Fugitive emissions sensor

摘要

A sensor (10) for detecting volatile hydrocarbons and other solvent vapors detects leaks in the fittings and valves of petroleum refineries and chemical manufacturing and processing plants. The sensor (10) comprises a dielectric substrate (12) having a major surface; a pair of interdigitated, electrically conductive electrodes (14a, 14b) disposed on the major surface of the substrate; and a composite coating (16) covering the interdigitated electrodes. The coating (16) comprises a conductive polymer, and a dielectric polymer with an affinity for the solvent vapors to be detected.