Pipe Wear Detection Apparatus

Abstract

A pipe wear detection apparatus is used for detecting wear in a pipe. The apparatus includes a jacket member arranged to be mounted externally about a section of the pipe so as to define an enclosed space between the jacket member and the pipe. An indicator operatively connected to the jacket member detects and indicates a change in pressure within the enclosed space. In one embodiment, the jacket member is a resilient sleeve that indicates a leak by inflation or expansion of the sleeve. In other instances, the indicator is an electronic pressure sensor that determines a leak when the measured pressure exceeds a threshold and indicates the leak by automatically activating a visual or audible alarm or by shutting down the associated pneumatic conveying system. The leak can then be repaired before considerable product is lost or before more damage occurs.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.