Patent ID: 7453367
Filing Date: 2008-11-18
Classification: G01M

Abstract:
1. A fluid leak detector for a hose line segment of the type comprising at least an inner carcass and an outer containment carcass separated from the inner carcass by a collection space, the detector comprising: a sensor housing defined by sidewalls externally mounted to the hose line segment and having an internal housing chamber in communication with the collection space; an optical sensor extending through at least one of the sidewalls of the sensor housing; the optical sensor having an optical sensing element positioned within the sensor housing chamber for detecting a presence of fluid in the hose collection space, wherein the optical sensing element comprises an optical fiber disposed to contact fluid within the collection space; an analysis element connecting to the optical sensing element and positioned outside of the sensor housing sidewalls, the analysis element configured to generate data indicative of the fluid status within the hose collection space; a transmission element connecting to the analysis element for receiving data from the analysis element and transmitting the data to at least one remote receiver; and an elongate duct extending from the housing chamber to the hose collection space, the duct having a central axial passageway and the optical fiber residing within the duct passageway, wherein the optical sensing element is electrically isolated from the analysis element.