Abstract: A fluid contained in a vessel of multi-layer wall construction can intrude, because of damage or wear, through the inner containment layer and signal a problem with the life expectancy or safety of the vessel. By providing vessel walls having alternating layers of conductive material and non-conductive material, and by providing electrical connections for effecting circuitry to an instrument for measuring electrical properties across the inner containment layer, then intrusion of fluid into or through the inner wall can be detected by the instrument. For a conductive fluid, the inner layer of the vessel wall should be non-conductive and the layer covering that inner layer should be conductive. For a non-conductive fluid, the inner layer of the vessel wall should be conductive, and the layer covering that inner layer should be a non-conductive which is covered by another conductive layer. In many instances, it is preferred that the electrical property measured is the change in resistance, on the megohm scale.

Abstract: The electrolytic resistivity leak detector comprises the method of electrical resistivity to measure the gradual intrusion of aggressive chemicals into the wall of a plastic or fiber reinforced plastic vessel. This device and method includes the use of electric sensors within the wall of the vessel. The sensors provide an electrical circuit as the chemicals permeate through the wall and make contact with the sensors. A microammeter is included as an instrument to monitor and register the degree of electrical resistivity caused by the chemical intrusion.