Leak detection by chemical reactions at the leak site

摘要

An apparatus for detecting a leak of a fluid from a vessel having an inner wall and an outer wall includes at least one chemical material layer adjacent the outer wall. At least a portion of the chemical material layer is adapted to undergo a chemical reaction with a portion of the fluid leaking through the outer wall. The apparatus may also include at least one semi-permeable material layer adjacent the chemical material layer. The fluid may be a pressurized gas, such as hydrogen or another gas that will react with the chemical material layer to produce a detectable odor and/or a detectable discoloration of the chemical material layer.