Tubing expansion tools and systems and methods for leak detection
AssigneeMilwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
InventorsJames Wekwert, Jeremy R. Ebner, Troy C. Thorson, Zachary G. Stanke, Gareth Mueckl, Alex H. Boll
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of identifying a leak around a fitting in a tubing system includes connecting a source of heated air to an inlet of the tubing system, inspecting segments of the tubing system using a thermal detector, identifying segments of the tubing system that are warmer than other segments of the tubing system, and following the warmer segments of the tubing system to identify the leak around the fitting.
Claims17
A method of identifying a leak around a fitting in a tubing system, the method comprising:
- connecting a source of heated air to an inlet of the tubing system;
- inspecting segments of the tubing system using a thermal detector;
- identifying segments of the tubing system that are warmer than other segments of the tubing system;
- and
- following the warmer segments of the tubing system to identify the leak around the fitting.
A method of sealing a leak around a fitting in a tubing system, the method comprising:
- connecting a source of heated air to an inlet of the tubing system;
- pumping the heated air into the tubing system;
- increasing a temperature of an end of a tubing segment surrounding the fitting as a result of the heated air leaking around the fitting;
- and
- by increasing the temperature, causing the end of the tubing segment to contract around the fitting and seal the leak.
A system for testing pressure in a tubing system, the system comprising:
- an air input, the air input coupleable to a source of compressed air;
- an air output, the air output coupleable to a tubing system;
- a valve coupled to the air input;
- a pressure sensor coupled between the valve and the air output, wherein air can flow from the air input to the pressure sensor and through the air output when the valve is open;
- a controller connected to the pressure sensor and the valve, the controller including an electronic processor and a memory storing instructions that when executed by the processor configure the controller to open the valve;
- receive air through the air input and the open valve;
- close the valve when a specified criteria is met;
- receive pressure level data from the pressure sensor;
- determine a pressure level value for the tubing system;
- and
- determine whether a tubing system attached to the air output is sealed or leaking air based on the pressure level.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.