Fluid Detection Done Right

So... you’ve decided it is time to install leak detection. Was it event driven and you've decided that you don’t want to go through the hassles and expenses again? Are you being proactive and getting something in place before a disaster occurs? (Bravo! Good decision!) Maybe you learned that your insurance company offers discounts to companies that have leak detection installed. Whatever the reason, now it comes down to designing a reliable system. 

The Right Products –

What sensor(s) do you need? Spot detectors are ideal for confined or contained areas but they have no place in an open floor plan. Sensing cable (the entire length of the cable is a sensor) can be used to encapsulate areas of concern or the potential sources of leaks. Keep in mind that your options do include wireless sensors as well. When it comes to controllers, there are basically two types of controllers: Zone controllers simply identify that the fluid is in contact with the cable somewhere along its length and are best suited for areas where the sensing cable is visible. Distance Read controllers will pinpoint the precise location of the leak along the length of the sensing cable and are ideal to help quickly identify the location of the leak in concealed areas such as under raised floors or above drop ceilings. What will your system include? Maybe it will consist of sensing cables connected to spot sensors that are connected to sensing cables that are connected to spot sensors. Whatever gives you the best coverage will be the right solution.

 The Right Alarm Methods –

Do you only need a local visual or audible alarm? Do you need a solution that provides direct alarm notification and alerts specific people when a leak occurs? Do you need a system that will easily integrate into an existing management system and, if so, what signals or protocols are needed for integration? It could easily be a combination of several of these items but these are definitely considerations when choosing the controller that the spot detectors or sensing cable is connected to.

 Identifying Leaks Overhead –

Ultimately, you just want to identify a leak and prevent damage and downtime so having the right design is the most important factor. Maybe it makes sense to consider installing drip pans in areas to help contain the leak to a specific area. Drip pans can be installed under the pipework itself to help contain the leak, quickly identify the leak and protect critical equipment from getting rained on. Another consideration would be above the drop ceiling. Unfortunately, drop ceilings tend to act like a sponge and do not allow a fluid to puddle and be easily detected. Sensing cable can be used in these environments but it would be an good idea to add something to allow the cable to puddle such as a thin plastic visqueen under the sensing cable and above the ceiling. Additionally, it is not uncommon seeing the sensing cable affixed to the bottom of pipework itself using zip ties.

 Identifying Leaks on the Floor –

A common application for leak detection cable is under raised floors. Depending on the size of the area, maybe it will make sense to just run the cable around the perimeter of the room. In larger areas you should seriously consider a serpentine pattern under the floor in addition to around the perimeter of the room. This will help to ensure that the leak is detected as it enters the room but also a leak overhead will not have to spread all the way to the walls before it gets detected. Containment is critical. Make sure to encapsulate the areas of concern. I’ve seen customers that have pipework under the raised floor use a serpentine pattern under the pipework. This is NOT a good design. If you think about it, the leak could easily miss the cable all together if it flows the wrong direction, making the system useless.

The Right Accessories -

I generally recommend that a clip is used every 3 ft / 1 m and on corners or bends to secure the cable to the floor. Usually, the clips will include a self-adhesive backing to help simplify the installation. Cable identification tags are always a good idea to make sure others are aware that the wire is a sensor care should be used when working around it. Installing a tag every 10 ft / 3 m with help unsure that they are seen. If you are installing a Distance Read leak detection system you will definitely want to have a reference map to be able to quickly identify the location of the leak when a distance to the leak is displayed on the controller. If you have the resources to create the map yourself you might save money but if you don't have the resources to create it, most manufacturer and their Partner may provide that service.

Your install is unique. The first step to designing a reliable solution is to know your building. Make sure to use sensing cable where sensing cables are needed, spot detectors where spot detectors are needed and most importantly identify EVERY threat (and maybe even how to contain it!).

Are you ready for a deeper dive and additional product information? If so, visit www.rletech.com (and if you need help with designing the best solution for you, feel free to reach out and ask for help!).