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Title: APPARATUS FOR DETECTING AND LOCATING PRESENCE OF FLUIDS

Patent ·
OSTI ID:4281687

A system is described fur detecting water leaks in water-cooled neutronic reactors by utilizing an electrical hygrometer having a resistance element variable with the moisture content. The graphite blocks, forming the moderator in many types of reactors, coniain ducts in which helium gas is circulated. When a leak occurs in a coolant tube, the water will seep through the graphite until it oozes into one of the helium ducts, where it will be swept along with the helium into a system of pipes that connect each of the helium ducts. By inserting an electric hygrometer in each of these pipes and connecting it to an alarm system, the moisture content of the helium will cause a change in the electrical resistance of the hygrometer which will initiate a signal alarm indicating the presence and position of the leaky water tube in the reactor.

Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-13-004352
Assignee:
U.S. Atomic Energy Commission
Patent Number(s):
US 2852459
OSTI ID:
4281687
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-59
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English