Microwave corrosion detection systems and methods

A method for non-destructively characterizing the dielectric properties of materials associated with a target, comprising the steps of:

• directing microwave energy from a microwave source towards a target;
• receiving microwave energy signals returned from said target;
• analyzing received microwave energy to determine the difference between incident and reflected microwave signals to determine the presence of corrosion within a target or a targeted area associated with a target;
• and
• characterizing dielectric properties of materials associated with said target based on said analyzing of said secondary microwave signals.

A system for non-destructively characterizing the dielectric properties of materials associated with a target, comprising:

• a microwave energy source for producing primary microwave energy at about 24 Gigahertz;
• a waveguide for directing said primary microwave energy towards a target;
• a receiver for receiving and measuring secondary microwave energy reflected from said target and associated with said primary microwave energy;
• a microprocessor programmed for analyzing the secondary microwave energy;
• and
• an indicator for providing results of microprocessor analysis.

A system for non-destructively characterizing the dielectric properties of materials associated with a target, comprising:

• a microwave energy source for producing microwave energy;
• a waveguide for directing said primary microwave energy towards a target;
• a receiver for receiving microwave energy reflected off said target;
• an analyzer for assessing the difference between incident and reflected microwave signals received by said receiver to determine the presence of corrosion within a target or a targeted area associated with a target;
• and
• an indicator for providing results of microprocessor analysis.