Detecting degradation of non-conductive inert wall layers in fluid containers

A system for detecting deterioration of a fume duct through which fumes, comprising corrosive material carried as a dispersed phase in a gaseous carrier, are transported, said system comprising

• providing as the fume duct a multi-layered conduit of appropriate size, shape and length for transporting the fumes, said conduit comprising laminated alternate layers of electrically conductive and non-conductive layers,
• providing electrical connections between each of the conductive layers to an instrument for measuring electrical properties, and obtaining read-outs indicating deterioration of the said fume duct.

A multi-layered container for a non-conductive fluid, said container comprising

• a conductive, substantially inert inner layer for containment of a non-conductive fluid, said inner layer separating the fluid from a first non-conductive layer which encircles said inner layer and is co-extensively in contact therewith,
• a third layer which is conductive and which encircles the non-conductive layer and is co-extensively in contact therewith,
• each of the said conductive layers having electrical conductors extending therefrom for attachment to an instrument for measuring electrical properties.

A multi-layered elongate structure for containing a fluid said structure comprising a non-conductive inner layer for fluid containment, covered by a conductive layer,

• a plurality of probe sites each for attachment of a conductor for contact with fluid in the structure without being in contact with the said conductive layer, each of said probes providing circuitry with an instrument for measuring electric properties,
• and a plurality of sites on the conductive layer for attachment of conductors for providing circuitry with an instrument which is in circuitry with conductors in contact with the fluid.

The method for detecting porosity in the corrosion resistant, non-conductive plastic liner of a non-conductive FRP container for corrosive fluids, said container having a conductive veil laminated between the said liner and FRP,

• wherein the FRP provides essentially all the structural strength of the wall of said container, said process comprising
• operating the discharge probe of a high voltage spark generator over the surface of the FRP container, noting any places where a visibly strong spark finds a route through the plastic to the conductive veil, thus indicating areas of deleterious porosity in the non-conductive liner which indicates a need for taking corrective action.