Leak detection system with addressable sensors

• US 20070157705A1
• Filed: 01/08/2007
• Published: 07/12/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 01/06/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Arnold C. Bilstad, James Audo
• Original Assignee: Arnold C. Bilstad, James Audo
• Inventors: Bilstad, Arnold C., Audo, James
• Application Number:
  US11/650,718
• Publication Number:
  US 20070157705A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 73/49.100
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/283 for double-walled pipes

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.

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; and

a 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.