Methods for detection, marking and sealing leaks in pipes or ducts

A method of sealing leaks in pipes or ducts, the method comprising:

• (a) forming particles of a sealant and a solvent composition, said particles having an outer surface with a tack range that diminishes over time;
• (b) creating a pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the pipes or ducts;
• (c) flowing said particles through the interior of leaky pipes or ducts;
• (d) adhering sealant particles to surfaces adjacent to a leak and to other particles to form a seal;
• and
• (e) monitoring the pressure differential across the pipe and flow into the pipe or duct to determine if there are leaks that are too large to seal and to determine the progress of the sealing process;
• (f) wherein sealant particles that do not form a seal will not adhere to interior surfaces of the pipe or duct or to other particles after a period of time or after a certain distance from the particle injection point.

A method of marking leaks in pipes or ducts, the method comprising:

• (a) formulating a sealant composition of at least one solvent, a sealant and an indicator;
• (b) aerosolizing the sealant composition to produce said sealant particles;
• (c) flowing sealant particles through the interior of leaky pipes or ducts;
• (d) creating a pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the pipes or ducts;
• (e) adhering sealant particles to surfaces adjacent to a leak and to other particles to mark a leak;
• and
• (f) detecting marked leaks with a detector.