Method and apparatus for detecting leakage
AssigneeIntertech Corporation
InventorsDavid J. Balke, Jacques E. Hoffmann
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of, and apparatus for, determining leakage in a valve or the like which is not dependent on bulk modulus of the fluid is described. The test apparatus includes a pressure transducer which measures the change in pressure along a length of pipe (XY) from the valve under test to a second valve for a period of time. The effect of bulk modulus of the test fluid is eliminated by placing a volume of gas between the pressure transducer and the section XY of pipe. Leakage is determined by measuring the change in pressure at the transducer over a period of time after the valve under test is closed.
Claims9
A method of detecting a leak in a device under test, comprising:
- placing the device under test in a fluid flow path;
- providing a pressure transducer downstream in the fluid flow path from the device under test;
- providing a volume of gas in pressure communication with the pressure transducer;
- detecting a first pressure at the pressure transducer when the device under test is closed to prevent fluid flow;
- detecting a second pressure at the pressure transducer a predetermined period of time thereafter;
- and
- wherein the difference between the first and the second detected pressures is a measure of the leakage of the device under test;
- and
- further comprising providing a second volume of gas downstream from the pressure transducer.
Apparatus for detecting a leak in a device under test, comprising:
- a housing for supporting the device under test in a fluid flow path;
- a pressure transducer located downstream from the device under test in the fluid flow path;
- a volume of gas in pressure communication with the pressure transducer;
- a controller for detecting a first pressure at the pressure transducer when the device under test is closed to prevent fluid flow and for detecting a second pressure at the pressure transducer a predetermined period of time thereafter;
- and
- wherein the difference between the first and second detected pressures is a measure of the leakage of the device under test;
- and
- further comprising a second volume of gas located downstream from the pressure transducer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.