Leak detection using reflection-based imaging

A leak detection method comprising:

• directing electromagnetic energy in a predetermined wavelength range, via an emitter, toward a surface of a product defining an enclosure chamber that contains a trace gas;
• detecting reflected energy via a detector that is positioned between the emitter and the product at an offset distance from the surface of the product;
• receiving an electronic input signal from the detector via an electronic control unit (ECU), wherein the electronic input signal is indicative of a spectrum of the reflected energy;
• identifying a detected leak in the product, via the ECU, including comparing the spectrum of the reflected energy to a predetermined spectrum of the trace gas, the trace gas having a wavelength that falls within the predetermined wavelength range of the electromagnetic energy from the emitter;
• and
• generating an electronic output signal in response to the detected leak, the output signal identifying a presence and location of the leak.

A leak detection system, comprising:

• an infrared (IR) emitter array configured to direct IR energy toward a surface of a product in a wavelength range of about 2 microns (μ) to about 10μ, the product defining an enclosure chamber that contains carbon dioxide as a trace gas;
• an IR detector array positioned between the IR emitter array and the product at an offset distance of less than about 5 meters (m) from the surface of the product, wherein the IR detector array is configured to detect reflected IR energy during leak testing of the product;
• a three-dimensional (3D) laser scanner;
• and
• an electronic control unit in communication with the IR detector array, the ECU being configured to:
• receive an electronic input signal from the IR detector array that is indicative of a spectrum of the reflected IR energy;
• command the 3D laser scanner to generate a 3D scan file indicative of a contour of the surface;
• compare the contour of the surface to a calibrated baseline contour to ascertain a surface distortion level of the product;
• identify a detected leak in the product using the surface distortion and by comparing the spectrum of the reflected IR energy to a predetermined spectrum of the trace gas;
• and
• generate an electronic output signal in response to the detected leak, the electronic output signal identifying a presence and location of the leak.