Pipe leak detection

A leak testing system for pipes comprising:

• means for providing a temporary seal at a first location in a pipe;
• means for providing a substantially equal pressure between the first location and an adjacent test location in the pipe to prevent fluid passage therebetween;
• means for determining any pressure decay at the test location indicative of pipe leakage;
• and
• means for measuring and adjusting the pressure in the first location to track the pressure in the test location so as to maintain the substantially equal pressure between the first and test locations during testing,
• wherein the means for providing a substantially equal pressure includes a source of fluid under pressure, valve means for introducing fluid into the first location and differential pressure detection means for determining when the pressure in the first and test locations are equal.

A method for testing leaks in pipes and comprising:

• providing a temporary seal at a first location in a pipe;
• providing a substantially equal pressure between the first location and an adjacent test location in the pipe to prevent fluid passage therebetween;
• determining any pressure decay at the test location indicative of pipe leakage;
• and
• measuring and adjusting the pressure in the first location to track the pressure in the test location so as to maintain the substantially equal pressure between the first and test locations during testing.

A method for testing leaks in pipes comprising the steps of:

• providing a temporary seal at a first location in a pipe;
• providing a substantially equal pressure between the first location and an adjacent test location in the pipe to prevent fluid passage therebetween;
• determining any pressure decay at the test location indicative of pipe leakage;
• measuring and adjusting the pressure in the first location to track the pressure in the test location so as to maintain the substantially equal pressure between the first and test locations during testing;
• providing a source of fluid under pressure;
• introducing fluid into the first location;
• and
• detecting differential pressure to determine that the pressure in the first and test locations is equal.