Apparatus and method and system for detecting gas leaks

Abstract

To provide an apparatus for detecting leakage of an emanated gas from an inorganic compound stored in a container.SOLUTION: An apparatus 100 includes an enclosure 20 structured to conceal a closure 30 secured to a container 10. A flow creation device 50 is fluidically connected to the enclosure 20. The flow creation device 50 is configured to create a flow of an emanated gas from the enclosure 20. Further, a gas monitoring unit 60 is fluidically connected between the enclosure 20 and the flow creation device 50. The gas monitoring unit 60 is configured to receive at least a portion of the emanated gas from the enclosure 20 and detect the concentration of at least one constituent present in the emanated gas. The disclosure also includes a system incorporating a control unit for detecting leakage of the emanated gas from an inorganic compound stored in the container 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to detection devices. In particular, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to detecting leakage of gas emanating from inorganic compounds. Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose devices, systems, and methods for detecting leakage of outgassing from inorganic compounds stored in a container based on the concentration of the outgassing. [Background technology]

[0002] Inorganic compounds such as metal phosphides are highly toxic substances that are commonly used for applications such as fumigants to sterilize agricultural products such as grains and other essential commodities. One such metal phosphide is aluminum phosphide (AlP), which is commonly sold as a powder or in other convenient forms such as tablets, pellets, etc. Phosphine (PH3) gas is released from either industrial metal phosphides or metal phosphide formulations when they react with atmospheric moisture. Phosphine gas is highly toxic and in all cases exposure or inhalation must be avoided above the threshold limit values ​​(TLVs) recommended by safety agencies to which a person may be exposed over a lifetime without adverse health effects. To prevent direct exposure or inhalation of phosphine gas, either industrial metal phosphides or metal phosphide formulations are generally packaged in containers such as aluminum flasks or containers that include a sealing cap or cover. The integrity of the seal is very important and each flask must be checked to ensure that no gas escapes from the container. This is done to ensure the safety of personnel when using the product, as well as during transportation, loading / unloading and storage. The recommended TLV for phosphine gas may vary from region to region. In some countries, the recommended TLV for phosphine gas is 0.3 ppm, while in some other countries, a TLV of up to 0.1 ppm is strictly mandated.

[0003] To ensure safe exposure of phosphine gas well within the duty TLV, it is necessary to identify the extent of leakage. Leaks can be detected by various known techniques, which serve as effective means to assess the qualitative and quantitative extent of toxic components, e.g., phosphine gas in case of AlP. One such technique involves checking the concentration of phosphine gas in a storage box using any conventionally known gas concentration measuring device. However, checking every storage container to identify possible leaks is a tedious and time-consuming task. Thus, there is a need for a simple, fast, accurate and less expensive device for detecting leaks in leaking flasks containing toxic gases such as phosphine.

[0004] The present disclosure is intended to overcome one or more of the limitations set forth above. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One or more shortcomings of conventional leak detection devices, systems, and methods are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized by the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the present disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

[0006] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus for detecting leakage of an outgas from an inorganic compound stored in a container is disclosed. The apparatus includes an enclosure structured to conceal a closure secured to the container. The apparatus further includes a flow generating device fluidly connected to the enclosure. The flow generating device is configured to generate a flow of the outgas from the enclosure. Further, a gas monitoring unit is fluidly connected between the enclosure and the flow generating device. The gas monitoring unit is structured to receive at least a portion of the outgas from the enclosure and detect a concentration of at least one component present in the outgas.

[0007] In an embodiment, the enclosure is secured to an upper body portion of the container that encloses the closure.

[0008] In an embodiment, a sealing member is provided between the enclosure and the container.

[0009] In an embodiment, the enclosure is open to an air supply via a first valve.

[0010] In an embodiment, the flow generating device is a vacuum pump, which is configured to apply a vacuum inside the enclosure to generate a flow of the evolved gas.

[0011] In an embodiment, the pressure gauge is coupled between the flow generating device and the enclosure, the pressure gauge being configured to indicate the pressure of the vacuum applied inside the enclosure.

[0012] In an embodiment, a second valve is coupled between the flow generating device and the enclosure, the second valve configured to selectively allow flow of the effluent gas from the enclosure.

[0013] In an embodiment, the system includes a third valve coupled to the inlet of the gas monitoring unit, the third valve configured to selectively allow flow of at least a portion of the released gas from the enclosure to the gas monitoring unit.

[0014] In an embodiment, the inorganic compound is aluminum phosphide, magnesium phosphide, calcium phosphide, or other metal phosphide, and the evolved gas is phosphine.

[0015] In an embodiment, a method for detecting leakage of an outgas from an inorganic compound stored in a container is disclosed. The method includes disposing an enclosure to hide a closure secured to the container. The method then includes opening a second valve disposed between the flow generating device and the enclosure. The method further includes operating the flow generating device to generate a flow of the outgas from the enclosure, followed by opening the first valve and the third valve to direct a portion of the outgas toward a gas monitoring unit. The gas monitoring unit is structured to measure a concentration of at least one component present in the outgas.

[0016] In an embodiment, opening the first and second valves releases the vacuum applied to the inside of the enclosure.

[0017] In an embodiment, the vacuum pressure inside the enclosure ranges from (-6100) to (-7900) mm of water column.

[0018] In another non-limiting embodiment, a system for detecting leakage of an outgas from an inorganic compound stored in a container is disclosed. The system includes an apparatus having an enclosure structured to conceal a closure secured to the container. A flow generating device is fluidly connected to the enclosure, the flow generating device configured to generate a flow of the outgas from the enclosure. Further, a gas monitoring unit is fluidly connected between the enclosure and the flow generating device. The gas monitoring unit is structured to receive at least a portion of the outgas from the enclosure and detect a concentration of at least one component present in the outgas. Further, the system includes a control unit communicatively coupled to the flow generating device, the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the gas monitoring unit. The control unit is configured to selectively operate the flow generating device, the first valve, the second valve, and the third valve to direct at least a portion of the outgas to the gas monitoring unit. The control unit is then configured for indicating a concentration of the at least one component present in the outgas based on a signal received from the gas monitoring unit.

[0019] In an embodiment, the system includes a display unit communicatively coupled to the control unit, the control unit indicating the concentration of the at least one component via the display unit.

[0020] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the exemplary aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following description. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] The novel features and characteristics of the present disclosure are set forth in the accompanying description. However, the disclosure itself, as well as its preferred modes of use, further objects and advantages, will best be understood by reference to the following description of exemplary embodiments, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an apparatus for detecting leakage of outgassed gas from an inorganic compound, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 shows a schematic block diagram of a system including the apparatus of FIG. 1 together with a control unit, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 1 shows a schematic diagram of another configuration of an apparatus for detecting leakage of outgassed gas from an inorganic compound, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] The drawings depict embodiments of the present disclosure for purposes of illustration only. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods shown herein may be utilized without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] While embodiments of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described below, It is to be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0024] It should be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated by the present disclosure to modify the configuration of the device of the present disclosure for the purpose of detecting gas leakage in a container or flask. However, such modifications should be interpreted within the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the drawings show only specific details that are appropriate for understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure, details that will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein, so as not to obscure the present disclosure.

[0025] As used in this disclosure, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that an apparatus that includes recited components may include not only those components, but other components not expressly recited or inherent to such apparatus. In other words, one or more elements of an apparatus or system preceded by "comprises...a" does not, without further constraints, preclude the presence of other or additional elements of the apparatus or system.

[0026] In the following description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification, and in which specific embodiments in which the present disclosure can be practiced are shown by way of illustration. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the following description should not be construed in a limiting sense.

[0027] An embodiment of the present disclosure discloses an apparatus for detecting leakage of an outgas from an inorganic compound stored in a container. The apparatus includes an enclosure structured to conceal a closure secured to the container, with a flow generating device fluidly connected to the enclosure. The flow generating device is configured to generate a flow of the outgas from the enclosure. Further, the apparatus includes a gas monitoring unit fluidly connected between the enclosure and the flow generating device. The gas monitoring unit is structured to receive at least a portion of the outgas from the enclosure and detect a concentration of at least one component present in the outgas. The device of the present disclosure, apart from producing reliable and accurate results, allows for easy detection of leakage of the leaking flask to prevent potential hazards.

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus (100) for detecting leakage of outgassing from inorganic compounds stored in a container (10) according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The leakage of certain toxic gases, such as phosphine, emanating from the solid phase (or formulation) of inorganic compounds, such as metal phosphides, is harmful to the health and life of personnel. In an embodiment, the metal phosphides include, but are not limited to, aluminum phosphide, magnesium phosphide, calcium phosphide, and the like. To prevent exposure to such toxic gases, such inorganic compounds (or formulations) can be stored in a protective container (10) as shown in FIG. 1. The container (10) may be in the form of a flask or cylinder with an internal installation [not shown] for holding metal phosphide formulations, including, but not limited to, aluminum phosphide formulations, magnesium phosphide formulations, or calcium phosphide formulations [not shown], as illustrated. The container (10) may have an opening (10A) for placing and removing the formulation. In an embodiment, the opening (10A) may be closed or sealed by a closure (30), such as a cap or lid. In an embodiment, the lid may be a threaded lid having a corresponding matching thread provided on the top of the container (10) to receive the lid. The device (100) includes an enclosure (20) that conceals a closure (30) secured to the container (10). In an embodiment, the closure (30) is secured to the container (10) by a process such as, but not limited to, mechanical fastening means. The enclosure (20) may form an envelope or chamber around the closure (30) such that if there is a leak from the opening (10A) or any portion proximate the closure (30), the escaping fluid, such as a toxic gas, may be contained or bounded within the enclosure (20), as shown in FIG. 1. In an embodiment, the enclosure (20) may be secured to the container (10) via a sealing member (40) [shown in dashed lines] to ensure a liquid-tight joint.

[0029] In another embodiment, the enclosure (20) may be in fluid communication with an air source [not shown] through a first valve (V1) as shown. In an embodiment, the air source may be the atmosphere and the enclosure (20) is opened directly or exposed to the atmosphere through the first valve (V1). When the valve (V1) is opened, air or air from any other air source is allowed into the enclosure (20) to provide flow as well as to modify the pressure of the fluid present in the enclosure (2). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the inorganic compound is a metal phosphide such as aluminum phosphide (AlP), magnesium phosphide (MgP), calcium phosphide (CaP), and the fluid [gas] leaving the inorganic compound becomes phosphine (PH3) when these metal phosphides come into contact with moisture.

[0030] Referring again to FIG. 1, it can be seen that the enclosure (20) can be in fluid communication with the flow generating device (50) via a second valve (V2). A pressure gauge (80) can be provided between the valve V2 and the enclosure (20). The flow generating device (50) can be configured to generate a flow of the emitted gas from the enclosure (20). To promote the flow, the flow generating device (50) can generate a pressure differential [gradient] by applying pressure to the inside of the enclosure (20). In an embodiment, the flow generating device (50) can be a vacuum pump that can apply a vacuum (pressure suction) to the inside of the enclosure (20). The application of the vacuum (suction) to the inside of the enclosure (20) can force or drive the fluid, i.e. the emitted gas, to flow out or move out of the enclosure (20) through the flow line L1. The second valve (V2) can enable or limit the application of the vacuum (pressure suction) to the inside of the enclosure (20) by the vacuum pump. Additionally, the pressure gauge (80) can indicate the magnitude of the vacuum (suction) pressure applied inside the enclosure (20). In an embodiment, the flow generating device (50) can have a suction side (SS) for generating a vacuum or pressure suction via the second valve (V2) and a delivery side (DS).

[0031] The apparatus (100) shown in FIG. 1 may further include a gas monitoring unit (60) that may be connected between the vessel (10) and the flow generating device (50). The gas monitoring unit (60) may be disposed in the branching flow line (L2) and may include a third valve (V3) in the same flow line (L2). The third valve (V3) may selectively allow flow of at least a portion of the vented gas to the gas monitoring unit (60). In an embodiment, the gas monitoring unit (60) may have an inlet (60A) coupled to the third valve (V3). The gas monitoring unit (60) may receive at least a portion of the vented gas via the inlet (60A).

[0032] Referring again now to FIG. 1, a method embodiment is disclosed for detecting leakage of outgassed gas from an inorganic compound using an apparatus (100). The method includes positioning an enclosure (20) to conceal a closure (30) secured to a container (10). This is followed by opening a second valve (V2) positioned between a flow generating device (50) and the enclosure (20), allowing the flow generating device (50) to generate a flow of outgassed gas from the enclosure (20). In an embodiment in which the flow generating device (50) is a vacuum pump, a vacuum (suction) pressure is applied to the enclosure (20). The application of the vacuum (suction) causes the outgassed gas present in the enclosure (20) to flow or move from the enclosure (20) into the line (L1). In an embodiment, the applied vacuum (suction) pressure is in the range of (-6100) to (-7900) mm of water column. The application of the vacuum continues until the desired vacuum pressure range is obtained, i.e., (-6100) to (-7900) mm of water column. Once the desired vacuum pressure is reached, the first valve (V1) and the third valve (V3), which otherwise remain closed, are opened. Opening the first and third valves (V1, V3) allows the vacuum applied to the enclosure (20) in the previous step to be released, thereby driving or forcing at least a portion of the released gas through the third valve (V3) to the gas monitoring unit (60). The gas monitoring unit (60) measures the concentration of the released gas in total or of at least one component present in the released gas. Based on the concentration measurements, it can be ascertained whether the container (10) with the enclosure (20) is leaking or not.

[0033] FIG. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of a system (200) having the apparatus (100) shown in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The system (200) includes a control unit (210) communicatively coupled to a flow generating device (50), a first valve (V1), a second valve (V2), a third valve (V3), and a gas monitoring unit (60) present in the apparatus (100). In an embodiment, the first valve (V1), the second valve (V2), and the third valve (V3) are flow control valves, but are not limited thereto. The control unit (210) can selectively operate the flow generating device (50), the first valve (V1), the second valve (V2), and the third valve (V3) to direct at least a portion of the emitted gas to the gas monitoring unit (60). The control unit (210) can then indicate the concentration of at least one component present in the emitted gas based on the signal received from the gas monitoring unit (60). In an embodiment, the system (200) may include a display unit (70) associated with the gas monitoring unit (60) for displaying the concentration of the emitted gas or at least one component of the emitted gas measured by the gas monitoring unit (60). The display unit (70) is communicatively coupled to the control unit (210). The display unit (70) may be a monitor or any other display unit. The presence of the display unit (70) may be useful in measuring the extent of leakage from the container (10). In an embodiment, the control unit (210) regulates the opening and closing cycles of each of the first, second and third valves (V1, V2 and V3) as well as the timing of the opening and closing of the first, second and third valves (V1, V2, V3). Additionally, the control unit (210) regulates the operation of the flow generating device (50), which is a vacuum pump, until a desired level of evacuation of the enclosure (20) is reached. The control unit (210) is also interfaced with a memory unit (220) for the purpose of retrieving stored instruction / command sequences as well as for storing generated results for further use.

[0034] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of an apparatus (300) for detecting leakage of outgassing from an inorganic compound stored in a container (10) according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus (300) has a gas monitoring unit (60) connected to the delivery side (DS) of a flow generating device (50) as shown. The apparatus (300) also includes an enclosure (20) structured to hide a closure (30) secured to the container (10). In an embodiment, the enclosure (20) is secured to the container (10) via a sealing member (40) [shown in dashed lines] to ensure a liquid-tight connection. A flow generating device (50), such as a vacuum pump (50), is connected to the enclosure (20). The flow generating device (50) is configured to generate a flow of outgassing from the enclosure (20). Additionally, a gas monitoring unit (60) is connected downstream of the delivery side (DS) of the flow generating device (50) along with a display unit (70). The gas monitoring unit (60) receives at least a portion of the emitted gas from the enclosure (20) through the flow generating device (50) and detects the concentration of at least one component present in the emitted gas. A first valve (V1') is used to connect the enclosure (20) to an air source, such as the atmosphere, and a second valve (V2') is disposed between the suction side (SS) of the flow generating device (50) and the enclosure (20). In operation, the first valve (V1') is closed to prevent air from entering or leaving the enclosure. Following this, a flow of the emitted gas is generated by the flow generating device (50) applying a vacuum (suction) pressure inside the enclosure (20). The second valve (V2') is kept open during the application of the vacuum pressure. In an embodiment, the applied vacuum (suction) pressure is in the range of (-6100) to (-7900) mm of water column. Once the desired flow (vacuum pressure) is achieved inside the enclosure (20), the first valve (V1') is opened to force or drive the released gas towards the suction side (SS) of the flow generating device (50). The applied vacuum (suction) pressure and associated variations are indicated by a pressure gauge (80) located between the flow generating device (50) and the vessel (10) as shown.The outgas entering the suction side (SS) is transported or exhausted to the delivery side (DS) and further enters a gas monitoring unit (60) to measure the concentration of the outgas (or at least one component of the outgas). EXAMPLES

[0035] Example 1 In an embodiment of the present disclosure, findings from an experimental investigation carried out using the apparatus (100) described with reference to FIG. 1 of the present disclosure are presented. The experimental investigation found that a concentration of less than 1 ppm (parts per million) measured by the gas monitoring unit (60) signifies a leak-free container (10) or an acceptable level of leakage, while a concentration of more than 1 ppm signifies a leaky container (10). This was further verified by isolating all the individual containers that showed concentrations less than 1 ppm and placing them in a sealed box for 24 hours. After 24 hours, the concentration of outgassed gas inside the volume of the sealed box was found to be zero. This confirmed that there were no leaks in any of the containers (10) in the box. Meanwhile, all the containers (10) with concentrations of outgassed gas greater than 1 ppm were grouped together and each container (10) was covered with another leak-proof container while still sealed. The leak-proof container was then tested for leakage to confirm the evidence of leakage in that particular container.

[0036] Table 1, shown below, shows findings from an experiment conducted using the apparatus (100) of the present disclosure, as discussed in the previous section [Example 1]. The experiment included a total of 1444 leaky and non-leaking containers, and the separation of non-leaking containers (<1 ppm) and leaky containers (>1 ppm) is shown in Table 1. To verify the results, both leaky and non-leaking containers were further tested. Of the 1444 containers, a total of 1414 containers showed concentrations <1 ppm [non-leaking containers] and 30 containers showed concentrations >1 ppm [leaky containers]. The approximate time required to test and determine whether a container (10) is leaking or non-leaking can be as short as 14-20 seconds. [Table 1]

[0037] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the time it takes to detect a leak-free container using the device (100) of the present disclosure is 14 seconds or less. In a preferred embodiment, the time it takes to detect a leak-free container using the device (100) of the present disclosure is between 3 and 10 seconds. In a most preferred embodiment, the time it takes to detect a leak-free container using the device (100) of the present disclosure is between 6 and 8 seconds.

[0038] In another embodiment, it takes more than 14 seconds to detect a leaky container using the device (100) of the present disclosure.

[0039] Example 2 In an embodiment of the present disclosure, findings from an experimental study performed using the apparatus (300) shown in FIG. 3 are presented. The experimental study found that a concentration below 1 ppm (parts per million) indicates a leak-free container (10), while a concentration above 1 ppm indicates a leaky container (10). In an embodiment, the time to test each flask ranged from 15 seconds to 30 seconds. Table 2 below shows findings from the experiment. The experiment included a total of 30 leaky and leak-free containers, and the separation of leak-free containers (<1 ppm) and leaky containers (>1 ppm) based on the concentration determination is shown in Table 1. To verify the results, both leaky and leak-free containers were further tested. Of the 30 containers, a total of 21 containers showed a concentration of <1 ppm [leaky containers] and 9 containers showed a concentration of >1 ppm [leaky containers]. [Table 2]

[0040] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the control unit (210) may be implemented by any computing system utilized to implement features of the present disclosure. The control unit may be comprised of a processing unit. The processing unit may comprise at least one data processor for executing components of a program for executing requests generated by a user or the system. The processing unit may be a dedicated processing unit such as an integrated system (bus) controller, a memory management control unit, a floating point unit, a graphics processing unit, a digital signal processing unit, etc. The processing unit may include a microprocessor such as an AMD Athlon, Duron or Opteron, an application, embedded or secure processor from ARM, IBM PowerPC, Intel's Core, Itanium, Xeon, Celeron or other processor lines, etc. The processing unit may be implemented using mainframe, distributed processor, multi-core, parallel, grid, or other architectures. Some embodiments may utilize embedded technologies such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0041] In some embodiments, the control unit may be arranged to communicate with one or more memory devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, etc.) via a storage interface. The storage interface may connect to memory devices including, but not limited to, memory drives, removable disk drives, etc. employing connection protocols such as Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA), Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE), IEEE-1394, Universal Serial Bus (USB), Fibre Channel, Small Computing System Interface (SCSI), etc. The memory drives may further include drum, magnetic disk drives, magneto-optical drives, optical drives, redundant array of independent disks (RAID), solid state memory devices, solid state drives, etc.

[0042] The disclosed apparatus (100, 300) and system (200) can have several advantages. One advantage is the simplicity of construction, requiring less capital (investment). Another advantage is the reduced time to test each container to see if it is leaking (approximately 14 seconds using the apparatus (100)). This is beneficial when containers are handled or transported in bulk or large batches.

[0043] Equivalent With respect to the use of virtually any plural and / or singular term herein, those of skill in the art can convert from plural to singular and / or from singular to plural as appropriate to the situation and / or application. The various singular / plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for clarity.

[0044] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, in general, the terms used herein, and particularly in the appended claims (e.g., the body of the appended claims), are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that where the introduction of a particular number of claim recitations is intended, such intention will be explicitly set forth in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, no such intention exists. For example, to aid in understanding, the following appended claims include the use of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce the claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be interpreted as meaning that the introduction of an enumeration in a claim with the indefinite article "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such an introduced claim enumeration to an invention containing only one such enumeration, even if the same claim contains the introductory phrase "one or more" or "at least one" and an indefinite article such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"). The same applies to the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. Moreover, even if a claim recitation in which a specific number is introduced is explicitly recited, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that such a recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., an explicit recitation of "two enumerations" without other modifiers typically means at least two enumerations, or more than two enumerations).Furthermore, when a convention similar to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, generally such a configuration is intended in the sense that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" includes, but is not limited to, systems having A only, B only, C only, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B and C together, etc.). In those examples, when a convention similar to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, generally such a configuration is intended in the sense that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" includes, but is not limited to, systems having A only, B only, C only, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that virtually any disjunctive word and / or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the specification, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibility of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" is understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B." While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 100 devices 10 containers 10A Container opening 20 Enclosure 30 Closures / Caps 40 Sealing member 50 Flow generating devices / vacuum pumps 60 Gas Monitoring Unit 60A Gas monitoring unit inlet 80 Pressure Gauge V1, V2 and V3 First, second and third valves L1, L2, and L3 flow lines SS Suction side DS sending side 200 Systems 70 Display Unit 210 Control Unit 220 Memory 300 Modified Equipment V1', V2' valves

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus (100) for detecting leakage of outgassed inorganic compounds stored in a container (10), comprising: an enclosure (20) structured to conceal a closure (30) secured to said container (10); a flow generating device (50) fluidly connected to the enclosure (20), configured to generate a flow of the outgassed gas from the enclosure (20), the flow generating device (50) being a vacuum pump configured to apply a vacuum inside the enclosure (20) to generate a flow of the outgassed gas from the enclosure (20) into a flow line (L1); and a gas monitoring unit (60) fluidly connected between the enclosure (20) and the flow generating device (50), the gas monitoring unit (60) being configured to receive at least a portion of the outgassed gas from the enclosure (20) and to detect a concentration of at least one component present in the outgassed gas; Equipped with said enclosure (20) being open to an air supply via a first valve (V1); The apparatus (100) further comprises a second valve (V2) coupled between the flow generating device (50) and the enclosure (20), the second valve being configured to selectively allow a flow of the release gas from the enclosure (20); The apparatus (100) further comprises a third valve (V3) coupled to an inlet (60A) of the gas monitoring unit (60), the third valve (V3) configured to selectively allow flow of at least a portion of the released gas from the enclosure (20) to the gas monitoring unit (60); Apparatus (100), wherein said gas monitoring unit (60) is arranged in a branching flow line (L2) and said third valve (V3) is provided in the same flow line (L2).

2. The apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the enclosure (20) is secured to an upper body portion of the vessel (10) that encloses the closure (30).

3. The apparatus (100) of claim 1, comprising a sealing member (40) between the enclosure (20) and the container (10).

4. 2. The apparatus (100) of claim 1, further comprising a pressure gauge (80) coupled between the flow generating device (50) and the enclosure (20), the pressure gauge (80) configured to indicate a pressure of a vacuum applied inside the enclosure (20).

5. 2. The apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the inorganic compound is a metal phosphide including aluminum phosphide (AlP), magnesium phosphide (MgP), calcium phosphide (CaP) or any other metal phosphide, and the evolved gas is phosphine.

6. A method for detecting leakage of outgassed inorganic compounds stored in a container (10) via a device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: positioning an enclosure (20) to conceal a closure (30) secured to said container (10); opening a second valve (V2) disposed between the flow generating device (50) and said enclosure (20); operating the flow generating device (50) by applying a vacuum inside the enclosure (20) using the vacuum pump to generate a flow of the vented gas from the enclosure (20); and opening a first valve (V1) and a third valve (V3) for directing at least a portion of the released gas towards a gas monitoring unit (60), the gas monitoring unit (60) being configured to measure a concentration of the at least one component present in the released gas; method.

7. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising releasing the vacuum applied inside the enclosure (20) by opening the first valve (V1) and the third valve (V3).

8. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the pressure of the vacuum inside the enclosure is in the range of (-6100) to (-7900) mm of water column.

9. 1. A system (200) for detecting leakage of outgassed inorganic compounds stored in a container (10), comprising: An apparatus (100), comprising: an enclosure (20) structured to conceal a closure (30) secured to said container (10); a flow generating device (50) fluidly connected to the enclosure (20), configured to generate a flow of the vented gas from the enclosure (20), the flow generating device (50) being a vacuum pump, the vacuum pump configured to apply a vacuum inside the enclosure (20) to generate a flow of the vented gas from the enclosure (20) into a flow line (L1); and a gas monitoring unit (60) fluidly connected between the enclosure (20) and the flow generating device (50), the gas monitoring unit (60) configured to receive at least a portion of the effluent gas from the enclosure (20) and to detect a concentration of at least one component present in the effluent gas; An apparatus (100) comprising: a control unit (210) communicatively coupled to a flow generating device (50), a first valve (V1), a second valve (V2), a third valve (V3), and said gas monitoring unit (60), selectively operating the flow generating device (50), the first valve (V1), the second valve (V2), and the third valve (V3) to direct at least a portion of the released gas to the gas monitoring unit (60); indicating the concentration of the at least one component present in the emitted gas based on a signal received from the gas monitoring unit (60); A control unit (210) configured to Including, said enclosure (20) being open to an air supply via said first valve (V1); the second valve (V2) is disposed between the flow generating device (50) and the enclosure (20); the third valve (V3) is coupled to an inlet (60A) of the gas monitoring unit (60) and configured to selectively allow flow of at least a portion of the released gas from the enclosure (20) to the gas monitoring unit (60); The gas monitoring unit (60) is disposed in a branched flow line (L2) and the third valve (V3) is provided in the same flow line (L2).

10. 10. The system (200) of claim 9, further comprising a display unit (70) communicatively coupled to the control unit (210), the control unit (210) indicating the concentration of the at least one component via the display unit (70).

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