Liquid Leak Detectors

Liquid leak detectors sense when a liquid is leaking from a pipe, tank, or other receptacle. With most liquid leak detectors and fluid monitoring systems, an audible alarm or visual indicator alerts personnel based upon an accumulation of liquid, pressure difference, or change in flow. When selecting liquid leak detectors, leak detection method is the most important parameter to specify. Detectable liquid types, liquid features, detector features, and output options are also important considerations. Water, corrosive fluids, and petroleum-based products are examples of detectable liquid types. Detectable liquid features include foam or bubbles, dirty liquids, and opaque liquids.
 
There are many different types of liquid leak detectors. Devices that rely upon electrical conductivity or resistance use a low-voltage applied across separate electrodes. Liquid leak detectors with electrochemical sensors output an electrical signal, but use a selective chemical sensor. Mass balance leak detection devices or flow metering is based on the difference between inflow and outflow meters. Mechanical float switches or relay contacts use sealed reed switches in a stem with a permanent magnet installed in the float. As the float rises or falls, a switch is activated. Mechanical line leak detectors are also available. These fluid monitoring systems use pressure sensing, a piston operated valve, or pressure vacuum switch to indicate leakage in pressurized piping systems.