External Leak Detection System To Detect A Leak In A Conduit
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsKane Mordaunt, Mark Douglas Fuller, David Keith Farnsworth, Andrew Perry Newton
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A leak detection system configured to be attached on an exterior of a conduit to detect a leak in a non-pressurized conduit. The leak detection system includes a first fluid section and a second fluid section that each includes the same or similar fluid volumes. The first fluid section includes a testing chamber configured be attached to the conduit. With the testing chamber positioned on the conduit, a pressure sensor connected to each of the first and second fluid sections senses a difference in the fluid pressure between the first and second fluid sections to detect a leak.
Claims20
A leak detection system to test a non-pressurized conduit, the leak detection system comprising:
- a first fluid line;
- a second fluid line connected to the first fluid line;
- a testing chamber connected to the first fluid line, the testing chamber sized to extend around the conduit;
- valves connected to the first fluid line and the second fluid line, the valves adjustable between open and closed positions to control fluid entering and exiting the first fluid line and the second fluid line and to control a flow of the fluid between the first and second fluid lines;
- and
- a pressure sensor connected to each of the first and second fluid lines to sense a difference in fluid pressure between the first fluid line and the second fluid line.
A leak detection system to test a non-pressurized conduit, the leak detection system comprising:
- a first fluid section comprising:
- a first fluid line;
- an attachment member comprising a testing chamber connected to the first fluid line, the attachment member comprising a first member and a second member configured to be moved between an open position and a closed position, the attachment member further comprising a seal providing for the testing chamber to be airtight when the first and second members are in the closed position;
- a second fluid section comprising a second fluid line, the second fluid section having a fluid volume that is within 15 cc of the first fluid section;
- valves connected to the first fluid line and the second fluid line, the valves adjustable between a first position to allow fluid flow and a second position to prevent fluid flow;
- and
- a pressure sensor connected to each of the first and second fluid lines to sense a difference in fluid pressure between the first fluid section and the second fluid section.
A method of leak testing a non-pressurized conduit, the method comprising:
- securing an attachment member to the conduit with a testing chamber forming an airtight seal around the conduit, the testing chamber being part of a first fluid section;
- isolating each of the first fluid section and a second fluid section from a fluid movement device;
- equalizing a fluid pressure within the first fluid section and the second fluid section with the fluid pressure being different than an ambient pressure, the first and second fluid sections being in communication;
- isolating the first fluid section and the second fluid section from each other after equalizing the fluid pressure and preventing the fluid from flowing between the first and second fluid sections;
- after isolating the first fluid section and the second fluid section, sensing a difference in the fluid pressure over time between the first fluid section and the second fluid section;
- and
- detecting a leak in the conduit based on a sensed difference over time in the fluid pressure between the first fluid section and the second fluid section.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.