Fibre=optic leak detection probe for fluids in pipes - has logic analyser connected to fibre to measure modification of photon flux caused by fluid leak actuated blocker

摘要

The pipe of interest is surrounded by a concentric sealed sheath divided into sections whose length depends on the accuracy with which it is desired to pin-point the leak. In the case of a leak there will be a circulation of product between the pipe wall and the sheath wall in that section. Each section is connected to a probe by an admission - return pipe. The probe is crossed by an optical fibre interrupted at its centre and connected to an electronic system operating peripheral equipment such as alarms and stop-values. - The leak is detected by the modification of the signal injected into the optical fibre. This modification arises due to the dissolution of a degradable support of a ball which then blocks, due to gravity, the passage of luminous flux. The optical signal modification may also be achieved by modification of the refractive index or opacity of the product crossing the detector. The output signal is analysed by logic circuits and amplified to excite an electronic valve connected to the various peripherals. The system is insensitive to electrical fields and presents no danger of fire or explosion.(0/1)