Leak detection apparatus for a liquid circulation cooling system

Leak detection apparatus for a liquid cooling system having coolant pipes and at least one pipe joint, comprising:

• a wicking material applied to an exterior periphery of said pipe;
• an electrical detector including first and second spaced electrodes disposed on said wicking material, said first and second electrodes being oppositely disposed about said pipe joint;
• an activating agent impregnated into said wicking material that is operative when leaked coolant soaks into said wicking material for altering an electrical parameter of said electrical detector;
• and
• circuitry coupled to said electrical detector for indicating the presence of a coolant leak in response to said altering of said electrical parameter.

Leak detection apparatus for a liquid cooling system having coolant pipes and at least one pipe joint, comprising:

• a wicking material applied to an exterior periphery of said pipe;
• an electrical detector including first and second spaced electrodes disposed on said wicking material, said first and second electrodes being in the form of plates oriented substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said coolant pipe, with a portion of said wicking material being disposed between said first and second electrodes;
• an activating agent impregnated into said wicking material that is operative when leaked coolant soaks into said wicking material for altering an electrical parameter of said electrical detector;
• and
• circuitry coupled to said electrical detector for indicating the presence of a coolant leak in response to said altering of said electrical parameter.

Leak detection apparatus for a liquid cooling system, comprising:

• a metal foil member having a central opening, and adhesively secured to a component of said system;
• an electrical detection including first and second spaced electrodes disposed on said foil member oppositely about said central opening;
• a sheet of wicking material spanning the central opening of said foil member, and having marginal portions supported by said foil member;
• an activating agent impregnated into said wicking material that is operative when leaked coolant at said component soaks into said wicking material for altering an electrical parameter of said electrical detector;
• a superincumbent layer of material surrounding said electrical detector and wicking material that is operative on contact with said leaked coolant for hardening to form a seal that contains said leaked coolant;
• and
• means coupled to said electrical detector for indicating the presence of a coolant leak in response to said altering of said electrical parameter.