Installation and method for detecting and locating a leak in a fluid transport circuit, notably of an aircraft

A method for detecting and locating a leak in a fluid transport circuit of an anemometer circuit of an aircraft, using an installation including a leak test apparatus, the method comprising steps of:

• connecting the leak test apparatus to the fluid transport circuit;
• pressurizing with atmospheric air through the leak test apparatus an inside of the fluid transport circuit;
• taking a first pressure measurement inside the fluid transport circuit;
• taking a second pressure measurement of the fluid transport circuit after a predetermined time interval;
• comparing the first and second pressure measurements, wherein where a pressure drop corresponding to a presence of a leak is detected;
• injecting under pressure through the leak test apparatus a trace gas into said fluid transport circuit to pressurize the fluid transport circuit with trace gas;
• and
• locating said leak by moving a trace gas detection probe along said fluid transport circuit on an outside thereof.

A leak test installation for detecting and locating fluid leaks in a fluid transport circuit, the leak test apparatus comprising:

• a leak test apparatus operable to connect to a fluid transport circuit, the leak test apparatus comprising:
• a housing having an outer surface;
• a controller positioned in the housing;
• an air pressure pump positioned in the housing in electronic communication with the controller and in fluid communication with a fluid transport circuit, the air pressure pump operable to selectively pressurize the fluid transport circuit with atmospheric air through the housing;
• an air pressure sensor positioned in the housing in electronic communication with the controller and in fluid communication with the fluid transport circuit, the air pressure sensor operable to take a first air pressure measurement and a second air pressure measurement, the second air pressure measurement taken at a predetermined later time than the first air pressure measurement, the controller operable to compare the first air pressure measurement and the second air pressure measurement and identify a fluid leak in the fluid transport circuit;
• a vacuum pump positioned in the housing in electronic communication with the controller and in fluid communication with the fluid transport circuit, the vacuum pump operable to selectively evacuate the pressurized air from the fluid transport circuit;
• a trace gas source connected to the housing in fluid communication with the air pressure pump and selected fluid communication with the fluid transport circuit, wherein on detection of the fluid leak and while maintaining connection of the leak test apparatus to the fluid transport circuit, the trace gas source is operable to selectively supply trace gas through the housing into the fluid transport circuit to pressurize the fluid transport circuit with the trace gas;
• and
• a trace gas probe in electronic communication with the controller, the trace gas probe operable to detect the location of the identified fluid leak along an exterior of the fluid transport circuit.