Patent ID: 8438907

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 configured to receive at least a feed stream containing at least an alcohol that is a liquid alcohol at 25° C. and 1 atm, and to produce a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas as a majority component therefrom; a feedstock delivery system configured to deliver the feed stream containing at least the alcohol to the hydrogen-producing region of the hydrogen-producing assembly, wherein the feedstock delivery system is in communication with a liquid supply containing the alcohol; and a liquid leak detection system configured 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, wherein the controller is configured 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 further wherein, upon detection of a liquid leak, the liquid leak detection system automatically at least one of interrupts the operation of the fuel processing system and controls the feedstock delivery system to stop delivering the feed stream to the hydrogen-producing region; 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 liquid leak detection system is configured to be actuated by receipt of a predetermined volume of the alcohol but not to be actuated by receipt of an equal volume of water.