Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus and method are provided for detecting solvents, including hydrocarbons. The apparatus includes a hydrocarbon-soluble plastic rod which interconnects a mass or weight and a weighing assembly. The weighing assembly is operatively joined to an alarm indicator, which is utilized to inform the user as to whether hydrocarbons are present. In a preferred arrangement, the weighing assembly is connected to a housing, which is joined to the top of a well casing provided in the ground. The plastic rod may be of any desired length, depending upon the depth of the well casing and where it is desired to check for hydrocarbons. When hydrocarbons are detected the plastic rod dissolves or separates causing movement of the weighing assembly and the alarm indicator so that a visual indication is provided that hydrocarbons are present. The apparatus further includes a mass catch assembly for maintaining connection between the mass and the housing after the plastic rod separates due to the presence of hydrocarbons. Additionally, the apparatus has a testing assembly which can be utilized by the user to check the operation of the apparatus.

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First Claim