a low battery as well as a "replace" battery warning as well. There will normally be a hierarchy of escalating warnings provided for the hose integrity and/or remaining battery life. Failure of the conductive wire will 5 normally lead to a first level of alerts and there will preferably be a plurality of levels of alerts in increasing urgency thereafter based on the estimate of useful life remaining for either the hose or battery, culminating in a "critical/replace" warning when the calculated end of useful life is reached. The system of the present invention will typically be operated by a 10 system administrator. The system administrator will normally operate the computer processor as well as the membership to the system. Normally, membership to the system will be required in order to take advantage of the monitoring functions of the present invention. There will normally be a number of levels of access to the system 15 which is illustrated schematically in Figure 3 including customer access for customer whose hoses are being monitored including customer departments for example contracts and purchasing departments 21 as well as site maintenance personnel and maintenance planners 23, system administrator access with corresponding "superuser" rights and also preferably hose retailers or manufacturers 22 which may be members 20 of the system in order to provide cost estimates and an integrated online ordering function for the replacement of hoses and/or batteries. Normally the access will be through a network of computers such as the World Wide Web or Internet. Typically, all of the members will access the system through an entry interface with access controlled by login details. Entry to the system 25 and also the access level, will preferably be determined according to the login details with different levels of user having different abilities and restrictions in relation to the data contained in the system. The system of the invention will preferably store data relating to use of the hose as well as data relating to the life of the hoses and/or batteries and this data 30 will preferably be available through a reporting module used to produce reports from the information contained in the database. The database will preferably contain a list of all monitored hoses/detection means with corresponding data in individual entries for identification 15 and reporting purposes. The database may be accessible and searchable for this information dependant on access privileges. In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated 5 integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an 10 embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be 15 understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art. 20

Claims (22)

1. A material transport hose including a primary hose portion and a secondary hose portion, electrically conductive means located between the primary and secondary hose portions wherein at least the portion of the electrically conductive 5 means extends outside either the primary or secondary hose portions.

2. A material transport hose as claimed in claim I wherein more than two hose portions are provided with a layer of conductive means provided between respective hose portions.

3. A material transport hose as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein each of the 10 hose portions has a uniform thickness over its length.

4. A material transport hose as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the hose portions are formed from the same material.

5. A material transport hose as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein electrically conductive means is a conductive wire spirally or helically wound 15 about a hose portion over a length of hose.

6. A material transport hose as claimed claim 5 wherein both ends of the conductive wire will extend outside an outermost layer of the hose adjacent one another.

7. A system for monitoring wear rate and predicting failure of hoses, including a primary hose portion and a secondary hose portion, electrically conductive means 20 located between the primary and secondary hose portions, a plurality of detection means for detecting a change in the electrically conductive means and communication means associated with the detection means for transmitting a signal to a remote location, the signal including a unique identifier relating to a location of each detection means. 25

8. A system for monitoring wear rate and predicting failure of hoses as claimed in claim 7 wherein a plurality of detection means is provided, each for detecting a change in a respective electrically conductive means.

9. A system for monitoring wear rate and predicting failure of hoses as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 wherein each detection means has a unique identifier 30 associated with it, which forms part of any transmission made from the detection means, in order to identify the particular detector means.

10. A system for monitoring wear rate and predicting failure of hoses as claimed in claim 9 wherein each unique identifier is stored in an electronic database, with a 17 corresponding physical location of each detection means and a record of data collected from each detection means.

11. A system for monitoring wear rate and predicting failure of hoses as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10 further including wireless telecommunication means 5 associated with each detection means for transmitting a signal to a remote location, the signal including a unique identifier relating to the location of the detection means.

12. A system for monitoring wear rate and predicting failure of hoses as claimed in any one of claims 7 to I1 wherein a computer processor is provided which uses 10 the signal to accomplish at least two tasks, namely to identify the particular detection means from which the signal was sent and therefore, the particular length of hose or pipe corresponding to the detection means, and secondly, to use the issuance of the signal to calculate the approximate span of time remaining in the useful life of the particular length of hose , based on the time elapsed between 15 commissioning of the hose and the issuance of a first fail signal.

13. A system for monitoring wear rate and predicting failure of hoses as claimed in claim 12 wherein the computer processor applies an algorithm which calculates the rate at which the inner layer has worn and then uses this rate to calculate the remaining useful life of the hose, based on the thickness of the hose wall 20 remaining to a minimum safe wall thickness of the hose or pipe.

14. A system for monitoring wear rate and predicting failure of hoses as claimed in claim 12 or 13 wherein the computer processor has an associated reminder system embodied in a computer program to police the end of the calculated approximate span of time remaining in the useful life of the particular length of 25 hose.

15. A system for monitoring wear rate and predicting failure of hoses as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 14 wherein each detection means cycles periodically from a sleep mode to an awake mode in order to undertake testing, report the results of the testing via the signal and then re-enter the sleep mode. 30

16. A system for monitoring wear rate and predicting failure of hoses as claimed in claim 15 wherein the detection means tests integrity of the conductive means as well as the battery life in the detection means and reports both. 18

17. A system for monitoring wear rate and predicting failure of hoses as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 16 operated by a system administrator and allow membership to the system in order to take advantage of any monitoring functions.

18. A system for monitoring wear rate and predicting failure of hoses as claimed in 5 claim 17 wherein a number of levels of access to the system are provided including customer access for customers whose hoses are being monitored.

19. A system for monitoring wear rate and predicting failure of hoses as claimed in claim 17 or 18 wherein access to the system and any information within the system is through a network of computers through an entry interface on the 10 network with access privileges controlled by login details.

20. A method of managing the useful life of a hose using a system for monitoring wear rate and predicting failure of hoses, the method including the steps of maintaining a database of the installation dates of a plurality of hoses, monitoring each hose for detecting a change in the electrically conductive means, calculating 15 using a data processor, the period of time between the installation date and the change, and based on the position of the electrically conductive means within the hose, calculating the rate of loss of hose integrity between installation and the time at which the change in the electrically conductive means was detected in order to predict the remaining useful life of the hose. 20

21. A system for monitoring wear rate and predicting failure of a deteriorating process equipment component, including a primary component portion and a secondary component portion, electrically conductive means located between the primary and secondary component portions, a detection means for detecting a change in the electrically conductive means and communication means associated 25 with the detection means for transmitting a signal to a remote location, the signal including a unique identifier relating to a location of each detection means.

22. A deteriorating process equipment component including a primary component portion and a secondary component portion, electrically conductive means located between the primary and secondary component portions wherein at least 30 the portion of the electrically conductive means extends outside either the primary or secondary component portions.