Leak detection apparatus for a liquid circulation cooling system

Abstract

A leak detection apparatus includes one or more detection devices that envelope the various pipe joints of a liquid circulation cooling system. In one approach, the detection devices include a pair of conductors separated by a wicking material impregnated with a crystalline salt that provides a low resistance electrical path between the conductors in the presence of a leak. In another approach, the detection devices include a pair of dissimilar metal mesh electrodes separated by an electrolyte-impregnated wicking material to form a water-activated battery that energizes an alarm in the presence of a leak. In either case, the electrodes and wicking material may be encased with a water-activated sealing material that hardens in the presence of a leak to contain the leakage.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention is directed to liquid circulation cooling systems for electronic devices and the like, and more particularly to apparatus for detecting, locating and isolating coolant leaks at the pipe joints of such systems. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Liquid cooling is finding increased application in the electronics industry due to the limited heat dissipation capability of forced air cooling systems and the desire to minimize cooling system noise levels. FIG. 1 depicts a liquid cooling system 10 for one or more heat producing electronic devices 12. The device 12 is typically mounted on a circuit board 14, and its upper surface is secured to a cold plate 16 of cooling system 10 by thermal paste, thermal interface material or other means so that heat generated by the device 12 is conducted to the cold plate 16. The cold plate 16 is provided with inlet and outlet pipes 16a, 16b through which a liquid coolant such as water or a water-glycol soluti...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] The present invention is directed to an improved leak detection apparatus that is particularly suited to liquid circulation cooling systems having pipe joints, including detection devices that envelope the various pipe joints of the cooling system. According to a first embodiment, the detection devices comprise a pair of conductors separated by a wicking material impregnated with a crystalline salt that provides a low resistance electrica

Problems solved by technology

The potential for fluid leaks is a significant concern, particularly in electronic systems where the leaked fluid can damage various electronic devices and potentially create a risk of electrocution or fire.

Although the coupled pipes can be soldered or otherwise sealed to prevent fluid leakage, the possibility of fluid leakage remains due to sealing defects or imperfections that occur over time.

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