Patent ID: 7629067

Claim:
A fuel processing system with a liquid leak detection system, the fuel processing system comprising: a hydrogen-producing assembly with a hydrogen-producing region adapted to receive at least a feed stream containing at least a carbon-containing feedstock and to produce a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas as a majority component therefrom; a feedstock delivery system adapted to deliver the feed stream containing at least a carbon-containing feedstock to the hydrogen-producing region of the hydrogen-producing assembly, wherein the feedstock delivery system is in communication with a liquid supply containing the carbon-containing feedstock; and a liquid leak detection system adapted to detect liquid that leaks from the fuel processing system; wherein the liquid leak detection system comprises: a controller; at least one liquid detector in communication with the controller; wherein the at least one liquid detector includes at least a pair of spaced-apart conductive members, and further wherein the controller is adapted to monitor the at least one liquid detector to electrically detect a property or condition that is indicative of liquid establishing a conductive path between the conductive members; and a cover extending at least above the pair of conductive members and positioned so that liquid leaking from the fuel processing system contacts the cover prior to contacting the pair of conductive members, wherein the cover includes conductive particulate that is configured to be drawn from the cover by liquid passing through the cover to the liquid detector to increase the conductivity of the liquid passing through the cover.