Electrolytic resistivity leak detector

Claim 1

Apparatus for measuring electrical resistivity and the changes therein, of the interior wall of any nonmetallic reinforced plastic vessel caused by the gradual permeation of electrolytic chemicals from the interior surface of the structure to the exterior surface of the structure, the apparatus comprising: (a) a first sensor on the interior surface of the vessel and exposed to the electrolytic chemicals, (b) a second sensor in the vessel wall located closer to the interior surface than the exterior surface of the vessel and remote from initial exposure to the electrolytic chemicals, (c) a third sensor in the vessel wall located approximately equidistant from the interior surface and exterior surface of the vessel, and remote from initial exposure to the electrolytic chemicals, (d) a fourth sensor in the vessel located closer to the exterior surface than the interior surface of the vessel and remote from initial exposure to electrolytic chemicals, (e) a power source, (f) a first conduit for communicating a current from said power source to said first sensor, (g) means for measuring the current in operative association with said power source, (h) a second conduit for communicating a current from said second, third and fourth sensors to said means for measuring the current, (i) means for indicating responses to said second, third and fourth sensors indicative of the status of the engagement of the power source, such that said power source generates an electric current such that the chemical contained inside the vessel is an electrolyte and electric current passed to the electrolyte by said first sensor is measurable wherever the chemical is found; the second, third and fourth sensors are embedded in the wall of the vessel at varying depths for engaging the chemical as it permeates the interior wall of the vessel moving toward the exterior wall, the sensors make electrical contact and an electrical loop is formed, and said means for measuring current measures the electric current detected by the second, third and fourth sensors, such that the second sensor makes initial electrical contact with the electrolytic chemical, followed by the third sensor and subsequently the fourth sensor makes electrical contact with the chemical.