What is a Leak Detection System?
A leak detection system is a method used to identify and monitor leaks in various systems. Examples include pipelines, tanks, water systems, or gas lines. These systems are designed to detect the presence of leaks early. Thus, helping to prevent damage, loss of resources, and safety hazards. Throughout this post we will be exploring TTK’s leak detection system.
How Does TTK’s Leak Detection Work?
TTK’s leak detection system works is by starting with a reportable event, also known as a leak. TTK’s cable is designed to detect water and oil leaks to the nearest meter (3.2ft). With this in mind, let’s put the leak in the middle of one of our cable runs and go over how each operates.
Water
As water begins pooling underneath the sense cable the water works its way around one of the copper wires due to surface tension. Sitting behind the copper wire is a silicone doped wire and a bare wire. As the water comes between the silicone and bare wire a conductive current is deduced. Thus, this current causes a change of the electrical resistance that is constantly being read by the TTK leak detection controller, or FG-NET. The alarm is then raised to notify operators that a leak has been detected. The alarm can be one of the following or all of the following: a flashing screen, silent or loud alarm, or an email sent to the appropriate operator. Operators once notified can then look at the FG-NET display screen and find exactly where the leak has occurred.
Oil
As oil begins to pool underneath the sense cable hydrocarbons are absorbed by one of the detection return wires. The resulting absorption causes the wire to grow and expand. This expansion causes it to pinch the other wires around it resulting in a change of current. The change of current causes a change of the electrical resistance that is constantly being read by the TTK leak detection controller, or FG-NET. The alarm is then raised to notify operators that a leak has been detected. The alarm can be one of the following or all of the following: a flashing screen, silent or loud alarm, or an email sent to the appropriate operator. Operators once notified can then look at the FG-NET display screen and find exactly where the leak has occurred.
Where can TTK be used?
TTK’s leak detection can be used in data centers, offices, chilled water pipes and risers, oil storage tanks, diesel generators, and pipelines.