System for detection of fluid leaks, for both conducting and non-conducting fluids, e.g. both hydrocarbons and water

摘要

Device comprises a first conductor (2) enclosed in a low dielectric constant plastic surround (3) and a second conductor (4) arranged in a spiral around the core of the first conductor. The second conductor is held within a low dielectric constant plastic layer (7) which encloses air pockets (6). A metallic mesh type shielding (5) forms a third conductor enclosing the rest of the assembly. Independent claims are made for a process for measurement of fluid leaks and an installation comprising the measurement device connected to appropriate circuitry in order to detect a fluid leak by a change in frequency at an oscillator output. A fluid leak causes a change in capacitance or inductance of the inductor, which causes a change in the output frequency and when this change exceeds a threshold value, an alarm is activated.