Leak detector float system and method therefor

An improved leak detecting float system for use in a storage tank (10) containing fluid (20), said float system comprising:

• a float (100) for floating on the surface (22) of said fluid (20),
• means (30, 40) disposed vertically in said fluid for containing said float in a measurement area (23) on said surface,
• means (46, 80, 50) operative upon said containing means for producing a vibrational wave (55) onto said float, said vibrational wave breaking any surface tension existing between said float and said fluid to orient said float in said fluid based upon the buoyancy of said float in said fluid so as to substantially minimize any offset error due to said surface tension, and wherein said containing means further comprises:
• an elongated hollow test probe (30) extending downwardly into said storage tank and into said fuel,
• a rod 140 centrally disposed in a lower portion (42) of said test probe, said float being positioned over said rod.

An improved leak detection float system for use in an underground storage tank (10) containing fluid (20), said float system comprising:

• an elongated hollow test probe (30) extending downwardly into said underground storage tank and into said fluid,
• a microprocessor (70) disposed in an upper compartment (40) of said test probe,
• control electronics (80) disposed in said upper compartment of said test probe and connected to said microprocessor,
• a rod (40) centrally disposed in a lower portion (42) of said test probe,
• a float (100) disposed around said rod and within said test probe for floating on the surface (22) of said fluid,
• means (50) located on an upper portion of said rod within said test probe between said control electronics and said float for producing a vibrational wave (55) down said rod, said vibrational wave vibrating said rod to break the surface tension existing between the float and said fluid to orient said float in said fluid at a substantial level based upon the buoyancy of said float in said fluid, said vibrational wave having at least one predetermined frequency (Hz), at least one predetermined power (P), and at least one predetermined duration (T),
• said microprocessor containing reference frequency, power and duration digital signal values corresponding to said at least one predetermined frequency, power and duration, said control electronics receiving said digital signals from said microprocessor for converting said digital signals into corresponding analog vibrational signals, said producing means receptive of said analog signals for producing said vibrational wave.

An improved leak detection float system for use in an underground storage tank (10) containing fluid (20), said float system comprising:

• an elongated hollow test probe (30) extending downwardly into said underground storage tank and into said fluid,
• a rod centrally disposed in a lower portion of said test probe,
• a float (100) disposed around said rod and within said test probe for floating on the surface (22) of said fluid,
• means (50) located on an upper portion (44) of said rod within said test probe between said control electronics and said float for producing a vibrational wave (55) down said rod, said vibrational wave vibrating said rod to break the surface tension existing between the float and said fluid to orient said float in said fluid at a substantial level based upon the buoyancy of said float in said fluid, said vibrational wave having at least one predetermined frequency, at least one predetermined power, and at least one predetermined duration.