Integrated Differential Testing System
OwnerJason Desrosiersinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for evaluating seal integrity in a dynamic pressure vessel is provided. The method involves applying a vacuum, holding the vacuum, and moving a dynamic portion of the pressure vessel while holding the vacuum. Then, a high pressure is applied to the pressure vessel, held, and then the dynamic portion is again moved while holding the high pressure. Data is recorded and tracked over time. The method, and related systems allowing the carrying out of the method, is useful for advanced monitoring of seal integrity in dynamic systems.
Claims20
A method of evaluating seal integrity comprising the steps of:
- attaching a dynamic pressure vessel to a testing apparatus via a manifold, the dynamic pressure vessel having a seal;
- drawing a vacuum within the dynamic pressure vessel using a vacuum source connected to the manifold;
- holding the vacuum for a predetermined time period;
- measuring a pressure within the dynamic pressure vessel during the predetermined time period;
- after the predetermined time period, moving a dynamic portion of the dynamic pressure vessel through a first movement cycle, while still holding the vacuum within the dynamic pressure vessel;
- measuring a pressure within the dynamic pressure vessel during the first movement cycle;
- releasing the vacuum.
A computerized system for evaluating seal integrity comprising:
- a dynamic pressure vessel attached to a testing apparatus via a manifold, wherein the dynamic pressure vessel comprising a seal attached to a dynamic portion;
- a vacuum source in communication with the manifold;
- a pressure source in communication with the manifold;
- an actuator engaged with a part of the dynamic portion of the dynamic pressure vessel and operable to move the dynamic portion;
- a computer controller programmed to carry out the steps of:
- drawing a vacuum within the dynamic pressure vessel using the vacuum source;
- holding the vacuum for a predetermined time period;
- measuring a pressure within the dynamic pressure vessel during the predetermined time period;
- after the predetermined time period, moving the dynamic portion of the dynamic pressure vessel through a first movement cycle, while still holding the vacuum within the dynamic pressure vessel;
- measuring a pressure within the dynamic pressure vessel during the first movement cycle;
- releasing the vacuum;
- applying a positive pressure within the dynamic pressure vessel using the pressure source;
- holding the positive pressure for a second predetermined time period;
- measuring a pressure within the dynamic pressure vessel during the second predetermined time period;
- after the second predetermined time period, moving the dynamic portion of the dynamic pressure vessel through a second movement cycle, while still holding the positive pressure within the dynamic pressure vessel;
- measuring a pressure within the dynamic pressure vessel during the second movement cycle;
- and
- releasing the positive pressure.
A method of evaluating seal integrity comprising the steps of:
- attaching a dynamic pressure vessel to a testing apparatus via a manifold, the dynamic pressure vessel having a seal;
- applying a positive pressure within the dynamic pressure vessel using a pressure source;
- holding the positive pressure for a second predetermined time period;
- measuring a pressure within the dynamic pressure vessel during the second predetermined time period;
- after the second predetermined time period, moving the dynamic portion of the dynamic pressure vessel through a second movement cycle, while still holding the positive pressure within the dynamic pressure vessel;
- measuring a pressure within the dynamic pressure vessel during the second movement cycle;
- and
- releasing the positive pressure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.