Method and apparatus for detecting leakage in a fluid conduit system
US4518955A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 4, 1982 |
| Grant date | May 21, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 4, 2002 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/7761
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Leakage in a conduit system is detected by means of a fluid flow detector and evaluated by means of a control device on the basis of predetermined criteria. When the control device, which may include a microcomputer has received a signal from the flow detector indicating that fluid is flowing through the conduit system the control device operates an alarm device and/or closes the fluid supply by means of a valve, if the fluid flow is condidered to be caused by a leak or break in the conduit system evaluated on the basis of the time at which the flow takes place, the duration of the detected flow, the intensity of the detected flow, and/or information about whether the fluid drains of the conduit system are closed. The conduit system may, for example, be a conduit system for supply of water or gas to apartment houses and one-family houses, but may also form parts of industrial plants. The above mentioned method makes it possible to obtain a quick detection of leaks in hidden as well as unexposed conduits or tubes without the presence of persons being necessary, whereby the risk of damages due to leaks may be substantially reduced.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.