Leak detection system with addressable sensors

Abstract

The present invention provides a leak detection system for a double pipeline having an inner pipe, an outer pipe and an interstitial space therebetween. The system includes: (1) a first sensor and a second sensor spaced from one another and associated with the double pipeline, the first sensor and the second sensor being capable of sensing a change in a physical condition within the interstitial space indicative of a fluid leak and of generating a signal indicating a fluid leak detection, each of the first sensor and the second sensor having a unique address; and (2) a control coupled with the first detector and the second detector and responsive to the signal indicating fluid leak detection; the control being capable of reporting the address of the first sensor or the second sensor that sent the signal indicating fluid leak detection.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an alarm and leak detection system;

FIG. 2 is an end view of a double containment pipeline; and

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram for a charge transfer detector.

Claims

1. A leak detection system for a double pipeline having an inner pipe, an outer pipe and an interstitial space therebetween, the system comprising: a first sensor and a second sensor spaced from one another and associated with the double pipeline, the first sensor and the second sensor each capable of sensing a change in a physical condition within the interstitial space indicative of a fluid leak and of generating a signal indicating a fluid leak detection, each of the first sensor and the second sensor having a unique address; anda control coupled with the first detector and the second detector and responsive to the signal of a fluid leak detection; the control being capable of reporting the address of the first sensor or the second sensor that sent the signal indicating fluid leak detection.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein a portion of the first sensor extends into the interstitial space.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the double pipeline has an outer wall and the first sensor is mounted to the outer wall.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the change in physical condition is a change in a physical property selected from the group consisting of: the conductivity, the capacitance, the density and the resistance.

5. The system of claim 1 further comprising an alarm indicator associated with the control and responsive to the signal indicating receipt of the leak detection signal.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein the control is capable of generating a log of the date and time and sensor address where leak detection occurred.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the first sensor is coupled to the control by either a wire or a radio frequency transmission.