The main features of the construction of gas analytical leak detection systems are noted, from the point of view of the sensitive element and the test substance (gas) used in the leak tightness control. It is shown that when checking the tightness of functioning systems, the standard leak detection equipment is of little use because it is impossible, in most cases, to use the specific test gases necessary for its operation. The use of solid-state gas analytical sensors for the construction of leak detection systems for operating process equipment is proposed. It is shown that one of the most suitable is the optical chemical sensor because of its low sensitivity to the humidity of the carrier gas, which, in such a process of leak detection, is atmospheric air. The properties of the proposed sensor are investigated, which are most important when used in leak detection systems. These parameters are the dynamic characteristics of the sensor, which are determined depending on the operating temperature and pressure of the sensor. The obtained data showed the prospects of using the investigated sensor and also allowed to outline ways of improving and optimizing its design.

Perspective methods of monitoring ammonia leaks from sealed products and the problems of their application are considered. Experimental data obtained as a result of studies of an optical chemical sensor (OCS) are presented. A functional polymer modified with highly selective compounds to the target ammonia gas was used as a sensitive coating that applied to the surface of an OCS. The research was carried out using a special experimental setup. A gas mixture of ammonia was used in artificial air like a test substance. The static and dynamic characteristics of the sensor were determined at various concentrations of ammonia and under conditions of various temperatures. The obtained characteristics made it possible to determine the influence of changes in the ambient temperature on the sensor readings for various values of the ammonia concentration. The ways of optimizing considered OCS for solving the problem of gas leak control were determined, based on the obtained data.