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US 7,461,541 B2Granted
Leak detection method for a primary containment system
AssigneeC.G.R.S., Inc
InventorsJoby L. Adams, Eric L. Hick
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In one aspect the method provides for determining changes in helium concentration over time in the interstitial space between a primary vessel that is charged with helium and a secondary vessel. The expected concentration resulting from permeation is calculated and accounted for. In another aspect, air is circulated in the interstitial space. An abrupt change in measured concentrations may be used to determine an approximate leak location.
Claims7
A method for detecting a leak in a primary vessel that is made from a known material, the method comprising:
- measuring permeation of a predetermined gas through the known material;
- determining a standard permeation curve over time;
- pressurizing the primary vessel with the gas;
- measuring transmission of the gas through the primary vessel;
- determining a test transmission curve over time;
- selecting the same first time on each curve;
- selecting the same second time on each curve;
- calculating the change in gas concentration between the first and second times for each curve;
- and
- comparing the changed concentrations to determine whether the primary vessel is leaking.
7 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.