METHOD OF THERMO-CHEMICAL DETECTION OF LEAKAGE OF HYDROCARBON FUEL IN SOIL Russian patent published in 2009 - IPC G01N21/00 G01V9/00 

FIELD: chemistry.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to methods of thermo-chemical detection of leakage of hydrocarbon fuel in the soil and can be used in soil-gas surveying in places with probable leakage of hydrocarbon fuel from underground storages, as well as when monitoring the environment of facilities for processing, transporting and storing liquid and gaseous hydrocarbon material. A calibration curve is plotted for readings of the measuring element of a gas analyser and concentration by volume of hydrocarbon vapours in the soil. A series of measurements of leakage of hydrocarbon fuel in the soil is made in express mode. The level of contamination of the soil with hydrocarbon fuel is determined from the calibration curve. To determine concentration of hydrocarbon fuel in the soil air, additional heating of the platinum coil of the gas analyser sensor picked up by the measuring element is used, under the effect of thermo-chemical reaction of the platinum coil of the sensor with hydrocarbons, moving from the sample to the soil air. Air samples are obtained using a built-in pump through a tube, placed in the soil through a 10 cm deep hole, whose diametre coincides with the diametre of the tube. The other end of the tube is connected to the outlet opening of the gas analyser.

EFFECT: more efficient analytical control of leakage of liquid hydrocarbons in the soil.

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