Leak detector

Abstract

A leak-detecting sensor device (120) for a hose section (105) comprises a sensor(145a, b). The sensor (145a, b) comprises an optical fibre arranged to react to the presence of a fluid. The sensor (145a, b) is housed in a protective sleeve that is arranged for expansion and contraction when the hose section (105) expands and contracts, respectively. Tension means connects a first end of the sensor to the protective sleeve and is arranged to tension the sensor within the sleeve.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to the detection of leaks, in particular to the detection of fluid leaks in hoses. Background technique [0002] Subsea hoses, such as fuel hoses, generally experience wear and tear, as well as aging, and may be subject to other forms of damage. This can lead to rupture of the hose, resulting in leakage of the hose contents or water ingress from the outside of the hose. Typically, underwater hoses include an inner carcass and an outer carcass, both of which may rupture at any point along the hose. Failure of the outer carcass will result in the ingress of water, while failure of the inner carcass will result in leakage of the fluid conveyed by the hose. A detector is typically placed at the end of the hose section and detects a leak when fluid or water from the leak reaches the end of the hose section. It is obvious that it is beneficial to detect any leak as quickly as possible and to detect the location and type of le...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

In some detectors, the optical fiber is coated with a fluid-sensitive material that bulges upon contact with the fluid, causing deformation of the optical fiber and thereby affecting its optical properties

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