Leak detection systems for fuel lines

Abstract

The invention discloses a leak detection system for a fuel line transporting fuel, the fuel line comprising an inner conduit and an outer conduit, the outer conduit enclosing the inner conduit and defining an interstitial space around the inner conduit, wherein the interstitial space is configured to detect a leak from the inner conduit, and further comprising: a pressure sensor operatively connected to the interstitial space for monitoring pressure variations within the interstitial space, characterized by the interstitial space being filled with an incompressible liquid, such that a leak from the inner conduit into the interstitial space causes a pressure change in the incompressible liquid, detectable by the pressure sensor.

Description

[0001] Title: leak detection systems for fuel lines

[0002] Description:

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention generally relates to the field of leak detection systems for fuel lines, and more particularly to the field of rapid leak detection in double-walled fuel line systems for fuels that require leak detection.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] In the field of fuel line technology, ensuring the safe transportation of low flashpoint fuels, such as methanol, but also for low-ignition temperature fuels, toxic fuels or other fuels for which it is critical to have leak detection due to their high flammability and / or potential safety risks. Traditional fuel line systems designed for leak detection often employ double-walled constructions, where an inner conduit carries the fuel and an outer conduit provides an additional containment layer. The interstitial space between these conduits is typically filled with a gas, such as nitrogen, held under pressure or vacuum, allowing for leak detection through pressure monitoring. When a leak occurs in the inner conduit, a gradual change in the interstitial pressure can be detected, prompting appropriate safety responses. This type of system has been widely used in industries requiring stringent fuel handling, including marine and industrial settings.

[0007] However, despite their widespread application, gas-filled interstitial spaces have inherent disadvantages when used for detecting leaks in fuel systems. Due to the compressibility of gases, pressure changes in the interstitial space are often delayed when small leaks occur, as the gas can absorb minor volume changes without immediately affecting pressure. This delay poses a significant risk, as it allows a larger amount of fuel to leak before detection occurs, increasing the potential for accidents and environmental contamination. Furthermore, in cases where the leak is minor, the pressure shift may be so minimal that it remains undetected by standard sensors,creating a false sense of security and undermining the reliability of the leak detection system.

[0008] In addition, systems using gas-filled interstitial spaces require careful calibration and maintenance to account for variations in ambient temperature and pressure, which can affect the gas pressure independently of any actual leaks. This introduces operational complexity, especially in fluctuating environments, as false alarms or missed detections become more likely under changing conditions. Consequently, gas-filled systems may demand more frequent monitoring and adjustments, adding to maintenance costs and operational risks, particularly in critical applications that transport fuels such as low flashpoint fuels where any delay in leak detection can result in severe hazards.

[0009] It is therefore a goal of the present invention to improve the reliability and speed of leak detection in fuel line systems for fuels by providing a solution that ensures immediate detection of leaks, thereby overcoming the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art at least in part.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] One aspect of the present invention relates to leak detection system for a fuel line transporting fuel such as low flashpoint fuels, and toxic fuels. Low flashpoint fuels are defined as fuels that emit flammable vapors at temperatures below 60°C, requiring an external ignition source to ignite. These fuels, such as methanol, pose significant safety risks if leaks occur undetected, as their flammable vapors can easily ignite under operating conditions. While the present invention throughout the description focuses specifically on low flashpoint fuels, it is expressed that the system is also applicable to other fuels requiring reliable leak detection, including toxic fuels or fuels that present similar safety concerns. Throughout this disclosure, references to low flashpoint fuels should be understood to encompass any other relevant fuels requiring leak detection, provided they fall within the scope of the invention, while explicitly excluding confusion with low auto-ignition temperature fuels.

[0012] A leak detection system may be understood as an arrangement for identifying unintended releases of fluid from a conduit or chamber. In this context, afuel line refers to a pipeline or tubing designed specifically for conveying fuel, particularly for fuels which require such leak detection like low flashpoint fuels such as methanol, which have low ignition temperatures and require enhanced safety features. This system is specifically structured to detect leaks promptly, contributing to improved fuel handling safety.

[0013] The system comprises an inner conduit and an outer conduit. The inner conduit may be understood as the primary channel within the fuel line through which the fuel flows. An outer conduit is a secondary, protective layer that encloses the inner conduit, providing containment in the event of a leak. This arrangement creates a layer of containment around the fuel, reducing environmental exposure if the inner conduit is compromised. An effect of this two-conduit arrangement is that the outer conduit supports an additional safety measure by forming an interstitial space around the inner conduit, where any fuel leakage from the inner conduit can be detected.

[0014] The outer conduit encloses the inner conduit and defines an interstitial space around the inner conduit, wherein the interstitial space is configured to detect a leak from the inner conduit. The interstitial space may be understood as the annular region between the inner and outer conduits. This space serves as a buffer zone and an area in which leaks can be detected before the fuel can escape entirely from the system. An effect of configuring the interstitial space to detect leaks from the inner conduit is the ability to capture and respond to any breach in the inner conduit while fuel is still contained, thereby adding a layer of safety that minimizes the risk of fuel exposure.

[0015] The system further comprises a pressure sensor operatively connected to the interstitial space for monitoring pressure variations within the interstitial space. A pressure sensor may be understood as a device capable of detecting and measuring changes in pressure, converting these measurements into signals for monitoring purposes. Being operatively connected to the interstitial space indicates that the sensor is positioned in such a way that it can directly measure pressure changes within this space. An effect of using a pressure sensor in this configuration is that it enables real-time monitoring of the interstitial space for any changes in pressure, which would indicate a potential leak from the inner conduit. This arrangement supports automated detection of leaks, allowing the system to alert or even shut off fuel flow if a leak is detected.In an alternative configuration, the system may operate without relying on pressure monitoring within the interstitial space. Instead, the interstitial space may be fluidly connected to an overflow reservoir or tank equipped with a float mechanism. The overflow tank serves as a collection point for any incompressible liquid or fuel that leaks into the interstitial space. The float mechanism is configured to detect and respond to a rise in liquid level within the tank. When the liquid level exceeds a predetermined threshold, the float mechanism triggers an alert or safety response, indicating the presence of a leak. This arrangement provides a simplified and passive approach to leak detection, eliminating the need for active pressure monitoring while ensuring reliable detection of fluid ingress. Additionally, the overflow tank allows for easy visual inspection and maintenance, making it particularly suitable for systems where real-time monitoring is less critical or where a cost-effective solution is preferred. Hence, the pressure sensor as referred to throughout the present disclosure, is to be interpreted broadly, to cover both passive detection and active detection systems.

[0016] The system is characterized by the interstitial space being filled with an incompressible liquid, such that a leak from the inner conduit into the interstitial space causes a pressure change in the incompressible liquid, detectable by the pressure sensor. An incompressible liquid may be understood as a fluid that has a fixed volume and resists compression under pressure. In this system, water or a water-based liquid may serve as the incompressible medium within the interstitial space. An effect of using an incompressible liquid in the interstitial space is that any fuel leak from the inner conduit will immediately cause a pressure change in the incompressible liquid, rather than being absorbed by a compressible gas. This rapid pressure shift enables the pressure sensor to detect the leak quickly, providing a near-instantaneous response to changes in pressure caused by the presence of leaked fuel.

[0017] In an example, the incompressible liquid in the interstitial space is selected from a group of liquids with specific dielectric properties, allowing for distinguishing fuel types that enter the interstitial space due to a leak by measuring changes in electrical conductivity. It may be provided that a liquid with specific dielectric properties fills the interstitial space to distinguish between different types of fuel or contaminants that may enter due to a leak. A liquid with a high or low dielectric constant creates distinct electrical conductivity profiles upon contamination, allowingfor enhanced discrimination between various substances entering the interstitial space. An effect of this feature is the capacity for detailed fuel type analysis, which allows for early warning systems to detect leaks of hazardous substances or for tracking different fuel types, improving diagnostic accuracy and potentially providing environmental benefits.

[0018] In an example, the interstitial space comprises a series of microchannels that distribute the incompressible liquid uniformly around the inner conduit, thereby improving the detection sensitivity by ensuring rapid propagation of pressure changes across the entire interstitial space upon leakage. It may be provided that a series of microchannels extend throughout the interstitial space, ensuring uniform distribution of the incompressible liquid around the inner conduit. By enabling rapid distribution of any pressure changes caused by leaks, this feature enhances system sensitivity and allows quicker detection, as pressure shifts will propagate through the liquid more evenly and quickly, providing a system with optimized response rates, which is particularly advantageous in settings where early detection of even micro-leaks is crucial.

[0019] In an example, the leak detection system further comprises a temperature-regulating device in thermal communication with the interstitial space, configured to maintain the incompressible liquid at a stable operating temperature to prevent viscosity variations that could otherwise delay the detection response. This can be achieved by having a pump or other means to circulate the liquid. It may be provided that the system includes a temperature-regulating device in thermal contact with the interstitial space to ensure stable liquid conditions. Stable temperature conditions prevent changes in the incompressible liquid’s viscosity, which could impact the transmission of pressure waves and slow response times. This feature has an effect on detection efficiency and accuracy, particularly under varying ambient temperatures, by ensuring consistent pressure change behavior, which may be essential in fuel systems operating in extreme environments.

[0020] In an example, the pressure sensor is a piezoelectric sensor calibrated to detect minimal pressure fluctuations within a range specifically chosen based on the incompressible liquid’s density and viscosity characteristics, allowing enhanced sensitivity to even micro-leaks within the inner conduit. It may be provided that the pressure sensor in the system is a piezoelectric sensor calibrated to detect minimalfluctuations, with parameters tailored to the density and viscosity of the incompressible liquid. Piezoelectric sensors can convert slight mechanical stress changes into electrical signals, making them highly sensitive to minute pressure changes. This calibration to the liquid's properties allows the system to detect very small leaks that might otherwise go unnoticed, thus enhancing system safety and reliability, especially in applications where fuel spillage must be minimized.

[0021] In an example, the interstitial space is further provided with a pressure compensation unit configured to maintain a baseline pressure level in the incompressible liquid, such that changes in ambient pressure do not affect the leak detection sensitivity. It may be provided that a pressure compensation unit is included in the system to stabilize the baseline pressure in the interstitial space. By automatically compensating for ambient pressure changes, this feature ensures that detection sensitivity is unaffected by fluctuations unrelated to actual leaks. This configuration has an effect on the accuracy and reliability of leak detection by filtering out false alarms, allowing the system to focus solely on pressure variations caused by true leaks, and is especially beneficial in applications where ambient conditions can vary widely.

[0022] In an example, the inner conduit and outer conduit are composed of materials with differing thermal expansion coefficients, the system further comprising a compensatory expansion layer positioned between the inner and outer conduits to mitigate stress effects that could lead to premature conduit failure under variable temperature conditions. It may be provided that a compensatory expansion layer is situated between the inner and outer conduits, which are composed of materials with differing thermal expansion coefficients. By adapting to the expansion characteristics of each conduit material, this feature reduces stress that could arise from temperature variations, thereby enhancing the durability and longevity of the fuel line. This arrangement provides an effect on system reliability, especially in environments with extreme temperature fluctuations, by preventing premature conduit failure and maintaining the integrity of the leak detection function.

[0023] In an example, the interstitial space includes a filtration membrane positioned between the inner and outer conduits, the membrane allowing only fluids from a predetermined particle size range to enter the interstitial space, thereby preventing contaminants from obstructing or impairing pressure sensor accuracy. Itmay be provided that a filtration membrane is located within the interstitial space to limit particle size and control the purity of the incompressible liquid in the space. By restricting larger particles that could potentially interfere with the pressure sensor's readings, this feature maintains the accuracy and reliability of the sensor. This configuration has an effect on ensuring that the pressure changes detected are due solely to fluid ingress rather than contaminants, which enhances system precision and reduces the likelihood of erroneous readings.

[0024] In an example, the system further comprises an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to process real-time pressure readings from the pressure sensor, the ECU programmed to compare detected pressure fluctuations against a stored calibration profile representing characteristic pressure responses associated with different leak sizes. It may be provided that an electronic control unit (ECU) is included in the system, with programming that processes real-time pressure readings and matches detected fluctuations to a stored calibration profile. By referencing specific pressure profiles correlated with different leak sizes, this feature enables the ECU to identify the size and possibly the nature of leaks. An effect of this arrangement is improved accuracy in leak diagnostics, allowing for nuanced responses based on the severity of the leak and supporting proactive maintenance planning.

[0025] In an example, the pressure sensor is mounted externally to the outer conduit and connected to the interstitial space via a high-precision capillary channel, the capillary channel being dimensioned to reduce sensor interference caused by thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit materials. It may be provided that the pressure sensor is installed externally and linked to the interstitial space through a capillary channel, precisely dimensioned to minimize the effects of thermal expansion or contraction on sensor accuracy. This design maintains stable sensor readings by isolating it from direct temperature-related stresses in the conduit materials. An effect of this feature is improved reliability in pressure detection, as it allows for accurate monitoring of the interstitial space while minimizing interference from external temperature shifts.

[0026] In an example, the inner conduit is treated with a hydrophobic coating that minimizes interaction with the incompressible liquid upon leak occurrence, thereby reducing any potential contamination or clogging of the interstitial space. It may beprovided that the inner conduit has a hydrophobic coating to prevent mixing or contamination between the incompressible liquid and any leaked fuel. The hydrophobic coating reduces interaction between the fuel and the liquid, thus ensuring that the interstitial space remains clear and that the pressure sensor remains unimpeded by potential clogging or buildup. This feature provides an effect on maintaining a clear detection environment in the interstitial space, which enhances the accuracy of pressure-based leak detection and minimizes the need for frequent maintenance of the system.

[0027] In an example, the leak detection system further comprises a secondary detection mechanism integrated within the interstitial space, the secondary mechanism comprising a light-emitting diode (LED) and a photodetector to detect optical changes within the incompressible liquid, providing a secondary indication of leaks. It may be provided that a secondary detection mechanism, consisting of an LED and a photodetector, is positioned in the interstitial space to monitor optical changes within the incompressible liquid. When a leak occurs, the optical properties of the liquid may change due to the presence of fuel or other contaminants, which the photodetector can register as an indication of leakage. This feature provides an effect on enhancing detection reliability by offering a secondary detection method that operates independently of the primary pressure-based system, which helps confirm leaks with improved accuracy.

[0028] In an example, the interstitial space is pressurized to a predefined level above the operating pressure of the inner conduit, such that any inward leak from the outer environment will indicate a breach in the outer conduit. It may be provided that the interstitial space is maintained at a higher pressure than the inner conduit’s operating pressure. In the event of a breach in the outer conduit, the differential pressure allows detection of fluid egress from the interstitial space, indicating a breach in the outer conduit. This configuration has an effect on extending the detection system’s capacity by providing a mechanism to monitor for both internal and external conduit breaches, thus increasing the safety and robustness of the fuel line.

[0029] In an example, the interstitial space is filled with an incompressible liquid consisting primarily of water, optionally with a minor concentration of methanol, such that the liquid mixture is nontoxic and environmentally safe for discharge in the event of a leak. It may be provided that the incompressible liquid in the interstitial space isprimarily composed of water with an optional small concentration of methanol. This composition ensures that any discharge is nontoxic, allowing for environmentally safe disposal if necessary. This feature has an effect on the system’s environmental impact, as it enables quick and safe containment and disposal of leaked fuel or liquid from the interstitial space without harm to surrounding ecosystems, and providing safety for mechanics and operators in the proximity of the system.

[0030] In an example, the fuel line is specifically arranged for the transport of methanol, the fuel line materials and pressure levels being selected to accommodate the specific chemical properties of methanol to enhance compatibility and reduce material degradation. It may be provided that the fuel line is designed specifically for methanol transport, with materials and pressure tolerances chosen to match methanol’s chemical profile and prevent material degradation. This feature provides an effect on the durability and efficiency of the system when transporting methanol, as it helps maintain structural integrity and prevents accelerated wear, which is essential for maintaining safety in methanol handling.

[0031] In an example, the leak detection system further comprises a rapidresponse shutoff valve connected to the inner conduit and in electronic communication with the pressure sensor, the shutoff valve configured to immediately interrupt fuel flow upon detecting a threshold pressure change in the interstitial space, thereby minimizing fuel loss. It may be provided that a shutoff valve is connected to the inner conduit and linked electronically to the pressure sensor. This valve responds automatically to threshold pressure changes detected by the sensor, ceasing fuel flow in the event of a leak. An effect of this feature is to limit fuel loss and prevent further leakage by providing an immediate response to any pressure irregularity, enhancing safety and environmental protection in high-risk fuel transport scenarios.

[0032] In an example the pressure sensor is a high-sensitivity digital pressure transducer designed to detect micro-pressure changes in less than 100 milliseconds, the transducer connected to a real-time monitoring system for immediate leak detection and rapid initiation of response measures. It may be provided that the system uses a high-sensitivity digital pressure transducer, with a response rate calibrated to detect micro-pressure changes within 100 milliseconds. This transducer is connected to a real-time monitoring system, allowing for near-instantaneous leak detection. This feature has an effect on maximizing detection speed, enabling immediate responsemeasures to minimize fuel loss and increase safety in the event of a rapid fuel leak, which is particularly valuable in systems handling volatile fuels such as low flashpoint fuels.

[0033] In an example, the leak detection system further comprises a control unit with programmable logic, configured to process pressure data from the sensor, calculate leak rates based on the rate of pressure change, and trigger a cascade of safety responses, including fuel shutoff, alarm activation, and containment measures tailored to low flashpoint fuels like methanol, low auto-ignite temperature fluels and toxic fuels. It may be provided that a programmable control unit is configured to calculate the rate of pressure change based on sensor data, allowing it to estimate leak rates and trigger appropriate safety protocols. This feature enables the system to implement a range of responses, from alarms to containment actions, based on the severity of the leak. An effect of this feature is enhanced adaptability and safety, as it allows the system to prioritize responses tailored to methanol’s specific properties, ensuring both rapid containment and minimal risk to surrounding areas.

[0034] The skilled person will appreciate that the effects, advantages and examples discussed and disclosed in relation to the first aspect of the present disclosure are also applicable to other aspects of the present disclosure.

[0035] It will be understood that the above-described aspect, examples and embodiments are not meant to limit the invention, whose scope is solely determined by the appending claims. In particular, the skilled person will appreciate that various individual or combined features selected from various examples and embodiments within this description may be added to other examples and embodiments as long as there is no technical hindrance to doing so, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0036] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The embodiments described herein will be more fully understood with the help of the detailed description below and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0038] Fig. 1 and 2 illustratean embodiment of a fuel line with a leak detection system according to the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The system of the present disclosure addresses a long felt need in fuel line technology, particularly in ensuring the reliable and rapid detection of leaks in systems transporting fuels such as low flashpoint fuels. T raditional gas-filled interstitial spaces used in double-walled fuel lines exhibit inherent delays in detecting small leaks due to the compressibility of gases, which can absorb minor volume changes without triggering significant pressure variations. This delay increases the risk of hazardous fuel leaks, posing both environmental and safety concerns. The present system overcomes these limitations by employing an interstitial space filled with an incompressible liquid, capable of transmitting pressure changes instantaneously. It is based on the insight in using the incompressible liquid to detect leaks with immediate responsiveness through a pressure sensor, thereby improving reliability and minimizing fuel loss. The system provides enhanced sensitivity to even small leaks while offering stability across varying environmental conditions, resolving key shortcomings in existing leak detection systems. By integrating features such as realtime pressure monitoring, advanced diagnostics through an electronic control unit, and the optional inclusion of passive detection systems like an overflow reservoir, the system delivers improved safety, reduced maintenance complexity, and increased environmental protection.

[0040] The system comprises a double-walled fuel line system with an inner conduit for fuel transport and an outer conduit enclosing the inner conduit to define an interstitial space. This interstitial space is filled with an incompressible liquid, such as water or a water-based solution, which reacts immediately to leaks by transmitting pressure changes. A pressure sensor is operatively connected to the interstitial space to monitor these variations. When a leak occurs, the incompressible liquid experiences a detectable pressure shift, which is measured by the sensor and communicated to an electronic control unit. The ECU processes the data to identify the presence and severity of the leak and can trigger safety mechanisms such as alarms or fuel shutoff valves. The interstitial space may optionally be connected to a passive overflow reservoir equipped with a float mechanism, which detects rising liquid levels caused by leaks, providing a simplified detection alternative. This configuration addresses thetechnical problem in a non-obvious way by achieving rapid and reliable leak detection through the incompressible liquid’s incompressibility while maintaining adaptability to varying operational and environmental requirements.

[0041] In Figure 1 and 2, an embodiment of the system is depicted as a fuel line leak detection system 1. The system comprises an inner conduit 3 for transporting the fuel, such as low flashpoint fuels, and an outer conduit 5 that coaxially encloses the inner conduit, thereby defining an interstitial space 4. The interstitial space is filled with an incompressible liquid, which serves as a medium for leak detection. The pressure sensor 7 is operatively connected to the interstitial space and monitors variations in pressure within the liquid. When fuel leaks into the interstitial space, the incompressible liquid experiences a pressure shift that is immediately detectable by the pressure sensor. The data from the sensor is transmitted to an electronic control unit 9, such as an ECU of a vehicle, or a (safety) PLC of industrial plant or fuel handling PLC of a ship, which processes the information and initiates appropriate safety responses, such as triggering alarms, stopping the fuel flow, or logging the event for diagnostic purposes.

[0042] The pressure sensor 7 may be mounted externally to the outer conduit 5 and connected to the interstitial space 4 via a high-precision channel to reduce interference caused by temperature-induced expansion or contraction of the conduit materials. This ensures stable and accurate pressure readings even in varying thermal conditions. Alternatively, the system can incorporate a passive detection arrangement where the interstitial space is fluidly connected to an overflow reservoir equipped with a float mechanism. In this embodiment, any leaked liquid entering the reservoir causes the float to rise, triggering an alert or safety response once a predetermined threshold is reached. The overflow system offers a cost-effective and simplified alternative to active pressure monitoring while maintaining reliable detection capabilities.

[0043] The interstitial space 4 can include one or more additional features to enhance detection efficiency, which features are described above. Accordingly design variations may be provided which are tailored for specific applications of the fuel line in for example vehicles, or tailored for specific types of fuel.The system improves upon prior systems by delivering near-instantaneous leak detection through the incompressible liquid, reducing delays associated with gas-filled interstitial spaces and ensuring enhanced safety and environmental protection. By offering configurations for both active and passive detection, the invention achieves flexibility in implementation while maintaining reliable performance.

[0044] Based on the above description, a skilled person may provide modifications and additions to the system, method and arrangement disclosed, which modifications and additions are all comprised by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A leak detection system for a fuel line transporting fuel, the fuel line comprising an inner conduit and an outer conduit, the outer conduit enclosing the inner conduit and defining an interstitial space around the inner conduit, wherein the interstitial space is configured to detect a leak from the inner conduit, and further comprising:a pressure sensor operatively connected to the interstitial space for monitoring pressure variations within the interstitial space,characterized bythe interstitial space being filled with an incompressible liquid, such that a leak from the inner conduit into the interstitial space causes a pressure change in the incompressible liquid, detectable by the pressure sensor.

2. The leak detection system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the incompressible liquid in the interstitial space is selected from a group of liquids with specific dielectric properties, allowing for distinguishing fuel types that enter the interstitial space due to a leak by measuring changes in electrical conductivity.

3. The leak detection system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the interstitial space comprises a series of microchannels that distribute the incompressible liquid uniformly around the inner conduit, thereby improving the detection sensitivity by ensuring rapid propagation of pressure changes across the entire interstitial space upon leakage.

4. The leak detection system according to any of the previous claims, further comprising a temperature-regulating device in thermal communication with the interstitial space, configured to maintain the incompressible liquid at a stable operating temperature to prevent viscosity variations that could otherwise delay the detection response.

5. The leak detection system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the pressure sensor is a piezoelectric sensor calibrated to detect minimal pressure fluctuations within a range specifically chosen based on the incompressible liquid's density and viscosity characteristics, allowing enhanced sensitivity to even micro-leaks within the inner conduit.

6. The leak detection system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the interstitial space is further provided with a pressure compensation unit configured to maintain a baseline pressure level in the incompressible liquid, such that changes in ambient pressure do not affect the leak detection sensitivity.

7. The leak detection system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the inner conduit and outer conduit are composed of materials with differing thermal expansion coefficients, the system further comprising a compensatory expansion layer positioned between the inner and outer conduits to mitigate stress effects that could lead to premature conduit failure under variable temperature conditions.

8. The leak detection system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the interstitial space includes a filtration membrane positioned between the inner and outer conduits, the membrane allowing only fluids from a predetermined particle size range to enter the interstitial space, thereby preventing contaminants from obstructing or impairing pressure sensor accuracy.

9. The leak detection system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the system further comprises an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to process real-time pressure readings from the pressure sensor, the ECU programmed to compare detected pressure fluctuations against a stored calibration profile representing characteristic pressure responses associated with different leak sizes.

10. The leak detection system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the pressure sensor is mounted externally to the outer conduit and connected to the interstitial space via a high-precision capillary channel, the capillary channelbeing dimensioned to reduce sensor interference caused by thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit materials.

11. The leak detection system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the inner conduit is treated with a hydrophobic coating that minimizes interaction with the incompressible liquid upon leak occurrence, thereby reducing any potential contamination or clogging of the interstitial space.

12. The leak detection system according to any of the previous claims, further comprising a secondary detection mechanism integrated within the interstitial space, the secondary mechanism comprising a light-emitting diode (LED) and a photodetector to detect optical changes within the incompressible liquid, providing a secondary indication of leaks.

13. The leak detection system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the interstitial space is pressurized to a predefined level above the operating pressure of the inner conduit, such that any inward leak from the outer environment will indicate a breach in the outer conduit.

14. The leak detection system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the interstitial space is filled with an incompressible liquid consisting primarily of water, optionally with a minor concentration of methanol, such that the liquid mixture is nontoxic and environmentally safe for discharge in the event of a leak.

15. The leak detection system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the fuel line is specifically arranged for the transport of methanol, the fuel line materials and pressure levels being selected to accommodate the specific chemical properties of methanol to enhance compatibility and reduce material degradation.

16. The leak detection system according to any of the previous claims, further comprising a rapid-response shutoff valve connected to the inner conduit and in electronic communication with the pressure sensor, the shutoff valve configured toimmediately interrupt fuel flow upon detecting a threshold pressure change in the interstitial space, thereby minimizing fuel loss.

17. The leak detection system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the pressure sensor is a high-sensitivity digital pressure transducer designed to detect micro-pressure changes in less than 100 milliseconds, the transducer connected to a real-time monitoring system for immediate leak detection and rapid initiation of response measures.

18. The leak detection system according to any of the previous claims, further comprising a control unit with programmable logic, configured to process pressure data from the sensor, calculate leak rates based on the rate of pressure change, and trigger a cascade of safety responses, including fuel shutoff, alarm activation, and containment measures tailored to low flashpoint fuels like methanol, low auto-ignition temperature fuels and toxic fuels.

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