Abstract: An elongated sensor for detecting the presence of a particular fluid includes first and second conductors, both extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the sensor. The second conductor includes a swellable conductor, at least a portion of the swellable conductor is swollen when in contact with the fluid and its conductance at least 10 times less when the portion is in contact with the fluid than when absent contact with the fluid. The second conductor further includes a subsidiary conductor in direct contact with the swellable conductor. In one embodiment the first conductor is isolated from the second conductor in the inner part of the sensor, and the two conductors are electrically connected at the distal end of the sensor. In another embodiment, the first contactor is in direct contact with the subsidiary conductor within the inner part of the sensor.

Abstract: An elongated sensor for detecting the presence of a particular fluid includes first and second conductors, both extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the sensor. The second conductor includes a swellable conductor, at least a portion of the swellable conductor is swollen when in contact with the fluid and its conductance at least 10 times less when the portion is in contact with the fluid than when absent contact with the fluid. The second conductor further includes a subsidiary conductor in direct contact with the swellable conductor. In one embodiment the first conductor is isolated from the second conductor in the inner part of the sensor, and the two conductors are electrically connected at the distal end of the sensor. In another embodiment, the first contactor is in direct contact with the subsidiary conductor within the inner part of the sensor.

Abstract: A communication module is provided for a sensor, for use in a detection device, including a plurality of sensors, having at least one upstream receiver for receiving an interrogation signal from upstream of the sensor and transporting it to the sensor, and receiving from the sensor a response signal and transporting it upstream of the sensor; —at least one downstream transporter for transporting an interrogation signal downstream of the sensor; —at least one sensor short-circuit, displaceable between an open position wherein the upstream receiver is linked to the sensor, and a closed position in which the upstream receiver is disconnected from the sensor and connected to the downstream transporter; and —at least one controller, for controlling the sensor short-circuit and arranged to maintain the sensor short-circuit: —in the open position until the emission of the response signal, and —in the closed position after the emission.

Abstract: A detecting element is provided for detecting leaks of an electrically nonconductive liquid, in particular of hydrocarbons, as well as a detection cable and a detection system using such a detecting element. The detecting element includes a detection member made of a material which inflates upon contact with the liquid and which is loaded with electrically conductive particles, to be conductive when not contaminated by the liquid, and to lose the conductivity when inflating from contact with the liquid. The detection member is electrically connected to an electronic management module, which is arranged for detecting the presence of the liquid by noticing a decrease in the conductivity of the detection member. In a preferred embodiment, the detection cable includes four insulated conductive wires, one of which is embedded in the detection member which is itself protected by an inflatable casing, which is also insulating and water-proof.

Abstract: A detecting element is provided for detecting leaks of an electrically nonconductive liquid, in particular of hydrocarbons, as well as a detection cable and a detection system using such a detecting element. The detecting element includes a detection member made of a material which inflates upon contact with the liquid and which is loaded with electrically conductive particles, to be conductive when not contaminated by the liquid, and to lose the conductivity when inflating from contact with the liquid. The detection member is electrically connected to an electronic management module, which is arranged for detecting the presence of the liquid by noticing a decrease in the conductivity of the detection member.

Abstract: A communication module is provided for a sensor, for use in a detection device, including a plurality of sensors, having at least one upstream receiver for receiving an interrogation signal from upstream of the sensor and transporting it to the sensor, and receiving from the sensor a response signal and transporting it upstream of the sensor;—at least one downstream transporter for transporting an interrogation signal downstream of the sensor;—at least one sensor short-circuit, displaceable between an open position wherein the upstream receiver is linked to the sensor, and a closed position in which the upstream receiver is disconnected from the sensor and connected to the downstream transporter; and—at least one controller, for controlling the sensor short-circuit and arranged to maintain the sensor short-circuit:—in the open position until the emission of the response signal, and—in the closed position after the emission.