William E Huth

US Patent:

55171818, May 14, 1996

Filed:

Aug 10, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/289342

Inventors:

Harold E. Gray - Las Vegas NV
Felder M. McLaurin - Las Vegas NV
Monico Ortiz - Las Vegas NV
William A. Huth - Las Vegas NV

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the United Staes
Department of Energy - Washington DC

International Classification:

G08B 2100

US Classification:

340605

Abstract:

A device or system for monitoring for the presence of leaks from a hazardous fluid is disclosed which uses two electrodes immersed in deionized water. A gas is passed through an enclosed space in which a hazardous fluid is contained. Any fumes, vapors, etc. escaping from the containment of the hazardous fluid in the enclosed space are entrained in the gas passing through the enclosed space and transported to a closed vessel containing deionized water and two electrodes partially immersed in the deionized water. The electrodes are connected in series with a power source and a signal, whereby when a sufficient number of ions enter the water from the gas being bubbled through it (indicative of a leak), the water will begin to conduct, thereby allowing current to flow through the water from one electrode to the other electrode to complete the circuit and activate the signal.